When it comes to hardwood flooring, hickory stands out as a popular choice among both professionals and homeowners for its striking appearance, timelessness, and impressive durability. In fact, choosing hickory flooring can often boost your property’s value.
With around 12 species of hickory native to the United States, this wood offers a variety of options to fit different styles and preferences.
However, like any flooring choice, hickory has its pros and cons. In this article, we’ll discuss each and every one of them to help you determine if hickory wood floors are the right fit for your project. Let’s begin.
The characteristics and pros of hickory wood floors
Hickory hardwood flooring is famous for its distinctive appearance and exceptional strength. Here are some key characteristics and advantages that make hickory wood floors a standout choice:
1. Durability
Hickory is one of the most durable hardwood options available, scoring 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, making it the second hardest flooring type in the U.S.
This remarkable durability makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets and children. Hickory can resist the wear and tear from furniture, dirt, and daily activities so that you can enjoy the beauty of hardwood without the constant worry of damage.
2. Water resistance
Although not waterproof, hickory offers a degree of moisture resistance due to its tight grain pattern and density. This characteristic helps it handle minor spills better than some other hardwoods. However, it’s important to avoid excessive moisture and maintain regular upkeep to preserve its beauty and longevity.
3. Ease of maintenance
Hickory hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain. They require minimal refinishing and can be kept in great condition with simple sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping.
Maintenance is straightforward and cost-effective, eliminating the need for specialized products or professional services.
4. Appearance
Hickory is known for its beautiful stain and finish capabilities. It holds stain well, allowing you to customize the color to suit your preference, whether you want a natural light shade or a deeper, richer tone.
The wood’s distinctive grain and prominent knots give a charming, rustic vibe that can warm up a modern space or enhance a picturesque setting. The unique grain pattern also adds a touch of elegance, which can boost the property’s resale value.
5. Versatility
Hickory flooring is highly versatile, fitting greatly into different settings, from traditional to contemporary. Its natural warmth and character make it a perfect addition to any space while also enhancing the overall aesthetic.
The cons of hickory wood floors
While hickory wood floors offer many advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks. Here are some to consider:
1. Custom stain challenges
The highly contrasted colors in hickory wood can make custom staining a bit tricky. Different parts of the wood may react differently to the stain, leading to an uneven final result.
This challenge can be managed by hiring an experienced professional who knows how to work with hickory’s unique properties.
2. Warping
Hickory is prone to warping if not properly acclimatized before installation. Rushing the installation process or not allowing the wood to adjust to the indoor environment can lead to issues down the line.Â
Professional installation is often recommended to mitigate this risk.
3. Installation difficulties
The hardness that makes hickory wood floors so durable also makes them challenging to install, particularly for DIY enthusiasts. Cutting and sanding hickory can be tough, so professional installation is often the best route. Professionals have the expertise to acclimate the wood properly and handle the material to prevent the above mentioned issue – warping.
4. Price
Although hickory is a common domestic hardwood, its relative scarcity compared to oak or maple makes it more expensive. The limited supply drives up the cost per square foot.
However, hickory wood floors are still more affordable than many exotic hardwood options like Mahogany or Tigerwood, offering a unique look at a comparatively lower price.
5. Sustainability
If sustainability is a primary concern, you should know that there are some other options, better than hickory. Those are oak and maple.
6. Aesthetics
Those unique grain patterns and markings we’ve mentioned earlier are a defining feature. While some people love the distinctive character and rustic charm of hickory wood floors, others might find it too busy or inconsistent for their taste.
The pronounced look isn’t for everyone, so it’s important to make sure it aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Things to consider before buying hickory wood floors
Before investing in hickory wood floors for your home, it’s important to take a look at the following factors:
- The amount of heartwood
The heartwood of hickory trees has a deep brown color, and depending on how the log is cut, the floorboards can have a mix of tan, off-white, and brown.
Going for hickory floorboards made primarily from heartwood will provide better color consistency.
Also, heartwood is more durable than sapwood, which reduces the risk of scratches and dents over time.
- The length of the floorboards
Shorter floorboards result in more seams, which can allow water to seep through and cause damage. Oppositely, longer floorboards not only reduce the number of seams but also offer a more consistent and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
This factor is particularly important when trying to achieve a rustic look with hickory wood floors.
- The double curing
Double curing involves air-drying the wood for three to six months, followed by kiln-drying before manufacturing the planks. This process ensures the wood is moisture-free, enhancing its durability and performance.
Double-cured hickory wood is more stable and easier to install, even after milling. It is suitable for use over radiant heating systems and in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Consulting with flooring experts will help you determine the best areas in your home to install hickory hardwood flooring.
If you’re unsure whether hickory wood floors are the right choice for you, reach out to First Atlanta Flooring. Our team will provide the guidance you need.
