Hickory Hardwood Floor: Everything You Need to Know

With its bold grain, striking contrasts and great strength, hickory has become a popular choice for flooring. As tough as it is stylish, this North American hardwood turns an ordinary floor into a real statement piece.

Not too quiet, not too flashy, it stands out with a strong look and surprising versatility. Its natural shades, from creamy light tones to deep brown, fit just as well in modern homes as in rustic décors. Available as solid wood or engineered flooring, hickory offers solid options in both style and function.

This guide gives you a complete overview of this unique wood: properties, care, recommended uses and what to keep in mind when deciding if hickory hardwood flooring is right for your space.

Things to remember

Hickory wood is one of the hardest in North America (1820 lbf), making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
Its rich range of colours and unique grain make it a popular aesthetic choice, whether for rustic or modern styles.
It requires little maintenance and can be refinished multiple times.

Rare wood with exceptional qualities

Also known as ironwood in Canada or white walnut elsewhere, hickory is a relatively rare hardwood. It grows in the northeastern parts of North America, especially in Quebec and Ontario. So, it’s not an exotic species, but a local, strong wood suited to our climates.

Its hardness is one of its biggest advantages. On the Janka scale, which measures resistance to impact, hickory surpasses even 40% of classic woods like white oak or sugar maple. This durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways or shared spaces.

Rich and lively look

Hickory floors stand out with their varied colour palette, ranging from creamy white to deep brown. Each plank has natural contrasts and a unique character, creating a look that is both harmonious and lively. This organic personality brings depth and texture to any space.

The grain, less pronounced than oak but more noticeable than maple, strikes a beautiful balance between texture and subtlety. This softness allows hickory to fit into both rustic and contemporary settings. An oiled or matte finish enhances its natural tones and texture.

The darker shades of the wood may fade with extended exposure to light, but this will stabilise after a few months. This is a common phenomenon and can be anticipated depending on the light in the room.

Unmatched durability

Hickory is known for its strength. Its high density allows it to withstand everyday impacts: pet scratches, shoes, heavy foot traffic. This natural toughness makes it a smart choice for active living spaces.

Its resistance to moisture and rot also surpasses that of many other types of wood. It’s suitable for areas that face more exposure, like a hallway or a well-ventilated basement.

Like all hardwoods, it can be sanded and refinished over time, extending its lifespan. Its timeless look makes it easy to match with any décor, whether you prefer clean lines, raw materials or warmer atmospheres.

Solid wood or engineered hickory?

Hickory is available in two types of flooring, each with its advantages. Solid hardwood, made entirely of hickory, stands out for its authenticity. It offers great longevity and natural charm, especially when installed in a stable environment.

Engineered wood, on the other hand, consists of a hickory veneer glued onto a multi-layered base. More stable dimensionally, it’s ideal for installations on concrete or in rooms that face humidity changes.

In both cases, the look remains true to the original wood. The grain, contrasts, and style of hickory are fully preserved.

Check out our article to learn more about the differences between solid wood and engineered wood flooring.

What you need to know before buying

Like all natural materials, hickory has its quirks. Its high density can make installation a bit more challenging. It’s a hard wood that requires the right tools and a certain level of expertise. For the best results, it’s often recommended to have a professional handle the installation. Deco Surfaces offers flooring installation services—contact us!

Its price may also be something to consider. Higher than more common woods like oak or cherry, it reflects its rarity, durability and visual impact. For those looking to invest in a floor that will stand the test of time without losing its value, hickory remains an excellent choice.

Caring for a hickory floor

Hickory requires little maintenance, but a few simple steps will keep it in good shape. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove abrasive particles like sand or gravel. A slightly damp cloth and a gentle cleaner are all that’s needed for cleaning. Harsh products or those with oils should be avoided.

Adding felt pads under furniture legs reduces the risk of marks. If the surface shows signs of wear over time, restoration or sanding can bring it back to its original look. This type of maintenance can be done several times during the floor’s lifespan, especially with solid wood.

A wood for real life

Hickory fits naturally into spaces where surfaces are put to the test. Its resistance to wear and impact allows it to last through the years with consistency. It keeps its form and appearance, even in the busiest rooms.

But beyond its technical qualities, it also adds character. Its bold grain and rich tones make it an expressive wood, capable of defining a space without overwhelming it. It’s a material that’s both reliable and stylish, perfectly suited for everyday use.

Discover our collections online or in-store at Deco Surfaces and let yourself be inspired.

Hickory: an Elegant and Durable Hardwood Floor