Just refinished the maple floors in my childhood home. Their pale color dictates your interior decor somewhat. I think they are beautiful--but it depends upon the look you want for the long term. Your floors will drive the color of your walls and upholstery--very pale or very strong.

I should also mention that in my own house I have Brazilian Cherry--which I wouldn't recommend to anyone without a staff of 10 people to dust them all day long. The lighter wood tones don't show dust. The dark floors can be swiffered at 1:00 and need it again by 1:10. If you are particular (I am, but just have to close my eyes) you won't be happy.

We have wide plank engineered maple floors (see picture). When we selected them, everyone was going with a dark stain but we liked the look of the lighter floor, plus it looks great contrasting with dark furniture and darker kitchen cabinets. My only negative in appearance is that as the years go on, I do notice a deepening in color which tends to look yellow in certain light, which I don't care for. Of course my husband doesn't see it.

Such a beautiful flooring. From what company you purchased this maple? We are looking for some nice quality maple floor. Thank you.

Birch doesn't make the best flooring.

To me, unstained maple floors look like a basketball court. I personally don’t like them. But it is subjective.

Maple flooring is very beautiful, but it depends on how you want to style the interior of your house.

I have to agree with Donna's comment. "Design" is the key word. I prefer maple in contemporary design than in traditional.

A friend has a house built around 1910. It has thin strip maple in the kitchen, dining room and living room. Trim has gotten very dark over the decades, the baseboard is around 10" high. It all looks beautiful. The contrast between the floor and trim is really nice.

Interior hallway with no sunlight.
Floor at the east end of that hallway(when finished w/3 coats of floor poly)

HandyMac, what type of maple flooring is this one?