Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
Red OakHickory
| Property | Red Oak Quercus rubra | Hickory Carya spp. |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$ · Moderate | $$ · Moderate |
| Hardness | 1220 lbf | 1820 lbf |
| Workability | Good | Fair |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Medium |
| Outdoor-friendly | No | No |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (North America) |
| Commonly built | Shaker-style cabinets, Hardwood flooring, Dining tables, Bookcases, Interior trim | Axe and hammer handles, Rustic kitchen cabinets, Flooring, Chairs |
| Overview | The workhorse American hardwood, strong, affordable, everywhere. Coarse open grain takes stain readily but reads busy. | One of the toughest, hardest domestic woods. Incredible shock resistance, the classic choice for tool handles and rustic, hard-wearing furniture. |