All About Hickory

Hardwood floors are a sought-after look in every home. They are durable, resist allergens better than carpet and give any space a natural atmosphere.  Some popular domestic hardwoods on the market today are red oak, maple and black walnut; but if you’re looking for something more distinctive and durable, consider installing hickory hardwood.

Appearance

Hickory hardwood is more striking than most. It can vary in color from white to brownish-red and has a thick grain, adding character to any room.  We advise you to choose larger planks when installing to prevent the floor from looking too busy. As with other hardwoods, hickory can be stained a variety of colors. If you want to tone down the contrasting hues, a dark stain is recommended. While the various colors will take to the stain differently, the integrity of the look will be maintained, just slightly muted.

Durability

The Janka hardness test is often used to measure a wood’s sturdiness when confronted with denting and regular wear and tear. The force needed to embed a small steel ball halfway into the wood not only determines how hard it is, but helps give installers an idea of how much force will be needed to drive nails through the material. Higher numbered test results mark the wood as more durable.  Hickory is highest testing domestic hardwood with a Janka Scale number of 1820 as compared to maple and red oak, coming in at 1450 and 1290 respectively.

What does this mean? Hickory is going to hold up better in high traffic areas since it is less likely to dent or scratch. Consider pre-sealed boards when installing, as they will have a more even finish that will last longer than sealing on site.

Style

When it comes to the transcendent look of hardwood, there are many choices out there. Consider choosing hickory to make your home stand out from the rest while still achieving the durability and beauty you’re looking for in your flooring.