Hickory Hardwood Flooring
Hickory hardwood flooring is made from a variety of hickory woods, and showcases the range of interwoven colors and hues for which hickory is known. This type of wood floor is available in prefinished hickory flooring and unfinished. This article will explore different aspects of hickory, manufacturing processes, and cost issues which are important to the home buyers who are considering installing a magnificent hickory wood floor.
Grades and Hardwood Prices
Hickory is the hardest of the hardwoods grown in North America. Hickory is so hard that it is often difficult to sand and cut, without specialized tools. Hickory hardwood prices will vary, but most square foot prices start just over $3.00. The more select grades of hickory wood will be seen costing up to $9.00 per square foot and more. Most grades and colors fall between these two prices. Engineered or veneer hickory flooring will generally stay in the lower price ranges and is comparable to some of the lower grades of solid hickory flooring.
Lower grades of hickory hardwood flooring may contain more knots, burls and defects than the higher grades, making it appear more rustic, and sometimes not as asthetically pleasing for all settings. The higher grades have a more refined, smooth look. Hickory wood colors range from the lightest buff to cocoa, with golds, rusts, reds and tans intermingled.
The term "calico hickory" has been coined to describe this quality of hickory. These color differences are partly due to the wood being harvested from different varieties of hickory trees from many countries. Hickory can withstand very tough wear, even in kitchens and children's play areas. However, the colors and grades of hickory wood will help dictate final appearance, and appropriateness to any specific room.
As mentioned, hickory hardwood prices will be impacted by the grades of hickory wood desired. The lower grades will reflect a more beautifully rustic floor. For a more formal appearance, the select grades may be more desirable. Due to the distinctive appearance of this wood, especially the lower grades, its visual adaptability is somewhat limited.
Prefinished vs Unfinished Hickory Hardwood
Due to the extreme hardness of hickory, and the difficulty in sanding it, many manufacturers and retailers recommend that buyers seriously consider purchasing the prefinished hickory flooring. The cost difference between this and the unfinished hickory flooring is not too significant, and can save the buyer many hours of effort in trying to sand, stain, and seal this very hard wood.
The pros and cons of hickory flooring seem weighted more toward the great aspects of this wood. Superior hardness, unique patterns, color choices and reasonable cost are qualities many woods simply do not possess. It is also available in a variety of widths, generally 2 1/4"-8" planks, up to 8'. This variety of sizes further assists the buyer in designing the exact look desired. While unfinished hickory flooring does present some issues in sanding and custom staining, factory prefinishing offers many beautiful choices.
Is Hickory Hardwood a Smart Choice?
The bold, warm, rustic look of hickory place hickory hardwood flooring at the top of seller's lists, in terms of popularity. Its extreme hardness allows flexibility of application that other woods cannot match. In considering all the pros and cons of hickory flooring, once installed, the homeowner can relax, knowing it was a smart purchase.