Hickory
Carya species • Eastern North America
Domestic Hardwood
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Hickory is one of the hardest and strongest domestic hardwoods available. Known for exceptional shock resistance and durability, it's ideal for flooring, tool handles, and applications requiring maximum strength.
Janka Hardness
1820
Density
51 lbs/ft³
Moisture
10-12%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class A - 15-20 years
Price Range
$$
Appearance
Light tan to medium brown with color variation
Key Characteristics
- •Extremely hard and strong
- •Excellent shock resistance
- •Dramatic color variation
- •Prominent grain patterns
- •Very dense wood
- •Good dimensional stability
Common Applications
- •Heavy-duty flooring
- •Tool handles
- •Sports equipment
- •Ladder rungs
- •Furniture
- •Cabinetry
Maintenance Requirements
Low maintenance for flooring. Extremely durable and resistant to wear. Periodic cleaning and refinishing extends life.
Advantages
- Hardest domestic hardwood
- Exceptional strength and durability
- Excellent for high-traffic areas
- Unique color variation
- Long-lasting performance
- Good value for hardness
Considerations
- Not ideal for outdoor use
- Can be difficult to work with
- Significant color variation
- May be harder to machine
- Requires sharp tools