You can also consider Bona Red Out and finishes. Bona Red Out anyone? (houzz.com)

Our floor guy doesnt seem to be a fan these seem to be the only choices and I have to decide by Sun

How is it possible that these are the only choices? There are lots more available. Or is this all your floor guy owns and doesn't want to buy any more?

Also I have Special Walnut all through my house and it doesn't look anything like the one you posted.

You are limited to the skill level of your flooring contractor. There are plenty of options available.

If, you like the light and this is all you have to choose from. Then go with weathered oak.

He told my husband I was too indecisive to put down more He came highly recommended

Wow, that’s not a nice thing to say. I’m also indecisive and just want to be happy with my decisions. I put a mixture of weathered oak and country white on my red oak floors over 2 years ago and it’s held up really well.

Choose the look you want to achieve. Pick out several colors and narrow it down to a few. Then have samples made of those few. And then choose one. You do not need a dozen samples. The more samples you have to choose from, the more confusion and indecision.

Samples cost time and money. A quart of stain can cost up to $25 per quart. 4 colors will cost $100. Three of those colors will not be used. The flooring contractor has to sacrifice 20-60 minutes making each set of samples. This does not include time to go to and from the supply shop to pick up stains, rags and brushes. S/he can spend that time focusing on your project making sure everything is done right, the project runs smoothly and is done on time.

Keep in mind that the contractor still has a move-in date or some type of deadline to deal with. If, they are against the clock, don't be surprised if, they start outputting subpar work.

Being able to have decisions made is very helpful and beneficial to everyone.

That was a very condescending thing to say. And he didn't even say it to your face, but to your husband's. Sounds like a guy who has difficulty dealing with women.

I understand what G&S Floor Service is saying. However, that's why it's expensive to have your floors site finished. Those costs should be factored into the job.

If I were you I'd stand up for myself and not let this guy pressure you into making a decision that you will not be happy with. Do some research on the stains available and select what you want to see on the floor. If he doesn't want to accommodate you, then you have to question your choice of contractor. If need be, get your husband involved--sometimes that's the only way to deal with an overbearing male.

So get my owne samples and try them? I think I’ll go tomorrow and do that

You cannot judge stain colors raw. They have to have a coat of finish to know what they will look like. MUST be waterborne to stay light. Stick with zero stain if you want something classic. None of the gray anythings will have any longevity.

Thats why i was thinking weathered oak he advised against water because of the dogs

If, you use weather oak. You want to use a water base poly over it. Since, oil base poly will turn it yellow.

Ugh he is against the use of water can i combine these or use another light color with poly?

Oil base poly yellows in general, it is just what it does..

Yes I understand so if thats the only option what color of Minwax will be lightest and look best?

Not much choice here. It's weather oak and oil poly.

No one is currently using oil because it yellows. Water is clear. That's what is preferred in 2023. You will be best served with a floor person who understands the capabilities of modern finishes. This guy needs to be fired from your job. You're going to see these floors for long after he's gone.

To take advantage of 2023 finish technology, you can treat the floors with a lightener that reduces the red. Bona Red Out is the first step. It's a two step process. You can call Bona and get a Bona certified company to finish your floors.

If, timing is not a issue. Find a new contractor who is not limited.

Fire this guy. He is stuck in 1999.

water-based finishes also yellow over time, although it might be slower...