Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Maple floors? and so long pergo

We moved into our house almost a year ago. The downstairs has mostly wood flooring except for the kitchen and mudroom which is pergo. I was hoping to put wood in that area so it would all be consistent.

I think the wood floor is maple but am not positive. It is 3/4 inch solid hardwood tongue and groove. The link below has pictures of scrap that were in the basement. The first question is how hard would it be to match, and is it in fact maple.

The second question is my wife isn't keen on the current color. Also there is alot of fading due to rugs/sunlight etc. The house was built in 87 and I am assuming the floors are that old. Lots of scratches from previous owner dogs too. So the second question is, if in fact it is maple, is it possible to pick out a darker stained color, then refinish our current floor in the darker stain color.

Here is the link to the pics

http://homepictures-dish.blogspot.com/

Take your sample piece to a wood flooring dealer (not HD/LOWes) that specializes in only hardwoods - easy to find in the yellow pages. Have them tell you what type of wood you have. They will also be a source of new wood for your project.

Once sanded down to bare wood - you can stain the floors almost any shade you like - dark or light! Sanding/staining/sealing is not a job for the faint hearted. It's an art - and, in my opinion, worth the $2.75/ft that a good company will charge you.

Maple has a fairly plane grain. I think it might be birch. But I agree - take it to someone that specializes in hardwood.