Hickory wood is sourced from hickory trees and it makes an excellent choice for flooring. This hard and strong wood has a rating of 1820 on the Janka scale and is sought after for its strength, density, and durability.
Although hickory wood flooring may not be as common as other types of wood, it is an ideal option for those looking for wood with a rustic appearance. There are also several benefits associated with hickory wood, hence why it is considered a great choice for flooring.
As we have touched upon, hickory has a strong aesthetic appeal and is available in multiple varieties. It illuminates a warm glow which can enhance the elegance of the room that it is fitted in. On a sidenote, you can also read to see if rubber wood is the way to go for you.
It is worth noting that the grains and spiral patterning can differ between planks, and because of this, there is no guarantee that every plank is going to look the same.
Hickory wood is also very accepting of stains and finishes. If you are not quite satisfied with the natural appearance of hickory wood, you will be pleased to know that you can apply a stain to change the color. You can then apply a coat of a finishing product and the wood will take it very well.
Maintaining and caring for a hickory wood floor is also a straightforward task. It needs very little to no maintenance at all, so long as it is correctly installed and sealed.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot sweep or hoover it as part of your normal cleaning routine, but you needn’t worry about having to give it specialized care. An occasional mop will help to keep it looking fresh, but refinishing it is only really necessary once 5 years have passed.
The durability of hickory wood provides another reason why it is a good choice for flooring. It can endure intense foot traffic and daily wear without deteriorating in quality. In fact, it is believed to be a lot more durable than many other types of flooring.
It is also a great option for families with pets. When correctly cared for, you can expect hickory wood flooring to last for an impressive length of time. Of course, over time you should expect it to begin to fade if furniture is frequently moved along it and also if foods or liquids are regularly spilled on it.
Another reason why hickory wood is a strong contender for flooring is its shock resistance. Should you accidentally drop an object onto the floor you needn’t worry about it causing any severe damage.
There is a variety of hickory wood species available as well as a selection of different types, the three most common being; solid hickory flooring, laminate hickory flooring, and engineered hickory flooring. As such you can choose the style that is going to complement the aesthetic of the room that it is going to be fitted in.
It is worth noting that whilst there are many benefits of hickory wood flooring, its toughness can make it difficult to cut and install yourself. Hickory wood can also be quite expensive so it is important to bear this in mind if you are on a tighter budget.
Do hickory floors scratch easily?
A concern for many when considering any type of hardwood floor is whether or not it is going to scratch easily. Hickory is a hardwood that has a tough resistance to scratching. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is not going to scratch at all, when compared to other types of wood it is going to be more effective in resisting them.
You should expect a wooden floor that is subjected to heavy foot traffic to collect scratches over time, however, you needn’t worry because these scratches can easily be buffed out of a hickory floor.
Correctly caring for and maintaining your hickory floor is a very important part of preserving the quality. Failure to do so, combined with misuse is likely to cause your floor to begin deteriorating sooner than you were anticipating.
If you have noticed any scratches on your hickory floor you may be wondering what you can do to get rid of them. You will be pleased to know that the process is fairly straightforward.
If your floor has been coated with a wax product you can use a wax stick that is the same color to fill it in. If you have a hickory floor that has been coated with a stain or a varnish you will need to buff the area where you have identified the scratch using some steel wool. You will also need to use a filler and some water.
Ensuring that your hickory floors are correctly installed will help to reduce the risk of it becoming scratched or warped.
Are hickory floors out of style?
No hickory floors are not out of style, in fact, it is increasing in popularity. In regards to hardwood floor trends, hickory is a strong contender. It is often opted for by those who want a distressed-looking floor that emulates a rustic feel. Many homeowners also appreciate the versatility and durability of this type of flooring in comparison to other options.
The color palette of hickory wood is also quite varied, with tones ranging from red to brown. The panels are made up of knots that form the grained pattern. As such, you have plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing the best style and color floor for your home.
Due to the rareness of this type of wood, many would agree that it has a gorgeous look that can increase the value of your home.
Ultimately, it is important to choose the right type of flooring for you and your home. Whilst awareness of the current trends can provide a helpful guide during the decision-making process, you should opt for the type of flooring that caters to your taste and aesthetic regardless of whether it is in style or not.