Hickory Hardwood Flooring

About Hickory Hardwood

Hickory hardwood flooring is known for its dramatic color variation, bold grain movement, and exceptional durability. As one of the hardest domestic hardwood species available, Hickory is ideal for high-traffic homes and rustic-inspired interiors. Homeowners choose Hickory for its strength, natural character, and ability to create a striking statement in any space.

 

Color Range

Hickory features one of the widest natural color variations of any domestic hardwood. Boards can range from creamy light tones to medium brown, often within the same plank.

Grain Pattern

Hickory has a bold, flowing grain pattern with strong contrast between heartwood and sapwood. This creates a highly distinctive and dynamic floor.

Stability Rating

Hickory offers good stability in controlled environments. Due to its density, proper acclimation and installation are important for long-term performance. Engineered Hickory provides added dimensional stability.

Janka Hardness

Hickory has a Janka hardness rating of approximately 1,820, making it one of the hardest domestic hardwood flooring species available.

How It Ages Over Time

Hickory’s color variation remains prominent over time, with subtle deepening of its natural tones.

How It Takes Stain or Finish

Hickory can take stain well, but its density and dramatic color variation mean results may appear more varied compared to Oak species. Many homeowners prefer natural or lighter finishes to showcase its character.

Specifications

Sold In full bundles
Shipping Weight 4.16 lbs per sq. ft.
Edge Square Edge, Beveled Edge (Micro Bevel or V-Groove)
Installation Nail/Staple Down, Glue Assist, Glue Down (Engineered Only)
Standard Length Random from 1’-8’
Standard Widths 3 1/4”, 4 1/4”, 5 1/4”, 6 1/4”, 7 1/4”, 8 1/4”
Average Length 42"
Thickness ¾” Solid or ¾” Engineered
Avg. Waste Factor 5%
Finish Type Unfinished or Prefinished
Hardness Scale 1820

Best Uses for Hickory Flooring

Hickory’s strength and bold appearance make it ideal for certain applications.

High-Traffic Areas

With a Janka rating of 1,820, Hickory is excellent for busy households, active families, and high-traffic living spaces.

Rustic & Farmhouse Interiors

Its dramatic grain and color variation pair perfectly with rustic, lodge-style, and farmhouse designs.

Large Open Spaces

Hickory works well in great rooms and open-concept homes where its movement becomes a focal design element.

Kitchens & Entryways

Its durability makes it a practical choice for hardworking areas.

Basements (Engineered Only)

Engineered Hickory flooring is recommended for below-grade installations where moisture levels fluctuate.

Available Flooring Options

Prefinished Solid Hickory

Prefinished Engineered Hickory

Unfinished Solid Hickory

Unfinished Engineered Hickory

Popular Textures for Red Oak

Hickory takes texture exceptionally well due to its strong grain structure. Textured finishes enhance Hickory’s natural character and help soften its dramatic color variation, making it especially popular in rustic and mountain-style homes.

Aged Brushed Textured White Oak Character Prefinished Natural flooring sample

Aged (Wire) Brushed Textured Hardwood Flooring

Band Sawn textured White Oak Character Unfinished flooring sample

Band Sawn Textured Hardwood Flooring

Country Worn Textured Hardwood Flooring

Old Mill Textured White Oak Character Prefinished Natural flooring sample

Old Mill Textured Hardwood Flooring

Saw Cut textured White Oak Character Unfinished flooring sample

Saw Cut Textured Hardwood Flooring

Vintage Charm Texture White Oak Prefinished Caramel flooring sample

Vintage Charm Textured Hardwood Flooring

Hickory in Patterned Floors

Hickory can be used in patterned installations, but its bold grain and color variation create a more dynamic, busy look.

It may be suitable for:

  • Herringbone flooring (for dramatic effect)

  • Chevron flooring (in larger spaces)

For more subtle, uniform patterns, species like White Oak are often preferred.

FAQs About Hickory Hardwood

Is Hickory harder than Oak?
Yes. Hickory has a Janka rating of 1,820, making it significantly harder than both White Oak (1,360) and Red Oak (1,290).

Is Hickory good for high-traffic areas?
Absolutely. Its exceptional hardness makes it ideal for active households and busy spaces.

Does Hickory have a lot of color variation?
Yes. Hickory naturally contains strong contrast between light and dark areas, which gives it a bold, rustic appearance.

Does Hickory take stain evenly?
Hickory can take stain, but its density and natural variation may create more contrast compared to Oak species.

Is Hickory too busy for small rooms?
In smaller spaces, Hickory’s dramatic grain may feel visually active. Lighter finishes can help balance the look.

Can Hickory be installed in basements?
Engineered Hickory flooring can be used in basements where moisture levels are properly controlled.

Explore Hickory Flooring Options