Same here. I extended my carpeted area to hardwood flooring. My contractor put new red oak in place of white oak and the stain stick out like a soar thumb. I don't know what to do. We haven't poly'ed yet. Any suggestions please?

So, does this mean you have to have a new kitchen floor laid? The color looks good. In your first pictures, I preferred the lightest color, then the next lightest. I thought the dark one looked like a "wanna be walnut, but I'm oak". I have a prefinished oak flooring in natural that I have had for 10 years and I love it. Its by Mirage. I appreciate the light fresh look with my rooms. I had to have it reinstalled because the subcontracted installer banged up every nail insertion, because he must have had a damaged nailer. The owner of the flooring company came out the the flooring rep from Mirage, and they determined it was installation error. The finish was warrantied for something like 30 Years (can't remember the number) but with all the nicks, it wouldn't last. New install was great and the floor has been very good to me :) I'm getting it again soon in my bedroom, using a different installer company. All this to say I love my light flooring. It is fresh and can go modern or traditional, imho.

Can you post a photo? I’m going through a similar dilemma and I’d love to see your floors. Our living room is white oak and the dining room and hallway red oak. We love the pale color of the living room and are trying to keep them all light. Houzz has made a few recommendations but we have not yet pulled the trigger. I still feel like I need more counsel.

mark_rachel, that is what I told my husband! And, Oak & Board, I've been studying this off and on for at least a year. You are one of my favorite commentors. I have learned a lot from you. Both of the samples are solid hardwood not engineered. KD is pleased with the quality of the floor and barely there bevel. Haven't seen a white oak floor yet in Michigan. Well aware of matching existing flooring of which we have none. Need a little more visual interest than the white oak. Considered natural hickory and I think it is too much for me. In my area, everyone is used to red oak. Boring Detroit area suburbs. Not a high end home.