Hickory & Pecan
When shopping for hardwood flooring, you’ll come across several different wood species. Hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods in North America, and one of the most popular choices for flooring. You’ll also often hear people refer to hickory as pecan, which can create some confusion.
The reason for that being that both hickory and pecan belong to the same tree family. However, they are not exactly the same wood. While they share many characteristics, there are a few key differences in appearance, density, and availability, all of which may be important when deciding which you’d prefer for your floors.
What Exactly Differentiates Hickory and Pecan?
The biggest differences between hickory and pecan hardwood flooring are usually appearance and, to a lesser extent, density.
True Hickory is generally considered slightly denser and harder than pecan hickory. However, the difference is small enough that most homeowners would never notice it in everyday use. Because True Hickory is generally more abundant and widely available, it is more commonly used in commercial flooring products.
Appearance is often where the differences become more noticeable.
Pecan hardwood may show more color variation and stronger contrasts between light and dark areas. Hickory is also known for natural color variation, but it can sometimes appear a bit more consistent overall. That said, there is a lot of overlap between the different species, and individual boards can vary regardless of whether they come from a true hickory or pecan hickory tree.
Because of this, the grade and selection of the flooring often have just as much impact on appearance as the specific species used.
Eight Species of Hickory
There are eight primary species of hickory commonly found in North America. Four species are classified as “true hickory,” while the other four are known as “pecan hickory.”
The true hickory species include:
- Shellbark Hickory
- Pignut Hickory
- Mockernut Hickory
- Shagbark Hickory
The pecan hickory species include:
- Pecan
- Bitternut Hickory
- Nutmeg Hickory
- Water Hickory
This is where much of the confusion begins. Many flooring manufacturers simply label all of these species as “hickory.” As a result, when you purchase hickory flooring, the wood may actually come from any one of these eight species.
In some cases, the source of the wood can provide a clue about which type you’re getting. True hickory species are common throughout the eastern United States and are widely used in hardwood flooring. Pecan hickory species are generally less common and grow in more limited regions.
Below are some images that showcase some visual differences between Hickory and Pecan hardwoods.
Pecan Vs Hickory
Hickory Scale
Hickory
Antique Pecan
Unfinished Pecan
Pecan
Which Is Better for Hardwood Flooring?
For most flooring projects, both hickory and pecan are excellent choices.
True hickory is generally considered the more traditional flooring option because it is widely available, extremely durable, and known for its strength. Pecan hickory offers similar durability and may provide a somewhat more distinctive appearance due to its natural color variation.
In practical terms, most homeowners are unlikely to notice a major difference in performance between the two. Both are durable hardwoods that hold up well in residential environments.
When choosing flooring, factors such as product quality, board selection, finish, and installation quality often have a greater impact than the specific hickory species being used. A high-quality product and professional installation will usually matter more than whether the flooring comes from a true hickory or pecan hickory species.
If you’re interested in knowing the exact species used in your flooring, ask your supplier. Many manufacturers group several species under the general name “hickory,” but some suppliers can provide more detailed information about the wood’s source.
Final Thoughts
When comparing hickory and pecan, it’s important to remember that they are closely related woods with many of the same qualities. Both are durable, attractive, and well-suited for hardwood flooring.
The main differences are usually found in appearance, with pecan sometimes showing greater color variation and contrast. While there can be small differences in density between species, most homeowners will not notice a meaningful difference in everyday use.
For many buyers, the style of the flooring and the quality of the product will be more important than whether the wood comes from a true hickory or pecan hickory species.
