Hickory
Carya ovata · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1820 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a coarse texture, showing mixed flat-sawn and quarter-sawn boards typical of rustic grade flooring.
Color & Appearance
Substantial color variation between the creamy white sapwood and the reddish-brown heartwood, possessing a moderate natural luster that deepens slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4 to $8 per board foot depending on grade and processing.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10 to 30 years old based on typical modern pre-finished or site-finished residential flooring condition.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely available from sustainably managed forests.
Common Uses
Flooring, tool handles, ladder rungs, dowels, furniture, and cabinet framing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Difficult to work with both hand and machine tools due to extreme hardness and high density; prone to burning during routing or sawing, and pre-boring is required for nailing or screwing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though high-build polyurethane or UV-cured aluminum oxide finishes are most commonly recommended for heavy-traffic flooring applications.
Notable Features
Exceptional shock resistance, high bending strength, and extreme toughness with a distinct lack of characteristic odor once dried.
