Is ash flooring still available given the emerald ash borer?

Ash flooring is still available but supply has tightened and prices have risen in affected regions. The emerald ash borer has devastated ash tree populations across North America, making hickory a more supply-stable alternative.

Which wood hides scratches better, ash or hickory?

Hickory hides scratches better due to its dramatic color variation and busy grain pattern. Ash's lighter, more uniform appearance tends to show scratches and dents more readily.

Can I mix ash and hickory flooring in the same house?

While technically possible, the two woods have very different appearances. Ash is light and uniform while hickory is dark and varied. Most designers recommend sticking to one species per connected living space for visual flow.

flooring

Ash vs Hickory Flooring: Which Hardwood Floor Is Tougher? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Ash and hickory are both hard-wearing American hardwoods that make excellent flooring. Ash offers a clean, light appearance with good shock resistance, while hickory is the hardest domestic wood with dramatic color variation. Both outperform softer species in durability but appeal to different design preferences.

Ash

Hickory

Key Takeaways

Ash and hickory are both hard-wearing American hardwoods that make excellent flooring.
Ash offers a clean, light appearance with good shock resistance, while hickory is the hardest domestic wood with dramatic color variation.
Both outperform softer species in durability but appeal to different design preferences.
Hickory is the tougher floor that thrives in high-traffic and rustic settings.
Ash is the cleaner-looking option ideal for contemporary spaces.

Property	Ash	Hickory
Hardness (Janka)	1,320 lbf	1,820 lbf
Price/Sq Ft	$4-$8	$5-$10
Color	Light cream to pale brown	Tan to dark brown, high variation
Grain	Straight, prominent, open	Wavy, dramatic, rustic
Availability	Declining (emerald ash borer)	Good domestic supply

Ash

Pros

Clean light appearance, Excellent shock absorption, Straight consistent grain

Cons

Supply threatened by emerald ash borer, Softer than hickory, Limited color range

Hickory

Pros

Hardest domestic hardwood, Dramatic rustic character, Strong supply chain

Cons

High color variation not for everyone, Harder to work and install, More expensive

Best Use Cases

Choose ash flooring for clean, Scandinavian-inspired interiors where light tones and consistent grain are desired. Choose hickory for rustic, farmhouse, or lodge-style spaces where dramatic grain and color variation add character.

Verdict

Hickory is the tougher floor that thrives in high-traffic and rustic settings. Ash is the cleaner-looking option ideal for contemporary spaces. Hickory's supply stability gives it an edge given ash's ongoing pest challenges.