Hickory: Domestic Hardwood
Hickory wood is classified as a domestic wood and is sometimes referred to as Pignut Hickory, Mockernut Hickory, Red Hickory, or White Hickory.
The heartwood of Hickory is brown or reddish-brown in color and is sold as Red Hickory. The sapwood of Hickory is light in color and sold as White Hickory. Although Hickory is typically straight-grained, it can also be wavy or irregular with a somewhat coarse texture. Gluing can be difficult, but it stains and polishes to a good finish.
Hickory is most widely used for making various sporting goods such as golf club shafts of laminates for tennis racquets. It is also used for bats, skis, drum sticks, striking-tool handles, hammers, and picks. Additionally, it is used in plywood faces and veneers.
Hickory has a Janka hardness rating of 1820.
Characteristics
| Origin of Wood Type | The U.S. |
| Botanical Name | Carya Tomentosa |
| Specific Gravity | .78 |
| Avg. Weight Per BF | 4 lbs |
| Color Range | White sapwood tan to dark brown heartwood |
| Rarity / Availability | Common |
| Typical Avg. Width | 5 – 12 inches |
| Typical Avg. Length | 8 – 12 feet |
| Avg. Waste Factor | 25% |
| Wood Uses | Woodworking, Flooring, and Cabinetry |
| Lumber Grades | FAS to rustic, 2 common |
| Other Trade Names | Pecan Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, American Hickory |