Hickory Wood Guide 2026
Carya spp.
Typically described as extremely strong and shock-resistant
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Rustic/knotty at low end. Very hard wood.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 50 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Flooring, Tool handles, Rustic furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium
Workability: Very hard and tough; blunts tooling; pre-drill.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Takes finishes well; strong color contrast between heart and sap.
Color change: Minimal change.
Insect resistance: Susceptible
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Hickory. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 4–10 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 4–10 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
Availability notes: Common domestic hardwood, especially for flooring and cabinetry.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light to medium brown; pale sapwood
Grain: Straight; coarse texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- Tool handles
- Rustic furniture
- Cabinetry
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Shagbark Hickory;Pignut Hickory
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,820 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Hickory is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
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