Hickory

Scientific Name: Carya App Illinoinensis

Other Common Names: Shagbark Hickory, Pignut Hickory, Mockernut Hickory

Hickory, harvested from the Glacial and Appalachian regions, is recognized for its remarkable durability and distinctive aesthetic. Its typically straight grain, coupled with potential wavy or irregular patterns, contributes to a coarse texture that complements both rustic and sophisticated designs.

Renowned for its exceptional hardness and impact resistance, Hickory is suited for high-traffic flooring and heavy-duty applications. Its natural color variation, from creamy whites to deep browns, allows for a striking visual contrast, making it ideal for statement pieces that require both resilience and beauty. Hickory stains remarkably well and all the color variations are leveled out when stained.

Machining
Sanding
Finishing
Gluing
Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

Hickory is used for smoking meats, imparting a distinctive flavor that’s cherished by barbecue enthusiasts.

What’s Hickory Used For?
  • Cabinetry
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Doors
  • Millwork
  • Case Goods
  • Tool Handles
  • Ladders
  • Pick and Axe Handles
Why Hickory?
  • Exceptional hardness
  • Impact-resistant
  • Striking color/grain contrast
  • Durable for heavy-use
  • Rustic or sophisticated finish
  • Finishes well

NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does Hickory Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
MachiningSandingFinishingGluingFastening/
Nailing/
Screwing
Weight
per bdft
Specific
Gravity
(Density)
Hardness
(Janka)
Bending
Strength
(MOR)
Bending
Stiffness
(MOE)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
R (%)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
T (%)
Alder101010972.45.415909,8001,3804.47.3
Ash9109863.56.611,32015,0001,7404.97.8
Basswood10109882.50.374108,7001,4606.69.3
Beech8810883.69.641,26014,9001,7205.511.9
Cherry10910973.07.5295012,3001,4903.77.1
Hickory377334.14.671,82013,7001,7304.98.9
Hard Maple9810943.73.641,45015,8001,8304.89.9
PC Maple9910952.74.5085010,7001,4503.77.1
Soft Maple8910953.19.5595013,4001,6404.08.2
Red Oak (Northern)10109973.64.631,22014,3801,7614.08.6
Oregon White Oak999884.34.721,64010,2001,0904.29.0
White Oak (Eastern)9109773.94.681,35014,3801,7624.48.8
Poplar9810962.81.4354010,1001,5804.68.2
Walnut989773.36.561,01014,6001,6805.57.8
Yellow Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5

Grades Available

Tailored for Appalachian hardwoods, NWH’s proprietary grades focus on structural integrity and dimensional consistency—helping you optimize yield, cutting efficiency, and overall value.
4 Grades Available
Hickory Prime is our highest yielding grade, yielding at a minimum 83-1/3% clear-face cuttings and 6...
Applications
  • Cabinet and Entry Doors
  • Case Goods
  • Millwork
Hickory #1 Common yields at a minimum 66-2/3% clear face cuttings with minimum cutting sizes of 4ā€...
Applications
  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Components
  • Millwork
Hickory #2 Common is designed to yield shorter cuttings with the best face yielding a minimum of 50%...
Applications
  • Panels
  • Drawer Fronts
  • Picture Frames
  • Small Specialty Items
  • Rustic/Knotty Applications
Rustic Hickory is designed for rustic and distressed furniture, cabinetry and flooring applications....
Applications
  • Rustic Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Millwork