Hickory
Carya
American Hickory and Pecan are often processed and sold together due to their similar appearance in logs. This hardwood is renowned for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for flooring, tool handles, and furniture.
Hickory varies significantly in color and grain. Its sapwood is white, sometimes tinged with brown, while the heartwood ranges from pale to dark yellow-brown. The grain is generally straight but can be wavy or irregular, and deep purple mineral streaks or bird pecks are common and considered natural characteristics.
Hickory is difficult to machine and glue and is tough to work with hand tools. Pre-boring is recommended when nailing or screwing to prevent splitting. Despite these challenges, it finishes well with sanding and polishing. Hickory is prone to large shrinkage and may warp under fluctuating moisture conditions.
- Drum Sticks
- Tool Handles
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinets
Clarity for all applications
Our Hickory comes in a variety of different grades. See below for images of our average pack of Hickory in the core three NHLA grades we offer.
Specs
Min. Width: 4 in
Min. Length: 6 ft
Min. Clarity: 83.33%
Specs
Min. Width: 3 in
Min. Length: 4 ft
Min. Clarity: 66.66%
Specs
Min. Width: 3 in
Min. Length: 4 ft
Min. Clarity: 50%
All Hickory Products We Offer
Grades | Lengths (ft) | Thicknesses | Color or Characteristic Sorts |
Select & Better (S&B) | 8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16* |
4/4 |
Calico, White, UNS |
1 Common (1C) | 4-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16* |
4/4 |
Calico, White, UNS |
2 Common (2C) | 4-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16* |
4/4 |
Calico, White, UNS |
*Available upon request only
Sourcing Regions
We typically source our Hickory from the Appalachian, and Northeastern regions of the US which is the primary area that Hickory grows.
The American Hardwood Export Council has an excellent interactive map that can show you where different species grow in the US.
Click the link below and select the species "American Hickory" to see a map of how much of the US forest volume is Hickory.
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Additional Resources
Guide to Sustainable American Hardwoods
This publication combines AHEC’s guide to species and the guide to lumber grades in to a single illustrated and comprehensive guide to sustainable American hardwoods. The front half of the publication gives a full break down of the properties, applications, environmental credentials of the commercially available U.S. hardwood species. The back gives a simplified explanation of the NHLA grading system, which is the national standard for the U.S. hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading.
American Hickory - AHEC Species Guide
Discover detailed info on material availability, mechanical properties, and more on the American Hardwood Export Council website.