So, you’re thinking about hickory flooring. You might be asking yourself, is hickory truly a hardwood? The answer is yes, hickory is a hardwood. But is it the right hardwood for *your* project? This post covers everything about hickory flooring, from its hardness to its character. It typically costs between $6 and $14 per square foot. We have 3.25" 1st Quality Hickory at 2.99 per sq ft in stock but that's not the norm.
Table Of Contents:
- This Hardwood is Built to Last
- Hickory’s Distinctive Appearance
- The Installation Challenge
- Is it Eco-Friendly?
- Compare to Other Flooring Options
- FAQs about Hickory Flooring
- Conclusion
This Hardwood is Built to Last
Hickory is the hardest of all domestic hardwoods in America. It boasts a Janka hardness rating of 1820. That’s tougher than white oak (1360) and even hard maple. This makes it known to be the rough and tough floor on the block.
Any floor collection with a hickory wood species can withstand heavy foot traffic or kitchen equipment. The engineered hardwood flooring options are perfect for homes with higher moisture levels. A home using hickory as its main hardwood flooring product will last until the next generation is ready to inherit it. Sure walnut and hard maple explore a more modern style or craft, but a hickory floor is a rustic beauty to follow after.
Hickory’s Distinctive Appearance
Hickory isn't just tough; it’s also stylish. Its color variations range from creamy white to rich browns. This creates a visually striking floor.
The prominent grain patterns add to its unique character. While some find this busy, others love that no two floors ever look alike. These grain patterns in hickory supplies a striking appeal.
Hickory's color variations offer plenty of design possibilities. It matches nearly any decor style. It looks great in wide planks where the grain patterns shine. Get a plank or two from our free sample program and be ready to consent to a eye catching color.
The Installation Challenge
Working with a wood that's really dense with a high Janka rating can be challenging to work with. Installation requires extra *oomph*. Cutting and sanding these planks can be tougher than other hardwoods like white oak.
A professional installer will increase their installation cost since its a bit tougher and heavier than the hardwoods you can purchase. But keep in mind, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting and durable floor.
Its hardness offers durability with less maintenance. It requires less upkeep than other wood flooring, such as teak. Please sweep and mop often, but you don't have to sweat it. Even with heavy foot traffic, hickory floors offer lasting stability and strength. This is especially good for busy family homes and business spaces that experience high amounts of daily wear and foot traffic.
Is it Eco-Friendly?
This is where it gets complex. All lumber comes from trees, and tress are a renewable resource. Hickory trees grow relatively quickly.
They’re not as abundant as other hardwoods but they don't need to be shipped from China so their supply and demand metrics aren't too bad.
Mature hickory trees produce nuts every three years. This is a bonus for local ecosystems. Choosing hickory as a wood flooring option means selecting wood species grown domestically.
Compare to Other Flooring Options
| Feature | Hickory | Oak | Maple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Janka) | 1820 | 1360 (White Oak) | 1450 |
| Durability | Excellent | Good | Very Good |
| Cost | Medium-High | Medium | Medium |
| Grain Pattern | Dramatic, Varied | Subtle to Prominent | Fine, Uniform |
Hickory stands out for its hardness. Other flooring options like hard maple offer good durability. They also come at potentially lower costs. If you are on a budget, red oak is an alternative hardwood with similar features.
Consider how features and budget align. This will help determine the perfect wood for your space. Think about the kind of look you're trying to achieve with solid wood flooring as well.
FAQs about Hickory Flooring
Is hickory wood harder than oak wood?
Yes, hickory wood is harder than oak, registering higher on the Janka hardness rating scale. Hickory averages around 1820 while oak averages around 1360. This hardness rating makes hickory an appealing option for high-traffic areas like living rooms. This is a big advantage in high-traffic rooms with high foot traffic.
What are the disadvantages?
Hickory can be challenging to install due to its hardness. It can be more expensive than hardwoods like red oak. The dramatic grain pattern may be too busy for some.
However, there are many pros and cons to this popular flooring choice, some find that they would rather go with an option that doesn't offer as many color variations and dramatic, prominent grain patterns. The color variation might also be too much if you are wanting to achieve a different style.
Is hickory a good floor?
Yes, hickory is an excellent choice for flooring. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. Its unique grain patterns appeal to those seeking a rustic or dramatic style. Because hickory flooring offers a higher hardness than other hardwoods such as white oak flooring and classic oak wood, it requires less maintenance and is resistant to damage such as scratching.
Does hickory hardwoods scratch easily?
No, hickory is highly resistant to scratches due to its high Janka rating. While tough, it’s not invincible. Sharp objects or heavy impacts can still cause damage.
Conclusion
Hickory is absolutely a hardwood. It’s the hardest of all domestic hardwoods. Since hickory is the hardest commercially available hardwood, you know it can handle daily wear.
If you are looking for durability and striking natural colors, hickory floors are an ideal choice. Choosing the best hardwood depends on various things, including aesthetic style and individual budget, and while hickory offers a good choice for those concerned about foot traffic and longevity, others such as red oak might also be included when considering hardwood floors. Ultimately, selecting hardwood is personal and depends on the home's décor style.
Hickory flooring is a strong and durable flooring option able to withstand heavy foot traffic. With proper care, your hickory floors will last for years. With this hardwood, you'll always have great flooring to stand on. Selecting solid hardwood is important so take the necessary time and look at samples to find what looks right.
