Can walnut hold up to dogs?

Walnut's 1010 Janka rating makes it susceptible to scratches from dog nails. Hickory at 1820 is nearly twice as hard and far better suited for homes with large dogs.

Which costs more installed?

Walnut is typically 30-50% more expensive than hickory for both material and installation. Hickory's hardness can also increase installation labor slightly.

Can I get hickory without the dramatic variation?

Yes, select-grade or character-matched hickory has less variation, but it costs more and loses some of hickory's distinctive rustic charm.

Which darkens more over time?

Hickory darkens moderately with sun exposure. Walnut actually lightens, which is unusual — it moves from deep chocolate toward a warmer medium brown.

flooring

Hickory vs Walnut Flooring: Rugged Strength vs Refined Luxury (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated August 22, 2026|Sources & methodology

Hickory and walnut sit at opposite extremes of the hardwood flooring spectrum. Hickory is the hardest domestic species with bold, rustic character, while walnut is softer but delivers unmatched dark elegance. The choice often comes down to lifestyle needs versus aesthetic aspirations.

Hickory

Walnut

Key Takeaways

Hickory and walnut sit at opposite extremes of the hardwood flooring spectrum.
Hickory is the hardest domestic species with bold, rustic character, while walnut is softer but delivers unmatched dark elegance.
The choice often comes down to lifestyle needs versus aesthetic aspirations.
Hickory is the practical powerhouse for real-life durability, while walnut is the aspirational beauty for spaces where you want to make a statement.
Your lifestyle should drive this decision.

Property	Hickory	Walnut
Hardness Janka	1820	1010
Density Lbft3	50	38
Price Range	$4.00-$8.00/sqft	$6.00-$12.00/sqft
Durability Class	Exceptional	Moderate
Color	Dramatic light-to-dark variation	Rich uniform chocolate brown

Hickory

Pros

80% harder than walnut
Dramatic natural color variation
Best choice for active households
More affordable than walnut

Cons

Bold variation is polarizing
Difficult to stain evenly
Can overwhelm smaller spaces

Walnut

Pros

Gorgeous natural dark color
Sophisticated, upscale appearance
Uniform, refined grain pattern
Stunning without stain

Cons

Dents and scratches more easily
Most expensive domestic flooring
Not ideal for high-traffic homes with pets

Best Use Cases

Choose hickory for active families, homes with pets, and rustic or farmhouse designs where maximum durability matters. Choose walnut for formal living spaces, master suites, and luxury homes where beauty takes priority over impact resistance.

Verdict

Hickory is the practical powerhouse for real-life durability, while walnut is the aspirational beauty for spaces where you want to make a statement. Your lifestyle should drive this decision.