Collection: American Hickory

Appearance of American Hickory Timber

American Hickory features sapwood that is white with a brownish tint, while the heartwood ranges from pale to reddish brown. The timber has a coarse texture and a straight grain, though wavy or irregular grain is also common. Bird pecks and mineral streaks, often present, add to its rustic charm and are not considered defects.

Common Applications of American Hickory Timber

American Hickory’s strength and durability make it ideal for high-stress applications like tool handles, drumsticks, ladders, and sporting goods. Its attractive appearance also lends itself well to cabinetry, furniture, and flooring, especially where a rustic or natural look is desired. Increasingly popular for flooring, American Hickory’s hardwearing properties make it well-suited to high-traffic areas.

Workability of American Hickory Timber

While Hickory is challenging to work with due to its density, it takes nails and screws well with pre-boring to prevent splitting. It sands and polishes to a smooth finish, though care is required in machining and gluing. Hickory’s high shrinkage rate makes drying difficult, so it may require careful handling in environments with variable moisture. It also has good steam-bending properties, adding versatility to its range of applications.

Durability of American Hickory Timber

Known for its toughness, American Hickory is a resilient and hardwearing timber that provides excellent shock resistance. While not typically durable for outdoor use, its strength and hardness make it ideal for indoor, high-stress applications and decorative uses.

Origin and Availability of American Hickory Timber

Kosny Timber can source American Hickory from the eastern United States, where it is widely available. Although imported in limited quantities to Australia, American Hickory is increasingly sought after for flooring and custom furniture projects, with potential for expanded availability in the future.