Will cherry floors show scratches from dogs?

Yes, cherry's low Janka hardness (950 lbf) makes it very susceptible to scratches from pet claws. Hickory at 1,820 lbf is a much better choice for homes with dogs.

Does hickory flooring look too rustic?

Hickory has a bold, varied grain that suits rustic, farmhouse, and casual styles. If you prefer a uniform, refined look, cherry or maple would be better choices.

Can cherry floors be used throughout a whole house?

Yes, but expect significant wear in high-traffic areas. Many homeowners use cherry in formal areas and a harder wood like hickory or oak in hallways and kitchens.

flooring

Hickory vs Cherry Hardwood Flooring Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated July 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Hickory and cherry represent opposite ends of the hardwood flooring spectrum. Hickory is the toughest domestic hardwood floor, built for active households, while cherry offers refined elegance with its distinctive color-changing character. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize bulletproof durability or sophisticated beauty.

Hickory

Cherry

Key Takeaways

Hickory and cherry represent opposite ends of the hardwood flooring spectrum.
Hickory is the toughest domestic hardwood floor, built for active households, while cherry offers refined elegance with its distinctive color-changing character.
Your choice depends on whether you prioritize bulletproof durability or sophisticated beauty.
Hickory is the performance choice for busy, active homes.
Cherry is the beauty choice for refined spaces.

Property	Hickory	Cherry
Price/Sq Ft	$4-$8	$5-$10
Janka Hardness	1,820 lbf	950 lbf
Color	Light tan to dark brown	Light pink to deep reddish-brown
Grain Pattern	Bold, dramatic	Fine, smooth
Durability	Exceptional	Moderate
Color Change	Minimal	Significant - darkens with light
Best Style	Rustic, farmhouse	Traditional, formal

Hickory

Pros

Hardest domestic hardwood floor, Extremely scratch resistant, Bold dramatic grain, Great for pets and kids

Cons

Very hard to work with, Wide color variation between boards, Rustic look not for everyone, Harder on bare feet

Cherry

Pros

Elegant refined appearance, Beautiful color deepening over time, Smooth fine grain, Classic formal aesthetic

Cons

Soft and scratches easily, Changes color dramatically with light, More expensive, Not ideal for high-traffic areas

Best Use Cases

Choose hickory for active households with kids, pets, and heavy traffic where durability matters most. Choose cherry for formal living spaces, dining rooms, and bedrooms where elegance and warmth are priorities.

Verdict

Hickory is the performance choice for busy, active homes. Cherry is the beauty choice for refined spaces. They serve fundamentally different design purposes.