White Oak lumber collection
Open-grain domestic alternative with strong furniture and millwork demand.
View optionShagbark Hickory Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Shagbark Hickory is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameCarya ovata
Janka hardness1,880 lbf
Average dried weight50 lb/ft³
Best fitFlooring
Overview
Why choose Shagbark Hickory?
Shagbark Hickory is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Eastern United States. Used for flooring, wheel spokes, ladder rungs and tool handles.
Scientific nameCarya ovata
DistributionEastern United States
ShrinkageRadial: 7.0%, Tangential: 10.5%, Volumetric: 16.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.5
DurabilityNon-durable to perishable against heartwood decay, and very prone to insect attack.
Shagbark Hickory colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is a reddish light to medium brown, while the sapwood is paler, a yellowish brown. Boards that mix the two have a rustic look, sometimes sold as Calico Hickory.
Straight grain is usual, with the odd wavy piece, and the texture is medium.
Working notes
It is hard to work. Tearout is common when machining unless the edges stay sharp, and the wood dulls cutters. It takes glue, stain and finish well.
Apart from the usual hazards of any wood dust, no other health reactions are linked to shagbark hickory.
Shagbark Hickory should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Shagbark Hickory
Best projects
Used for flooring, wheel spokes, ladder rungs and tool handles.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Shagbark Hickory from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Black Ash lumber collection
Closest Kingma ash-family shopping path where available.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Shagbark Hickory FAQ
What is Shagbark Hickory best used for?
Used for flooring, wheel spokes, ladder rungs and tool handles. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Shagbark Hickory beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Shagbark Hickory?
The buying section on this page links to any Shagbark Hickory Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.