Species guide

American hickory

Latin name

Carya spp.

Other Common names

Distribution

Eastern USA, principal commercial areas Central and Southern states.

General Description

The hickories are an important group within the Eastern hardwood forests. Botanically they are split into two groups; the true hickories, and the pecan hickories (fruit bearing). The wood is virtually the same for both and is usually sold together. The sapwood of hickory is white, tinged with brown while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown. Both are coarse textured and the grain is usually straight but can be wavy or irregular.

Working Properties

The hickories are considered difficult to machine and glue, and are very hard to work with hand tools, so care is needed. They hold nails and screws well, but there is a tendency to split so pre-boring is advised. The wood can be sanded and polished to a good finish. It can be difficult to dry and has a large shrinkage.

Physical Properties

The density and strength of the hickories will vary according to the rate of growth, with the true hickories generally showing higher values than the pecan hickories. The wood is well known for its very good strength and shock resistance and it also has excellent steam bending properties.

Durability

Rated as non-resistant to heartwood decay. The sapwood is liable to attack by the powder post beetle. The wood is classed as resistant to preservative treatment.

Availability

USA:
Readily available, more limited if sold selected for colour as either red or white hickory.

Export:
Limited due to low demand. Available only from specialist importers in thin stock only.

Main Uses

Tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, wooden ladders, dowels and sporting goods.

Grading

Typically referred to as hickory in the North and pecan in the South of the USA. Bird pecks are a common characteristic and are not considered a defect. Order the lumber surfaced to insure good colour as the wood is susceptible to blue stain. The FAS grade permits a minimum width of 4 inches (10.16cm). Deep purple mineral streaks are a natural characteristic and are not considered a defect.

Technical statistics

Specific Gravity (12% M.C.):	0.75
Average Weight (12% M.C.):	833 kg/m3
Average Volume Shrinkage (Green to 6% M.C.):	14.3%
Modulus of Elasticity:	15,583 MPa
Hardness:	N/A