About Hickory Flooring
As you start shopping for new hardwood flooring, you know exactly what you're looking for: distinctive-looking wood planks in a darker hue that are as durable as can be. They need to withstand not only the crew of teenagers you're raising but also the small pack of dogs that are the real rulers of your home. Hickory hardwood flooring checks all the boxes! It's the hardest hardwood commercially available, so it's strong enough to stand up to all the wear and tear your family can throw at it.
Whether you're outfitting a lakeside cabin, your family's country house, or a cozy section of your suburban cottage, there's a natural hickory hardwood flooring that will beautifully complement your space.
Appearance
Going for a dramatic floor that adds warmth and dimension to your home? Natural hickory hardwood combines dark brown coloring with distinctive grain patterns to deliver a stunning hardwood option. Hickory planks can range from mid to deep brown, with hints of cinnamon and auburn throughout. If you'd love to add some texture and warmth to your space, handscraped hickory hardwood flooring may be just the answer!
To keep smaller rooms from feeling cramped or overwhelming, consider beautiful hickory flooring in wide planks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hickory Wood Flooring
Mulling over all your flooring options? Sometimes a pro/con list can iron out the differences just enough to help you decide. Let's start with the pros of hickory hardwood flooring:
- Ideal for pet-friendly homes since it's extremely durable
- Typically doesn't need replacement for several decades
- Beautiful and dramatic look
- Available as eco-friendly versions
On the cons side, hickory flooring:
- Doesn't offer consistent grain patterns across planks
- Isn't water resistant, so it can buckle or shrink if it's not properly acclimated to your home before installation
Durability
Hickory is as good as it gets when it comes to durable hardwood floors! As the hardest domestic hardwood on the market, hickory isn't swayed by the busiest households. That includes your children’s rowdy playtime and the incessant laps your dogs take in an effort to keep up. Hickory wood flooring isn't easily damaged, so no worrying about scratch marks or scuffs from your everyday use.
Lifespan and Installation
You'll see the benefits of hickory's incredible durability in its longevity. Your new hickory flooring can stick around for the next generation to enjoy if you take good care of it! This all depends on several factors, many of which you can influence. These include:
- How the flooring is installed
- Quality of the materials used
- How much wear and tear the hickory wood flooring sees
- If you keep the floor maintained based on the manufacturer's instructions
When it comes time to talk installation, you're best served by a seasoned expert. A pro installer will bring the right gear and tackle the job efficiently without skipping a step. Better yet, you'll be left with a gorgeous hickory hardwood floor with none of the back-breaking work!
If after years of enjoyment and regular use your hickory wood flooring begins to fade, you can sand and refinish it for a like-new look!
Maintaining Hickory Flooring
Once installed, it's not too difficult to keep your new hardwood floors in tip-top shape. You'll want to vacuum or sweep the surfaces once a week or so to collect any dirt and debris that's accumulated. If your toddler spills their drink or the kitchen sink overflows, quickly wipe up the liquid to avoid water damage. For an occasional deeper clean, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Hickory Flooring FAQs
Is hickory the hardest wood?
Yes, hickory is the hardest wood that you can buy! There is a harder wood, though, and it's called Australian buloke, but it’s not made as hardwood flooring. It's an ironwood that's sometimes used to craft fine furniture and knife handles.
What color is hickory flooring?
Natural hickory flooring can range from dark cocoa brown to beige with hints of red tones. Hickory is also receptive to stain, so you can easily get the perfect color or finish to fit your home's aesthetic.
Is hickory a good hardwood floor?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, hickory hardwood flooring is among the most durable options you can find. Hickory holds up to your family's daily traffic and active lifestyle decade after decade. Plus, as one of the hardest hardwood species, it's also more resistant to liquids than other hardwood selections.
