Hickory Butcher Block FAQs
Is hickory good for butcher block countertops?
Yes! We highly recommend hickory for your butcher block countertop, especially if you're looking for a unique idea for your kitchen and dining area. Due to its hardness and durability, it is highly resistant to wear and tear.
In fact, hickory wood has a hardness rating of 1820 on the Janka scale, making it one of the hardest woods available for your butcher block surface. We also highly recommend hickory because of its attractive grain pattern that can add lots of character to a butcher block countertop. If you're looking for a unique alternative to the more popular maple, walnut, and oak woods, then hickory may just be the best choice for you!
Is hickory more durable than oak?
Hickory is more durable than oak, since it has a hardness rating of 1820 on the Janka scale, compared to red oak, which has a Janka rating of 1290. When it comes to overall wear and tear, hickory is more resistant.
However, oak is still a hard and durable wood that is much more readily available and less expensive than hickory. Oak is also quite attractive in certain applications, due to its classic, distinctive grain pattern that complements many different styles of kitchen and dining room. Hickory, on the other hand, has a very unique grain pattern that may or not be suited to your taste.
Is hickory more durable than maple?
Yes, hickory is more durable than maple. To compare, hickory wood has a hardness rating of 1820 on the Janka scale, while hard maple comes in at 1450.
Maple is the most popular type of butcher block wood that is still very hard and more durable than oak, however. If you enjoy the light blonde coloration of maple vs the variation in color that hickory features, then you may want to opt for maple. It's also worth noting that maple wood tends to be cheaper than hickory. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer, what fits better in your kitchen decor, and also how much you're willing to spend.
What wood is best for butcher block countertops?
Overall, many homeowners choose hard maple or red oak, due to their classic, versatile gain patterns, coloration, and price. However, walnut, while a bit higher in price, is prized for its rich brown coloration.
Hickory butcher block countertops, however, are an unexpected variation on more traditional kitchens, offering very playful grain patterns and design ideas for your home. While all have different levels of hardness, you really can't go wrong with oak, maple, walnut, or hickory. Ultimately, it will depend on your personal preferences, what suits your kitchen best, and your current budget. Need ideas? Consider consulting with one of the experts at Forever Joint Tops or checking samples of both woods to get a better idea of how they will look in your home. More information about hickory wood stats here.
Ready to place your hickory butcher block order? Order here, or contact our team today with questions!
