HomeOur Wood SpeciesHardwood TypesHickory

Hickory

Hickory is related to the pecan tree, and once cut it is difficult to tell them apart.  Hickory while not quite as stable as some of the other woods, is quite hard.  The grain of the hickory is closed and tighter together, so if you like the look of a grainy wood, but not too grainy like the oak, then Hickory is for you.  It also comes in a wide variety of colour because the sapwood is a white, creamy colour, and can be easily stained. Hickory has a tendency to  take on moisture quicker than other species and therefore must  be installed on delivery. 

*DO NOT ACCLIMATE* Hickory hardwood naturally takes on moisture more quickly than other species and must not be acclimated.  Acclimating will void the warranty of your hickory flooring.  Install your hickory flooring immediately upon delivery.

 
   

 

Hickory Standard Ratings

Janka 1820

Select

Character

Semi-gloss

Low-Sheen

Harvested from
North America

 

Colour
The heartwood is tan or reddish; sapwood is white to cream, with fine brown lines.

Grain
The hickory grain is closed, with moderate definition and a somewhat rough-texture.

Stability
Hickory shrinks quite significantly in the drying process compared to other common North American Species. The Radial (average 7%) and Tangential(11%) Shrinkage from green wood to oven dry moisture content compared to a traditional Northern Red Oak Hardwood with a radial shrinkage of 4%, and tangential of 8%.For this reason it is important to buy hickory hardwood flooring from a reputable manufacture that has taken the time to dry the wood properly... otherwise it will be drying AND twisting in your home.  To avoid swelling and shrinkage, DO NOT ACCLIMATIZE your hickory flooring, doing so will void  the warranty. 

Hardness
Hickory is one "tough nut" and its "tough guy" reputation still precedes it.  The hickory is a very dense, stiff, hard and shock resistant wood. This combination of strength and toughness is not found in any other commercial wood.

Growth
There are about 15 species of hickories, most of which are native to North America.  The Hickory is a deciduous tree and bears nuts which are not very tasty and for the most part are only used for animal feed.

Botanical Name
Carya