Hickory (2026)
Carya spp. • Eastern United States
Hardwood
$-$$
Hickory is the hardest domestic hardwood with exceptional strength and shock resistance.
Key Takeaways
- Hickory has a Janka hardness of 1,820 lbf and density of 51 lbs/ft³.
- Common uses include Rustic flooring, Tool handles, Drumsticks.
- Color: Cream sapwood with brown heartwood.
- Low for indoor use.
Janka Hardness
1,820 lbf
Density
51 lbs/ft³
Moisture
12-15%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class C - Indoor use
Price Range
$-$$
Color Characteristics
Cream sapwood with brown heartwood
Key Characteristics
- •Hardest domestic wood
- •Exceptional shock resistance
- •Dramatic color variation
- •Straight to wavy grain
- •Excellent for bending
- •Coarse texture
- •Good nail holding
- •Heavy
Common Applications
- •Rustic flooring
- •Tool handles
- •Drumsticks
- •Baseball bats
- •Furniture
- •Cabinetry
- •Bentwood
- •Cutting boards
Maintenance Requirements
Low for indoor use.
Advantages
- Hardest domestic
- Excellent strength
- Outstanding shock resistance
- Dramatic character
- Good value
- Wide availability
- Very durable
- Great for bending
Considerations
- Extreme color variation
- Not formal
- Difficult to work
- Coarse texture
- Indoor recommended
- May need grain filler
- Heavy
- Color inconsistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Rustic flooring, Tool handles, Drumsticks, Baseball bats, Furniture, Cabinetry, Bentwood, Cutting boards.
Hickory has a Janka hardness rating of 1,820 lbf, making it a softer wood suitable for Rustic flooring, Tool handles, Drumsticks.
Hickory wood is Cream sapwood with brown heartwood. Hardest domestic wood
Low for indoor use.
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