R.J.
You'll need to phone around... vendors change their prices seasonally AND during certain times in season...
... But do your research first. Most modern hardwood floors have a strip of hardwood of hardwood that is VARYING thicknesses. (You'll only get solid hardwood by paying through the nose, or using reclaimed flooring). The thicker the wood, the longer it will last. Some are so thin you can't even refinish them, but have to yank out the entire floor and replace it (avoid)
To learn more about hardwood than you ever wanted to know:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/wood-floors
is a good place to start.
Know, too, that most people regret flooring 'dark'. EVERY speck of dust shows on them, and scratches are like neon signs (because the scratches show the light wood under the stain). I have 2 friends who floor professionally (their own company, 17 years in), and they strongly recommend medium shades, and oak. Oak isn't my fav grain pattern, but it lasts and ages reeeally well.
Choices:
- thickness
- species
- nail or glue (nail is better)
- finish type (oil, water, polyurethane... they pull different colors from the wood and have different feels, water pulls browns, oil pulls red, poly feels like plastic under your feet/fake wood... in addition to durability)
- prefinished and finish on site.
ALSO strongly consider placing a sound barrier under the floor while you have a chance. Durasom is one of the most common. It will reduce any footstep echoing/banging. AND do know that for the first couple years while the floor settles your floor is going to 'talk' to you while it stretches and shrinks into the unique humidity and use of your space.