For me, all the dark samples are going to be extra work to remove everything that will show. That leaves the yellow orange that is not a current preference. Light unstained raw matte is popular using Bona sealer and Traffic HD or Ciranova finishes.

They're all fine in and of themselves. The question is -- what do you want your final result to be? Dark or mid-range color? What tone? How do the sample colors relate to teh big picture, the fixed elements. What about the wall color -- staying or going? Is there a color that just strikes you as "the one"?

You did say you like the Early American and Golden Oak. Can you pinpoint what it is you like about them? On my monitor, they both read warm in tone. My personal preference would be the darker color, in MY home that works better with the rest of what's going on -- but that may not be the case in your home. I have red oak floors stained Provencial, and it is mid-tone, it's not too dark. The Golden Oak is a little too yellowy-orange for my taste and my decor -- but again, what do YOU like about it and how does relate to your big picture.

"Light unstained raw matte is popular using Bona sealer and Traffic HD or Ciranova finishes. "

It doesn't matter what's popular, it matters what looks good in OP's home and what OP's preferences are. Personally? I'm not a fan of that uber-light wishy-washy look, always looks unfinished to me, like it's thirsting for a good drink of stain. No thanks.

I like special walnut. Not too dark and not too light.

Is the stain going on raw wood?

I have Special walnut on white oak. It does not show dust and crumbs like dark floors so I don't have to constantly vacuum and wash it. Ignore the extension cord. This picture was during Hurricane Helene.

Special walnut has always been my go to. Provincial second. Golden oak is very yellow

I went through the same narrowing down, and what helped me was looking at the samples in daylight rather than just under the room lights. The golden oak pulled more yellow in my space than I expected from the can, while the special walnut stayed warmer without going too dark. I would lean the way you are, but live with the top two taped down for a day or two before committing.

I remember your previous post regarding layout. I just did a search and I found it.

Your floor is really stunning, as it is. If you do a darker stain, you will likely lose - or, at least diminish - the border.

@freedomplace1 and with the stains the maple looks terrible, i am getting some repairs done so had them put samples but i might jusr go with a clear sealseal🤦🏻‍♂️

I like your floor as is. I’d go with clear or golden oak.

It looks good to me, Billy. But, I’m not in the space. :)

I think you might be a bit overcritical, though. Your home is a 1930’s beauty. A few wrinkles could be expected - and part of the character.

I think clear seal sounds good, Billy. That border is too gorgeous to cover up.

I'd do clear. It's a great floor.

@freedomplace1 im referring to the light strip in the border surrounded by the 2 darker strips, its maple and it doesnt take stain well....that why it looks blotchy rest of wood take it fine! and i agree the border too nice to kill it with stain

Thanks for clarifying, Billy. I thought maybe there were some damaged floor areas out of the camera view. As far as I can see, the floor is pristine... looks to be in amazing condition. And the light strip on the border issue you mention is something I would have never noticed, had you not pointed it out; and to tell you the truth, I still don’t see the blotchiness you mention, it must be very minor. In any case, I just see the beautiful border. I’m glad you’re not going to cover it up!