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Exceptionally tough and naturally striking, hickory is one of the hardest and strongest domestic hardwoods available—ideal for projects that demand both beauty and durability. We offer high-quality hickory lumber and products perfect for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, tool handles, and other heavy-use applications. Hickory features a bold, contrasting grain with a mix of light and dark tones that give it a distinctive rustic character. It machines well with sharp tools, finishes beautifully, and offers superior shock resistance, making it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary designs. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood specializes in sourcing hard-to-find wood species and providing expert, personalized service. Whether you're building a statement piece or looking for unmatched durability, hickory delivers strength, character, and lasting performance you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hickory wood and what are its main characteristics?
Hickory is one of the hardest and strongest domestic hardwoods, with a Janka hardness of approximately 1820. It has a pronounced colour variation between the pale sapwood and darker reddish-brown heartwood, a coarse, open grain, and a rustic character that is distinctive in flooring and furniture. Hickory is known for extreme toughness and shock resistance, making it the traditional wood for tool handles and sporting goods.
Why is hickory popular for hardwood flooring?
Hickory's extreme hardness makes it one of the most durable domestic hardwood flooring options available. The colour variation between sapwood and heartwood creates a distinctive rustic character that suits farmhouse, craftsman, and country-style interiors. Because hickory machines less smoothly than maple or oak, hickory flooring is often available in wire-brushed and hand-scraped finishes that complement its natural character.
Is hickory difficult to work with?
Yes. Hickory's extreme hardness and interlocked grain make it one of the more challenging domestic hardwoods to work with. It dulls cutting tools more quickly than softer species and can be prone to tearout if tools are not kept sharp. Drilling requires sharp bits and slower feed rates. For hand tool work, extra effort is required. The difficulty is accepted in exchange for the excellent durability of finished hickory pieces.
What finishes work on hickory?
Hickory accepts stain, though its colour variation between sapwood and heartwood means stain will produce noticeably different tones across the board. This is typically embraced as part of hickory's rustic character rather than treated as a defect. Oil-based stains penetrate the open grain well. Clear finishes including polyurethane and oil finishes are also appropriate.
Does Windsor Plywood carry hickory lumber?
Windsor Plywood carries hickory hardwood lumber subject to current availability. Hickory is less commonly stocked than oak or maple due to its specialty nature. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm whether hickory is currently in stock or available to order, and to discuss your project requirements.