Hickory Flooring Pros And Cons [Comprehensive Guide]

This is a complete guide on hickory flooring pros and cons with a detailed explanation. When making a flooring purchase, consumers do not often think about the pros and cons of different materials.

In reality, however, knowing what to expect from a product can make it easier to determine which choice will meet the needs of its owner in terms of value and performance.

Hickory wood is among the second strongest in the world, mostly found in India, Canada, USA, Mexico & India, but it does have some pros and cons of its own.

It comes from a hickory tree, a species of hardwood. It’s also one of the most durable, robust, resilient, and shock-resistant floor coverings on the market.

Hickory flooring has a stunning contrast between the light and dark tones, making it look fantastic with stain finishes.

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List Of Hickory Flooring Pros And Cons

If you’re seeking something unique and distinctive, then you can opt for it. This guide will take a look at some of the hickory flooring pros and cons while also discussing installation concerns and other factors.

Pros Of Hickory Flooring (Advantages)

We will now take a look at the advantages of hickory flooring.

Eco-Friendly

Hickory wood is a naturally occurring, eco-friendly material made from solid hickory. Of course, it’s possible to get hardwood flooring from a non-sustainable source, but finding eco-friendly hickory isn’t going to be tough.

This kind of flooring comes from sustainable forestry operations, which makes it a good choice for anyone concerned about the environment.

At the same time, it’s possible to get this type of flooring that has been sustainably harvested and then finished with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes.

This makes it great for people looking to limit the release of toxic chemicals into their homes. It is cultivated in a wide range of species, so double-check to ensure they come from a properly framed plantation.

Durable

Hickory wood is a very durable material making it great for flooring material. It’s a strong wood that holds up well to heavy traffic and exposure to the elements while still demonstrating a gorgeous, natural appearance.

This type of material is an excellent choice for a home with pets or one in an area where spills are common. In fact, hickory hardwood flooring is so sturdy that it’s been used in military settings as durable flooring.

Other floorings may not be able to do so. Furthermore, since it can endure daily strain and pressure for a longer period than other floor coverings, it is also more durable.

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Variety

Hickory comes in a wide range of species, which makes it easy to select flooring that matches or complements other materials. It’s also possible to get hickory wood planks with decorative features like fluted edges and other flourishes based on the specific type of hickory.

To make installation even easier, this kind of flooring is available in a wide range of widths and thicknesses and can be cut to size and customized in a number of ways.

This makes it easy to get this kind of material that’s tailored to fit the space while also being easier to maintain. Different types of hickory floorings are laminate, engineered & solid hickory. The boards come in a variety of widths, colors, and finishes.

Intrinsic Aesthetic Value

Well-maintained hickory hardwood floors can turn out to be an exquisite addition to any room. The attractive, natural grain and color of the material make it an attractive option for those who want flooring that’s going to stand out visually in space.

This kind of flooring is versatile in terms of coordinating with existing furniture and decor. It goes well with traditional, modern, rustic, cottage, or contemporary aesthetics effortlessly.

The grain patterns give it a visual appeal that’s more elegant than other floor coverings. If you’re looking for a new floor but really want something different from what everyone else has, then hickory might be a good option to consider.

When it’s finished properly, this type of flooring can look stunning and elegant in virtually any space.

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Lightens Up The Rooms

Hickory flooring can help to brighten up a space. Since it is light in color, it reflects light and can make any room look brighter and lighten your darker rooms.

If you install this type of material in the entryway or living room, for instance, then people will be able to see a brighten-up area when they come inside your home.

This means that they will immediately feel more comfortable. At the same time, hickory floors are very stylish. Their matte finish gives them a modern look that also makes any room seem brighter and more cheerful.

It has a wide color palette, which includes everything from a creamy brown to an almost-golden brown.

Increases Home Value

If you’re interested in making your home more attractive to potential buyers, then consider getting hickory floors. This type of flooring is becoming increasingly popular with buyers and can help you increase the value of your property.

Many people find that they like the look, feel, and durability of this flooring choice better than other options on the market.

Whether you are interested in this type of material because you want to have it at home or are thinking about including it as part of your renovation package, hickory is a good option to consider.

No matter what kind of hickory flooring you select, investing in this type of material will pay off for years to come.

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Low-Cost Maintenance And Care

Hickory flooring is known for its durability and resistance to scratches and dents. It can help any homeowner save money on maintenance costs since it’s easy to care for.

All you really need to do is sweep regularly, use a mop with water and a mild detergent or cleaning solution if necessary, and then buff dry with a clean, soft cloth.

All types of this flooring are water-resistant and can be very hard to cause any significant damage to, even in high-traffic areas.

This means that it won’t chip, crack, or dent easily. As long as you keep it polished the right way, the material will stay in excellent shape for many years.

Shock Resistance

Hickory flooring has the ability to absorb shock. It’s very durable and resilient, which means that it can keep its shape even after you’ve walked across it for a long time.

This is different than carpet or tile, where your feet will leave an impression on the surface after walking on them for too long.

Hickory floors are famous for their ability to retain their shape and tough exterior. Even after years of walking across the material time and again, it won’t dent or scratch easily, if at all making it a perfect choice for entryways.

Your hickory flooring may withstand falling items. It has a greater scratch resistance than teak and walnut flooring, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.

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Cons Of Hickory Flooring (Disadvantages)

Now you have got an idea about the advantages of hickory flooring. Now stay with us to know about the disadvantages of hickory flooring so you can make an informed decision.

Difficult To Install

Hickory flooring is a complex type of flooring to install. Due to its hardness, it can be extremely hard to get into place without chipping or splitting some parts of it.

When you are planning on installing this type of material, then it’s important that your contractor has specialized tools.

Otherwise, you may end up creating cracks in the flooring that will be difficult to deal with over time. If you want to install hickory floors on your own, then it’s important that you know what you’re doing.

This type of material is extremely hard and has no give when it comes to how tough it can be. Without the right tools for installing this type of flooring, you could end up with slabs that are bent or shaped wrong.

All in all, hickory can be an excellent choice for your floors if you have the time and patience to get the installation right.

Without this critical step, it may be difficult to keep your floors looking their best over the years. For DIYers, it might be tough to install hickory on their own.

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Rustic Appearance

Hickory flooring has a rustic appearance that many people find unappealing. The material doesn’t look polished or shiny when it’s in its natural state, which is part of the reason why it’s becoming increasingly popular to use species like white hickory for this type of flooring.

Even when you get the desired color, there is little to no shine after the flooring has been installed. This lack of shine can be especially frustrating for homeowners who live in areas where it rains frequently or gets humid.

If you want a polished look, then you’ll need to consider having your hickory floors lacquered or oiled before they are installed.

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It Can Rot

Many types of wood can be affected by rot over time, even hickory. This means that you may find your hickory floors or other hickory furniture start to develop problems because the material has become infested with mold/mildew & can also be attacked by insects.

Some people think this is an issue with installation, but it’s actually the nature of the wood. Many people will oil or coat the material before it’s installed in a home to protect against rot, but even this can’t guarantee that you won’t have an issue with rotting.

Rotting can affect the appearance of your hickory flooring, but it can also cause structural issues for homes.

Shrinking & Splinting

Hickory flooring has a high risk of shrinking and splinting. If you live in an area that gets hot summers and cold winters, then it’s possible the wood is going to shrink as it adjusts to the temperature changes.

This can cause cracking and splitting, which will lead to dangerous tripping hazards for those who walk across the flooring. Splinting can also be a problem for this type of flooring, especially if it’s exposed to the sun for too long or gets wet frequently.

If you have an issue with one board in your hickory flooring system, then it might cause problems throughout the entire flooring of the house.

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Costly

The cost of hickory varies depending on the size and style of your deck. It ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot with installation. On average, expect to spend between $3 and $10 for planning and up to $2 to$5 for the complete installation process.

Real wood hickory flooring can be expensive, so you may want to consider using another wood such as pine if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

If you don’t mind about the cost side, then hickory can be highly recommended for your house. It’s strong, durable, and looks great in many homes.

Tough For DIYers

If you plan to install the hickory flooring yourself, keep in mind that it can be tough. Even seasoned DIYers may find themselves struggling with some aspects of installation because this type of material is so tough to work with.

On top of that, many hardware stores don’t even carry all the tools necessary for installing this type of flooring. Because of its high density, you need to make sure your drill is powerful enough before you get started because it will definitely be necessary when installing your hickory flooring system by yourself.

So we don’t recommend doing this job by yourself and need to call some professional person.

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Different Types Of Hickory Flooring

There are different types of hickory flooring that we will discuss below, so you can select the best one for your house.

Engineered Hickory [$2 to $8 per square foot]

Engineered hickory is made of a thin veneer of hickory that is glued to a core of cheaper materials like plywood. Because of this, it’s less expensive than solid hickory flooring, but it still has the same beautiful look and feel. It costs $2 to $8 per square foot.

Laminate Hickory [$5 per square foot]

Laminate hickory flooring is made of a synthetic material that looks like wood. It is the cheapest type of hickory flooring, costing only $5 per square foot. While it doesn’t have the same look and feel as solid or engineered hickory, it is an alternate option if you’re on a budget.

Solid Hickory Flooring [$3 to $10 per square foot]

Solid hickory flooring is a slightly expensive option, costing $3 to $10 per square foot. It is made of a single piece of hickory, so it has a more consistent look and feels than other types of hickory flooring. If you’re looking for the highest quality flooring and you have the budget to match, solid hickory is the best option.

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Final Verdict

Hickory flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it offers a unique look and feels that other types of wood flooring cannot replicate.

Although hickory flooring has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a final decision.

In this article, we have outlined the hickory flooring pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of flooring is right for your home.

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