Wood Species in Detail: Hickory

Hickory wood is widely known for its unique combination of strength, durability, and rustic beauty. With its beautiful grain patterns and durability, it is a popular choice for many home projects. This includes furniture, flooring, and decorative items. But what exactly makes hickory wood products stand out? Let’s dive into its origins, characteristics, and uses to understand why it's such a popular material in homes today.

What Is Hickory Wood?

Hickory wood comes from a group of trees native to North America and parts of Asia. In the U.S., hickory mainly grows in the eastern regions. It can be found from Minnesota to Maine and as far south as Mexico. There are around twelve types of true hickory that grow in North America. Asia has a few other types, especially in China and India.

Hickory is a hardwood tree that loses its leaves every year. It grows slowly, adding just 6 to 12 inches each year. Over time, hickory trees can reach impressive heights of over 100 feet, depending on the species and growing conditions. They thrive in moist, well-drained soils and take years to establish mature root systems, making them a long-term investment for any landscape.

One of the distinctive features of hickory trees is their production of nuts. Some species, like the shagbark hickory, start to produce fruit after 10 to 20 years. Full fruit production can take up to 40 years. This long growth period contributes to hickory's density and strength, making the wood highly durable.

Types of Hickory Wood

Wood product manufacturers use several species of hickory trees, each with unique properties. The most common types of true hickory wood in the U.S. include:

• Shellbark Hickory: Known for its large nuts and robust wood, often used in both furniture and flooring.

• Mockernut Hickory: A versatile species with durable wood, ideal for cabinetry and other heavy-use applications.

• Shagbark Hickory: Recognized for its rough, shaggy bark, this wood is popular for furniture due to its strength.

• Pignut Hickory: A sturdy wood often used in tool handles and home fixtures.

In addition to these, there are fruit-bearing hickory species like pecan, bitternut, and water hickory. These trees are not true hickory, but they still make strong, useful wood. However, they are mostly grown for their nuts.

Characteristics of Hickory Wood

Hickory wood is renowned for its toughness and resistance to damage. It has been valued for its ability to resist impact. This makes it perfect for busy areas and uses that need strength.

Beyond its strength, hickory wood also offers a distinctive aesthetic appeal. Its varied color tones and coarse grain patterns make it a visually interesting choice for both modern and traditional interior designs.

Color

Hickory can look light, creamy beige or deep, tawny brown. The sapwood is lighter, while the heartwood is richer and warmer. The grain is usually straight but can have some wavy patterns or knots that add to its rustic charm. This natural variation in color and grain makes hickory a favorite for those looking for unique, eye-catching materials.

Physical Properties

Hickory’s visual beauty is complemented by its physical properties. While it is not naturally glossy, the wood has a pleasing, understated sheen when finished. Even with treatment, hickory retains a more matte look compared to other hardwoods. Its coarse texture also contributes to its rugged, natural aesthetic.

Mechanical Properties

Hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods available, with a Janka hardness rating of 1820. This high rating shows it is very durable and resistant to wear. It can handle heavy use in places like kitchens, dining rooms, and entryways. Its density also makes it resistant to impacts, making hickory ideal for floors, furniture, and even tool handles.

Durability

In addition to its strength, hickory is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and other physical damage. Its density offers some natural resistance to water damage, as well. However, because it has an open grain structure, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause it to shrink or warp.

In humid areas, it’s important to seal or wax hickory wood. This helps protect it from damage over time.

Workmanship

Hickory is tough to work with, which is both a blessing and a challenge. Its density can quickly dull cutting tools, requiring frequent sharpening to maintain clean cuts and avoid tearout. Precision is important when working with hickory. Use sharp, high-quality tools and be careful with delicate cuts.

Advantages of Hickory for Furniture

Despite its workability challenges, craftsmen prize hickory wood for furniture making due to its strength and beautiful grain. Craftsmen build hickory furniture to last, and the wood’s natural durability provides years of use with minimal wear. Its color variation and beautiful grain make it perfect for rustic and modern pieces.

Workability

Hickory can be hard to cut and shape. However, it is very valuable for making structural parts. These parts include table legs, furniture feet, and support brackets.

Its strength ensures longevity in pieces that will bear significant weight or face regular use. Additionally, hickory is often chosen for decorative elements such as millwork and moulding.

Aesthetic Appeal

Hickory’s color and grain are so naturally attractive that it often doesn’t require heavy staining or finishing. Its variations in color and texture can enhance the warmth and depth of a room’s decor. When stained, hickory can take on deep, rich tones, adding even more versatility to its applications.

Environmental Benefits

Hickory is not an endangered species. It is easy to find in the U.S. This makes it a good choice for wood products.

With proper care, hickory wood furniture and fixtures can last a lifetime, offering both beauty and sustainability. Many hickory pieces can even be passed down through generations, becoming cherished heirlooms.

How to Care for Hickory Furniture

To keep hickory furniture in top condition, it’s important to dust it regularly using a soft, dry cloth. Sealing the wood is crucial, especially in humid environments, to protect it from moisture. Avoid placing hickory furniture in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or discoloration over time.

Why People Love Hickory Wood

Hickory is a top choice for homeowners and designers alike because of its natural beauty, durability, and versatility. Whether used in furniture, flooring, or decorative accents, hickory adds a distinctive touch to any space. With proper care, it can last for decades, bringing warmth and charm to homes for years to come.

Ordering Hickory Wood at Osborne

At Osborne Wood, we offer an extensive range of hickory products, from furniture legs to decorative millwork. Whether you’re updating your home’s interior or embarking on a new project, Osborne Wood has the hickory pieces you need.

Osborne Wood has an expansive selection of hickory products and collections. Speak with a product specialist today to learn more.