Hickory Flooring
Hickory flooring is one of the strongest, most durable hardwood flooring options available. With a Janka hardness rating of 1820, hickory hardwood floors are the ideal choice for high-traffic areas in Los Angeles homes, commercial spaces, and anywhere exceptional durability is required.
Why Choose Solid Hickory Flooring?
Hickory stands out among hardwood flooring species for several compelling reasons:
- Exceptional Hardness & Durability - At 1820 on the Janka scale, hickory is significantly harder than oak, maple, and most domestic species, resisting dents, scratches, and wear
- Stunning Natural Character - Dramatic color variation from pale creamy sapwood to rich chocolate heartwood creates unique visual interest
- Distinctive Grain Patterns - Bold, dynamic grain adds character and texture to every plank
- Long-Term Investment - Solid ¾" thickness allows for multiple refinishing cycles over decades of use
- Versatile Styling - Works beautifully in rustic, contemporary, traditional, and transitional designs
- Wide Plank Options - Available up to 12 inches wide for dramatic, modern installations
Solid Hickory Flooring Specifications
Walter's Flooring manufactures custom hickory hardwood flooring to your exact specifications:
- Widths: 3" - 12" (custom widths available)
- Thickness: 3/4" or 7/8" solid hickory
- Standard Lengths: 1.5' - 12' (varied for natural appearance)
- Long Lengths: 4' - 16' (available for seamless installations)
- Janka Hardness: 1820 (one of the hardest domestic woods)
- Species Grade: Select & Better, #1 Common, or Rustic character grades
Hickory Flooring Product Line
Explore our complete collection of hickory hardwood flooring options:
- Solid Hickory Flooring (this page) - Traditional ¾" solid wood for nail-down installations
- Hickory Engineered Flooring - Dimensionally stable engineered construction for versatile installation
- Hickory Distressed Engineered Flooring - Hand-scraped and distressed for authentic vintage character
Antique / Vintage Wood Flooring Styles
Transform your solid hickory floors with authentic hand-crafted distressing techniques:
- Hand Scraped - Artisan hand scraping creates depth, texture, and timeless character
- Wire Brushed - Gentle wire brushing emphasizes natural grain patterns
- Hit or Miss - Random distressing replicates authentic antique lumber appearance
- Saw Kerf & Mill Marks - Historical sawmill markings for period authenticity
- Smooth Natural Finish - Clean, smooth surface showcasing hickory's natural beauty
Finish Coat Options
Protect and enhance your hickory hardwood floors with premium finish options:
- Water Base Poly Finish - Crystal-clear, low-VOC polyurethane that won't yellow
- Tung Oil Finish - Natural penetrating oil enhances grain depth and color
- Hard Wax Finish - European hard wax oil with natural appearance and easy maintenance
- Custom Stain & Finish - Match any sample or create your signature look
Color Selection
Unlimited color selection - whether it's a lighter or darker color, we can custom make it for you from any hardwood species desired. Bring us a photo, sample, or description and our Los Angeles manufacturing facility will create the perfect match:
- Natural Hickory Tones - Showcase the dramatic light-to-dark color variation
- Whitewash & Light Finishes - Scandinavian-inspired bright tones
- Grey & Weathered Looks - Contemporary grey-washed and driftwood finishes
- Honey, Amber & Golden Hues - Warm traditional hardwood tones
- Medium to Dark Browns - Rich walnut and chestnut-inspired colors
- Ebony & Espresso - Dramatic dark contemporary finishes
- Custom Color Matching - Precise replication from any sample you provide
Installation Options
Solid ¾" hickory flooring is installed using traditional nail-down or glue-down methods:
- Nail Down - Traditional staple or cleat nail installation over wood subfloors (most common)
- Glue Down - Permanent adhesive bond directly to wood or concrete subfloors
- Floating Installation - For engineered hickory flooring options
- Radiant Heat - Engineered hickory recommended for radiant heating systems
Installation Techniques
Walter's Flooring provides expert hickory flooring installation throughout Los Angeles and Southern California:
- Over Raised Foundation - Traditional nail-down over floor joists and wood subfloors
- Over Concrete - Moisture testing, vapor barriers, glue-down or floating installation methods
- Over Radiant Heating - Engineered hickory recommended for radiant heat applications
Hickory vs. Other Hardwood Species
Wondering how hickory compares to other hardwood flooring options?
- Hickory vs. Oak Flooring - Hickory is 25-40% harder than oak, with more dramatic color variation and grain
- Hickory vs. Maple Flooring - Similar hardness, but hickory offers richer color contrast and character
- Hickory vs. Walnut Flooring - Hickory is much harder, while walnut offers uniform dark chocolate color
- Hickory vs. Heart Pine Flooring - Hickory is harder, heart pine offers historic character from old-growth timber
- Hickory vs. Douglas Fir Flooring - Hickory is significantly harder, Douglas fir has distinctive grain and lower cost
Solid vs. Engineered Hickory Flooring
Which construction is right for your project?
Solid Hickory Advantages:
- Can be refinished 4-7 times over its lifetime
- Traditional nail-down installation creates solid, permanent feel
- Authentic solid wood construction throughout
- Ideal for above-grade installations over wood subfloors
- Best choice for high-traffic commercial applications
Engineered Hickory Advantages:
- Dimensionally stable - works over concrete and in challenging climates
- Can be installed floating, glued, or nailed down
- Compatible with radiant heating systems
- Available in wider planks with less expansion/contraction
- Generally lower cost per square foot
Hickory Hardwood Flooring Applications
Residential Applications:
- Living rooms and family rooms (high traffic durability)
- Kitchens (resists dents from dropped items)
- Entryways and hallways (handles heavy foot traffic)
- Dining rooms (chairs won't damage surface)
- Home offices (desk chairs roll smoothly)
- Bedrooms (for homeowners wanting consistent flooring throughout)
Commercial Applications:
- Retail stores and boutiques
- Restaurants and cafes
- Office spaces and lobbies
- Hotels and hospitality
- Dance studios and fitness centers (exceptional durability)
Maintaining Your Hickory Hardwood Floors
Hickory's exceptional hardness makes it one of the easiest hardwood floors to maintain:
- Daily Care: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris
- Weekly Care: Damp mop with hardwood floor cleaner (never wet mop)
- Protection: Use felt pads under furniture, area rugs in high-traffic zones
- Long-Term: Recoat finish every 3-5 years, refinish as needed (every 10-20 years)
Why Walter's Flooring for Hickory Hardwood Floors
For over a decade, Walter's Flooring has been Los Angeles' premier source for premium hickory hardwood flooring:
- Custom Manufacturing - Any width, any length, any color, any finish made to order
- Premium Materials - Carefully selected hickory lumber, properly kiln-dried and milled
- Expert Craftsmanship - Hand-crafted distressing and finishing by experienced artisans
- Professional Installation - Expert installers with decades of hardwood flooring experience
- Extensive Showroom - See and touch samples at our Los Angeles location
- Competitive Pricing - Best value without compromising quality
- Complete Service - From design consultation through installation and finishing
Ready to transform your space with beautiful, durable hickory hardwood flooring? Contact Walter's Flooring at 213-792-5908 to discuss your project. Request free samples, get a custom quote, or visit our Los Angeles showroom at 9216 S. Vermont Ave to see extensive hickory flooring samples and speak with our flooring experts about creating the perfect custom floor for your home or business.
