Hickory
Carya spp.
Hardness
Very hard; tough on tools but extremely wear-resistant.
Overview
One of the toughest, hardest domestic woods. Incredible shock resistance, the classic choice for tool handles and rustic, hard-wearing furniture.
Commonly built
- Axe and hammer handles
- Rustic kitchen cabinets
- Flooring
- Chairs
Appearance
Pale tan to reddish-brown heartwood with near-white sapwood; often dramatic contrast between the two. Bold, sometimes wild grain.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Hard and dense, dulls edges and can be tough on tools. Prone to tearout; sharp cutters and patience help. Glues and finishes well once worked. Excellent steam-bending.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn hickory panel moves roughly 0.65 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Hickory move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Hickory?
Hickory has a Janka hardness of 1820 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Hickory suitable for outdoor use?
Hickory is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Hickory to work with?
Hickory has Fair workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Hickory move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn hickory panel moves roughly 0.65 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
Takes stain reasonably evenly but the strong contrast between pale sapwood and darker heartwood is hard to fully hide, so many finishers embrace the two-tone look under a clear finish. Dense and hard, so finish penetrates slowly. Open grain can be filled. Clear film finishes show off its rustic character.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used hickory, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.