The Pros and Cons of Hickory Flooring

Hickory flooring is a popular home choice thanks to its distinctive grain patterns and long-lasting qualities. It’s also one of the hardest wood flooring options in the United States, making it ideal if you need something to stand up against wear and tear.

Let’s explore hickory flooring pros and cons, maintenance tips, and more about hickory floors.

What Is Hickory?

Hickory is a hardwood species native to North America and eastern Asia. Species of hickory live all over the U.S., and they’re well known for their exceptional strength and resilience. 

Hickory flooring is noted for its striking appearance that features intricate wood grains, mineral streaks, knots, and color variations within individual boards. These natural elements contribute to hickory’s rustic charm and unique appeal. Wider planks, often ideal for hickory floors, showcase the wood’s distinctive patterns and character.

Where Is Hickory on the Janka Hardness Scale?

The Janka hardness scale tests and rates tree species based on their resistance to wear and denting. Each species receives a pound of force (lbf) rating ranging from zero to over 4,000. This rating often determines which type is best for flooring. The higher the rating, the harder the wood is and the better it can stand up against wear and tear, traffic, and pets in the home. 

Any hardness over 1,000 is ideal for flooring, but hickory comes in at 1,820. That makes it one of the hardest domestic wood flooring options in the U.S.

What Are the Pros of Hickory Flooring?

Hickory flooring offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among homeowners. Here are some of the key benefits:

Striking Appearance

One of the primary reasons that homeowners choose hickory flooring is its overall appearance. Available in various options, including solid planks and engineered formats, hickory boasts a lighter shade that can brighten up any room.

When properly finished, hickory floors reflect natural light with a soft, warm glow that adds an element of elegance to the space. The wood’s natural grain patterns and knots tend to be darker than the surrounding wood, creating a striking contrast that adds depth and character to the floor. Thanks to its beautiful appearance, hickory can be the perfect option for a homeowner who loves rustic wood flooring. 

Durability

Hickory’s exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. This durability particularly benefits households with children, pets, or lots of foot traffic. 

Hickory also holds stains well, allowing homeowners to customize the floor’s appearance to match their decor. When properly sealed and maintained, hickory is even resistant to water and spills.

Increased Home Value

Installing hickory flooring can significantly increase the value of your home. Real estate listings often highlight hickory’s durability and appeal, making properties with this type of flooring more attractive to potential buyers. 

Versatility

Available in solid and engineered planks, hickory offers flexibility in installation and customization. It’s possible to sand and refinish solid hickory multiple times, allowing for updates to its appearance over the passage of time. Engineered hickory, with its stable core, is installable in areas—like basements—with higher humidity. This quality broadens the scope of its application within the home.

What Are the Cons of Hickory Floors?

While hickory flooring offers numerous benefits, homeowners should consider these drawbacks before making a decision:

Design Conflicts

The same qualities that make hickory visually appealing may not suit every interior design style, and hickory can clash with certain furniture styles or room layouts. 

Hickory’s light shade can make scuff marks more noticeable in high-traffic areas, and lighter woods don’t always complement rustic room designs or darker-themed spaces like traditional English-style studies. In addition, hickory’s pronounced grain patterns can sometimes create an overly “busy” look, especially when using narrower boards. 

High Cost

Hickory’s longevity can offset the initial investment, but hardwood flooring is typically more expensive than other options. According to Angi, hickory can cost $6 to $14 per square foot. Pre-finished and high-grade hickory boards often come at a premium. Location can also impact costs, but Homewyse has a free cost calculator for hickory flooring that considers location.

Some homeowners may find this flooring to be out of their budget, even if its durability makes it a solid choice in the long run.

Installation Challenges

Installing hickory flooring can be challenging, especially for DIY enthusiasts. The wood’s density makes it hard to cut and sand, often requiring specialized tools and expertise. Professional installation is generally best for hickory floors, potentially adding to the overall project cost.

Hickory also requires careful preparation before installation. The wood needs to acclimate to local conditions for several days to minimize the risk of warping or gaps forming later.

Warping Concerns

Compared to some other hardwoods, hickory is prone to swelling and contracting with changes in humidity and temperature. Acclimating the flooring and following the best installation practices can prevent issues between boards, such as cupping or gaps.

Homeowners in areas with significant seasonal climate changes should maintain consistent indoor humidity levels to protect their hickory floors.

How to Care for Hickory Floors

To maximize the lifespan and beauty of hickory flooring, follow these maintenance and care tips:

• Clean regularly. Vacuum or sweep the floor often to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
• Promptly address spills. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage or staining.
• Use protective pads. Place felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches when moving items.
• Maintain indoor humidity. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels consistent, typically between 30% and 50%.
• Refinish periodically. Depending on wear, hickory floors may need refinishing every seven to 10 years to maintain their appearance and protective seal.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. To avoid damaging the finish, use cleaning products specifically designed for hardwood floors.
• Protect from sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading. Use curtains or blinds to minimize UV exposure.
• Use rugs and mats. Place rugs in high-traffic areas and mats at entry points to reduce the dirt and moisture that come into contact with the floor.
• Repair scratches. While hickory is highly durable, it’s not entirely impervious to damage. For minor scratches, use a touch-up pen or wood filler. For more significant damage, try professional refinishing.

Are Hickory Floors Right for You?

Hickory flooring could be a fantastic option if you love its appearance, need durable floors, and have a consistent indoor humidity level. However, hickory’s high cost and warping concerns may give some homeowners pause. Before buying a house with hickory flooring, think carefully about your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences, and compare hickory to other flooring options to make the best decision for your home.