Hardwood floors are now an asset that is worth having not only in the property market as well as in terms of personal pleasure. Perhaps you’ve taken down some carpeting only to discover the floor was shabby, or maybe you’re considering installing one. Hickory is among the most well-known options but there are some aspects to be considered prior to installing or restoring the floor with hickory.
Basic Information about Hickory
Hickory is a typical type of wood in all of the United States. With the Janka score of 1820 the wood is regarded as the second-hardest flooring material in the world. Hickory panels are adorned with intricate grain patterns knots, mineral streaks and colors that vary in one board. The larger boards are typically preferred for floors as it is better able to show these patterns.
Although it’s more difficult than most flooring woods, hickory is more susceptible to swelling and is not DIY-friendly. This can make hickory floors expensive to set up, but the strength of this wood allows it to last longer than similar flooring materials. This is why it is prized for many renovation projects for homes, from cabinets to flooring shelves.
The advantages of the Hickory Floor
Hickory offers many advantages that makes it more sought-after over other types of wood. These benefits can be summarized in two categories, these categories are usually considered to be the most crucial when considering a long-term home change.
Aesthetics
One of the primary factors that could have drawn you to hickory was its stunning aesthetic attraction. It is available in a variety of choices, including laminates and planks This wood comes in light shades that will brighten up a room. After waxing the natural light is reflected with the soft glow of warm light that adds an element of luxury to your living space. The knots and wood grain tend to be more dark than the surrounding wood creating a natural appearance, even if you stain or wax your flooring.
Durability
It is a common truth that floors will be subject to abuse. Furniture scrapes across the floor food and drinks will spill, and foot traffic can cause dirt or mud to accumulate and natural light can cause the floor to fade over time. The hardness of hickory is what makes it very resistant to fading. It is also able to hold stain better than other kinds of wood. Waxing will improve hickory’s resistance to water.
The disadvantages of hardwood floors
As with all advantages however, there are disadvantages as well. A lot of these drawbacks fall on an individual case and could not be applicable to your situation.
Aesthetic Conflicts
The same characteristics that make hickory appealing visually could also come with an obstacle. The light shade can cause that scratches are not uncommon in high-traffic areas. The lighter woods don’t always look good in rustic rooms and can be a contrast with more traditional English-styled studies or similar rooms with dark themes. The marks that are created during the cutting or sanding process are more noticeable when compared to darker woods. It is also recommended to choose boards with a wider width to stop the grain from giving an excessively “busy” appearance.
Cost
Even though some types of wood like walnut and rosewood are more costly, hickory is a rough choice when you are on a tight budget. It is durable for quite a while however, it may not be economical when compared with other alternatives. This is especially true when you purchase pre-finished wood. Hickory is a great option if you’re looking for a particular look however, you can discover cheaper alternatives that are more suitable to your needs. There are a few low-quality alternatives for hickory. However, they differ greatly in quality and color and can be an extremely risky option.
Not for DIYers
It is feasible to install a hardwood floor for DIY however, that hiring a professional installer is the most efficient option. The hardness that makes hickory such a great option also means you’ll have a lot of difficulty in cutting the floor and then sanding it. Furthermore it requires water popping to break the wood to allow staining. To achieve an even stain, you is also a requirement for the use of a wood conditioner, but the stain is more durable than other hardwoods.
Even though installation is challenging, it is possible to buy your boards pre-engineered , and perhaps already finished. This eliminates the requirement to stain and cut the boards by hand, however with a greater price. Because hickory floors can be difficult to replace or install so you must consider them as a semi-permanent choice and be cautious prior to investing time and cash.
Warping
Hickory flooring installation is a lengthy process. The wood needs to be properly dried and expand and contract more than other kinds of wood. To avoid this the wood needs to adjust to the local climate for a few days prior to installation.
Choosing if Hickory Floors are right for You
Hickory is a very attractive wood but the qualities that make it a desirable alternative are typically the same elements that influence your decision against it. To determine whether it is the right choice for you, every aspect to be taken into account. The amount you can afford and whether you intend to employ an expert installer or complete the job yourself will play a significant impact in determining which kind of wood to choose.
Additional Resources
Homewyse provides a no-cost cost calculator for hickory flooring , based on your zip code.
Old House Online offers a thorough guide to the distinction between engineered and solid wood flooring and both are choices for hickory flooring.
