Hickory (Carya spp.)

Description: The hickories are an important group within the Eastern hardwood forests. Botanically, they are split into two groups: the true hickories and the pecan hickories (fruit bearing). The wood is virtually the same for both and is usually sold together. Hickory is the hardest, heaviest and strongest American wood. The sapwood of hickory is white, tinged with inconspicuous fine brown lines, while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown. Both are coarse-textured and the grain is fine, usually straight, but can be wavy or irregular.

Main Uses: Tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, wooden ladders, dowels and sporting goods.

Physical Properties: The density and strength of the hickories will vary according to the rate of growth, with the true hickories generally showing higher values than the pecan hickories. The wood is well-known for its very good strength and shock resistance and it also has excellent steam-bending properties. Extremely tough and resilient, even texture, quite hard and only moderately heavy.

Availability: Readily available, more limited if sold selected for color as either red or white hickory.

Working Properties: The heaviest of American hardwoods, the hickories can be difficult to machine and glue, and are very hard to work with hand tools, so care is needed. They hold nails and screws well, but there is a tendency to split so pre-boring is advised. The wood can be sanded to a good finish. The grain pattern welcomes a full range of medium-to-dark finishes and bleaching treatments. It can be difficult to dry and has high shrinkage.

Strength and Mechanical Properties: (inch-pound)

Source: American Hardwood Information Center, Species Guide