Hickory
Carya ovata • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but occasionally wavy; coarse and somewhat open texture with distinct cathedral patterns visible in wide-grain areas
Color Description
Heartwood is tan to reddish brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows the characteristic 'Calico' look with a high-contrast mix of dark heartwood and light sapwood streaks
Hardness Rating
1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack, especially if used in ground contact or high-moisture environments
Common Uses
Tool handles, flooring, cabinetry, ladder rungs, wheel spokes, and high-impact sports equipment
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on width and degree of character staining
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and harvested within the last 5-10 years based on low oxidation and clean surface
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Challenging due to extreme hardness; prone to tearout during planing and can dull blades quickly. Glues, stains, and finishes well
Notable Features
Toughness and shock resistance among the highest of all North American woods; distinct smoky scent when worked
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or tung oil to enhance the natural color contrast; requires careful sanding through progressively higher grits due to its density
Identification Confidence
High; the dramatic contrast between the creamy sapwood and coffee-colored heartwood streaks combined with the open-pore grain structure is signature for Calico Hickory