The hickories are an important group within the Eastern hardwood forest. 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. The sapwood of hickory is white, tinged with brown while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown. Both are coarse-textured and the grain is usually straight but can be wavy or irregular.

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. It can be difficult to dry and has high shrinkage.

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.

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

Perfection Percentages (Percentage of time specie machines properly)
Planning - Perfect Pieces - 76%
Turning - Fair to Excellent Pieces - 84%
Sanding - Good to Excellent Pieces - 80%

Janka Hardness Rating - 1820 (Whats This?)