Hickories & Pecans

Hickory and pecan are the toughest common hardwoods in North America. They belong to the same genus, and their wood is heavy, very hard and shock resistant, which is why hickory has handled axes, hammers and drumsticks for generations. Hickory lumber is often sold as calico because of the sharp contrast between pale sapwood and brown heartwood, a look that shines in rustic kitchens and flooring. Pecan wood is close to hickory in strength and appearance, and the trees grow across the South, so orchard and yard trees across the South sometimes come down as nice slabs. Both woods are hard on cutters and can tear out, so sharp tools and light passes help. They are not rot resistant, so keep them inside. Both make excellent smoking wood, too. Compare hickory and pecan on the species pages below, and check what we have on the racks in Fort Myers.