I think it depends on what kind of style you prefer. Early American lends itself to a more country feel while natural is more modern. Also, your floor will amber over time. This is not to say you canst have an early American floor with modern furniture. I had my floor refinished to natural and they were a mixed stain combo. Much a happier with natural.

Chris it is very common to mix stains on site to meet your desired look. As long as it comes from the same product line I dont think there would be any issues, you could always call the Minwax support line to verify. Let me know if you have any wood flooring questions. joel@oakandbroad.com

It appears the grain pattern is a lot different where the Natural was applied vs the Early American color. Have you tried the Natural on the same run of boards as the Early American?

I did notice that there was little grain pattern on the natural sample. I believe we are going the natural route. I spoke with the flooring guys and the natural sample is not a stain. It is just the polyurethane coating.