Wood Species Guide

Hickory

Carya spp. (mainly Carya ovata, C. glabra, C. laciniosa, C. tomentosa)

Also called: Shagbark Hickory, Pignut Hickory, Mockernut Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, White Hickory, True Hickory

Hickory is the heavyweight of American hardwoods: very hard, extremely tough and full of light and dark color contrast. It is perfect for floors, butcher block and rugged rustic furniture.
DomesticHardwoodHickories & Pecans
Good forTabletops & Slabs

About the name “Hickory”

Hickory lumber is sold as a group of several true hickory species. Pecan is a close relative (pecan hickory) and is sometimes mixed in.

What Hickory looks like

Strong contrast between the near-white to pale tan sapwood and the medium to reddish brown heartwood. Boards often mix both, which gives hickory its rustic, high-contrast look.

Grain and texture

Usually straight grain, sometimes wavy, with a medium-coarse texture.

Working Hickory: planing, cutting and gluing

One of the hardest and toughest domestic woods, so it is tough on blades and tends to tear out around irregular grain. Use sharp carbide and light passes. Pre-drill everything. It glues acceptably with good clamping pressure.

Finishing Hickory: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes oil and film finishes well; stain can be uneven because of the light and dark contrast. Seal before epoxy.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Not decay resistant and prone to insect attack if left raw. It moves a lot with humidity changes, more than most domestics. In Florida, acclimate it longer than usual and finish all sides.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

We carry hickory as rough-sawn lumber. It is the toughest domestic we stock, great for kitchen floors, butcher block and anything that will get beat on. Expect to dull blades faster and plan for the extra movement in wide glue-ups. Its mixed light and dark tones suit rustic and farmhouse builds.

Common uses for Hickory

Tool handles, flooring, cabinetry, butcher block, furniture, smoking wood, and sporting goods.

Sustainability and CITES status

Shagbark hickory is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating LowWhat the ratings mean
  • No common reactions reported

Few reactions are reported beyond normal wood dust irritation. Hickory makes a lot of fine dust, so keep it collected.

In the shop
Dust collection and a mask when sanding
Food contact
Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Hickory dust can irritate the eyes, skin and airways in some people. Use dust collection and a mask.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Hickory in stock now

Hardwood lumber in stock (1)

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Similar woods: Hickories & Pecans

See the Hickories & Pecans group guide

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