Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
HickoryWhite Oak
| Property | Hickory Carya spp. | White Oak Quercus alba |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$ · Moderate | $$$ · Premium |
| Hardness | 1820 lbf | 1350 lbf |
| Workability | Fair | Good |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Medium |
| Outdoor-friendly | No | Yes |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (North America) |
| Commonly built | Axe and hammer handles, Rustic kitchen cabinets, Flooring, Chairs | Whiskey & wine barrels, Adirondack chairs, Mission-style furniture, Boat decks, Farmhouse tables |
| Overview | One of the toughest, hardest domestic woods. Incredible shock resistance, the classic choice for tool handles and rustic, hard-wearing furniture. | Red oak's tougher, water-resistant cousin. Closed cellular structure makes it the classic choice for anything that gets wet. |