- 4123 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
- M-F 7:30am-4pm | Sat 10am-4pm
*Inventory fluctuates daily. Call to verify exact board foot quantities.
Because every board is unique, we do not sell directly online. Contact us to get pricing or have us pull the perfect stack for you.
Janka Rating: 1,820 lbf — Hickory is one of the hardest common hardwoods, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to dents, scratches, and wear. This extreme hardness ensures long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas and demanding applications like flooring and tool handles.
Hickory features a heartwood that ranges from light to medium brown with occasional reddish or purplish hues, while the sapwood is a pale, creamy white. The grain is typically straight but often exhibits interlocked or zigzag patterns, creating distinctive and dynamic figure. The wood has a coarse texture with a natural luster that enhances its visual appeal. When quarter-sawn, it displays a dramatic ribbon-like figure that is highly sought after for its unique beauty.
Hickory is very challenging to work with due to its extreme hardness and toughness. It can cause significant tear-out, dull cutting tools quickly, and requires sharp tools and slower feed rates. Gluing is generally satisfactory with good surface preparation, but the wood’s density may require longer clamping times. Staining can be uneven due to its coarse grain, so a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to achieve a uniform finish. Sanding should be done in multiple stages with fine grits to minimize surface roughness and achieve a smooth finish before applying any topcoat.
Hickory is commonly used for flooring, especially in high-traffic commercial and residential settings, due to its exceptional hardness. It is also a top choice for tool handles, baseball bats, and other sports equipment requiring strength and shock resistance. In furniture making, it’s ideal for heavy-duty pieces like chairs and tables. Additionally, Hickory is used for cabinetry, millwork, and outdoor structures where durability is paramount.
