Hickory / Pecan

Hickory’s color ranges from tan or reddish to white or cream with fine brown lines, while Pecan can vary in color from reddish brown with dark stripes to creamy white with pinkish tones. Both originating from North America, Hickory can be described as somewhat rough textured, and the Pecan is occasionally wavy or irregular. Hickory/Pecan are considered medium in hardness, which makes them good all-around woods, fitting most lifestyles.

Appearance

Color: Pecan hardwood is reddish brown with dark brown stripes; sapwood is white or creamy white with pinkish tones. Hickory hardwood is tan or reddish; sapwood is white to cream, with fine brown lines.

Grain: Pecan is open, occasionally wavy or irregular. Hickory is closed with moderate definition; somewhat rough-textured.

Variations within species and grades: In both hickory and pecan, there are often pronounced differentiations in color between spring wood and summer wood. In pecan, sapwood is usually graded higher than darker hardwood. Pecan and hickory are traditionally mixed by flooring mills.

Properties

Hardness (Janka): 1820 (41% softer than Northern red oak). Pecan is slightly softer than true hickories.

Dimensional Stability: Average (8.9; 3% less stable than Northern red oak.)