Thanks :) we are on a budget and have about 950-1000 feet of hardwood to install...plus maybe the stairs. I will look at your suggestions! And will look for someone who just does floors. We've been to a home show recently and know of the local carpet and/or flooring places. We avoid the big box stores. So I'm getting a variety of quotes currently based purely on the aesthetics of what we like on the showrooms but have no idea if the brands or species of wood types are "good" or right for us.

Here's your pic: Looks like variegated something or other. The lengths are fairly short, so it might be an engineered brand?

I know low gloss is all the rage....but people have issues with oily paw prints showing up with matte polyurethane finishes. The Hardwax oil finishes have had issues with DOG DROOL turning gray/brown/staining. Personally I LOVE a light/natural coloured floor (like hickory or character grade white oak) that has lots of movement (no stain) in a satin or semi-gloss finish. A factory finish SOLID hardwood is a great option as the factory finishes are often made using aluminum Oxide or ceramic infused nanobeads = SUPER TOUGH finish (hard to scratch). The LIGHT/natural gold tones are VERY forgiving. The MODERATE gloss levels like satin and semi-gloss are VERY forgiving. The FACTORY FINISHES with either Aluminum Oxide or Ceramic infused polyurethane are VERY tough. So....simply ADD all those qualities together and you get this type of purchase: Solid prefinished (aka factory finished) natural hardwood (no stain) in a satin or semi-gloss (personal choice). That's what you are looking for. Have fun.

I think the flooring is ash but don't take that to the bank. If it is ash, then you won't have the pinkish tone of red oak to deal with when it is time to refinish. I agree to do nothing now because the finish looks to be in good condition. Nice neutral color. No point in spending $$ and sanding away the life expectancy of the floors. Save it for when the floor really needs refinishing.