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Hickory

Carya glabra

Also known as: Pignut Hickory, Smoothbark Hickory

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Hickory wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
1,820 lbf (8,096 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
830 kg/m³ (52 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.72
Type
Temperate hardwood
Grain
Usually straight, can be irregular
Texture
Medium to coarse
Durability
Moderate durability, susceptible to insect attack
Region
North America
Sustainability
Sustainable — Sustainable, abundant in eastern North American forests

Overview

Hickory is one of the hardest and strongest North American hardwoods, renowned for its exceptional shock resistance. It is the traditional choice for tool handles, axe helves, and ladder rungs. The wood is demanding to work but delivers unmatched strength and durability for impact applications.

The heartwood is light to medium brown with a reddish tint; sapwood is pale. It has a medium to coarse texture with usually straight grain. Dried weight averages 830 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 1,820 lbf. The wood is among the hardest domestic species with exceptional flexibility.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

High - very hard wood

Gluing

Good with proper surface preparation

Finishing

Takes finish well; open grain may need filler

Steam Bending

Good bending when steamed

Scent

Mild, pleasant when worked; smoke used for barbecue

Assessment

Strengths

  • Exceptional shock resistance
  • Very hard
  • Flexible
  • Excellent for tool handles

Weaknesses

  • Difficult to work
  • Can be brittle
  • Variable density between species

Common Uses

Tool handles · Ladder rungs · Skis · Flooring · Baseball bats · Smoking wood