Hickory Flooring - 5 Key Features To Love

Maybe you have or haven’t heard of hickory flooring. Hickory is an excellent alternative to many weaker types of wood like maple or red oak. This type of flooring can last for many generations. It is also able to withstand scratches and stains when compared with other flooring options. Is hickory the best material for your floor?

Hickory is a relative of the pecan tree which is why it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The grain of hickory is not as grainy as other wood types like oak. Never try to acclimate hickory hardwood kas it absorbs moisture more rapidly compared to other species. If you acclimate this wood, you could end up voiding the warranty of your flooring. It is best to install your hickory flooring upon delivery.

If the Janka hardness rating is going to be the major factor that will sway your buying decision, then hickory scores high on this. It has a rating of 1820 which means it is one of the hardest woods in the entire world.

This Janka rating means that hickory is hard, durable and highly resilient. It can withstand the wear and tear of everyday living. Though hickory is recognized for its popular brownish-red hue, you can also shop for white hickory. There are other colors to choose from since hickory can be easily stained. Naturally, this sapwood comes in a creamy, white color.

Benefits to Enjoy

One of the leading hickory benefits that you can enjoy is its high shock resistance. This wood is commercially sold in the country and is also widely used in making golf clubs and baseball bats.

Hickory is also suitable for crafting furniture. It is also used as flooring in homes that would like to have floors that can withstand heat, pressure and weight.

Durability is yet another key feature of hickory. Compared to pine, teak, oak or maple, this wood is a lot more sturdy. It is better able to withstand dents and scratches. Even when excess force is used, hickory has been observed to hold its ground.

Hickory also offers a unique grain pattern. It is extremely attractive and when laid out as a house’s flooring, you are sure to be awed by its distinctive charm. There are color variations to choose from ranging from dark brown, coffee, brownish-red and its natural color which is creamy white.

Hickory also has mineral streaks and knots that further enhance the beauty of the flooring.

Hickory is also ideal for any rustic home because of its dramatic coloration. If you want to establish a rustic appeal in your home, then you would never go wrong in choosing hickory. Just one look with this flooring and you’d think of a log cabin or a country inn.

While it hickory may be harder to cut and shape because of its hardness, still, it is a great option for many homes and offices. The hardest tools can shape this wood but make sure that a professional handles its cutting and installation. Pre-cut options are already available.

Hickory has wider floorboards which makes installation a lot easier. Just be cautious when buying this material since it can be susceptible to warping when not properly dried. Also, making sure that the wood has properly dried means you will be able to achieve better staining. Find the soft area of the wood and apply the stain there. If you want even staining on all floorboards, then make sure that an expert would finish the task for you.

These features just prove the beauty and sturdiness of hickory flooring. It is no surprise, therefore, that this material has overtaken many other flooring types on the market.