Using the Natural Beauty of Hickory Hardwood Flooring
If you’ve been searching for hardwood flooring options that combine exceptional durability with breathtaking natural character, hickory hardwood flooring stands out from the crowd. Sourced from native North American trees, hickory is one of the hardest woods available for residential flooring.
A choice that ensures longevity, the distinctive visual characteristics of natural hickory hardwood flooring truly capture the attention of our Bay Area homeowners looking to make a statement.
Top Characteristics of Hickory Wood Floors
What sets hickory apart from other popular hardwoods like oak or maple is its dramatic color and grain variation.
- Color Contrast: Natural hickory boasts a vibrant and often striking contrast between the tree’s heartwood (the older, central part of the tree, which is darker, ranging from light to deep brown) and the sapwood (the younger wood closer to the bark, which is creamy white or pale tan). When planks are milled to include both, the resulting floor is a kaleidoscope of light and dark tones. We see this “busy” visual as highly sought after for creating a truly unique and dynamic aesthetic.
- Grain Pattern: Hickory graining patterns are typically straight, but feature prominent, flowing patterns and often includes burls, knots, and mineral streaks. Use the rustic charm of natural hickory flooring for farmhouses, mountain retreats, and homes that need a relaxed, authentic feel.
Hickory flooring is as tough as it is gorgeous! Hardwood flooring hardness is measured using the Janka scale, which measures the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into the wood:
- Hickory Wood Janka Rating: Hickory consistently rates around 1820 on the Janka scale.
- Comparing Hickory Wood: To put this in perspective, Red Oak rates at 1290. Hickory wood floors offer superior resistance to dents, dings, and heavy wear, making them ideal choices for busy households with children, large pets, or high-traffic areas.
Design Considerations for Hickory Wood Flooring
The natural variation of hickory is its greatest asset, and you can use hardwood inspiration for thoughtful integration into your home design:
- Embrace the Busy: Don’t try to fight the variation. Use the floor as the main focal point and keep other elements like wall color and large furniture relatively simple and neutral to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Staining Options: While “natural hickory hardwood flooring” showcases the full range of colors, hickory takes stains beautifully. Light stains can soften the overall contrast, while darker stains can create a richer, more traditional look. Some of the contrast between the heartwood and sapwood will usually remain visible.
- Board Width: Wider planks (5 inches and up) tend to showcase hickory’s dramatic grain patterns more effectively and can make the variation feel more expansive and less cluttered.
Is Hickory Hardwood a Good Fit for Bay Area Homes?
Hickory’s exceptional durability makes it a practical investment for any home, especially in active Northern California households. Rustic refined looks pair well with many West Coast design trends, from contemporary rustic to classic craftsman styles.
Choosing a floor with such significant character requires seeing it in context. Instead of guessing how a small sample will look with your existing décor and lighting, take advantage of our ease of shop-at-home service. We’ll bring large samples of natural hickory hardwood right to your door in the Bay Area, allowing you to appreciate the full color and grain variation under your unique lighting conditions before you make this long-term investment.
Shopping for New Hickory Wood Flooring in Bay Area
Let our knowledgeable team help you incorporate the strength and beauty of hickory into your home. Call or visit one of our 10+ convenient showrooms across the Bay Area and Northern California, including San Francisco, Albany, Richmond, Concord, Dublin, San Carlos, San Jose, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sunnyvale, and Fairfield. We are committed to helping you find the perfect flooring!