Hardness
about 1,820 lbf on the Janka scale as a general figure, harder than oak or maple.
Wood guide
Hickory Stair Treads
Hickory is one of the hardest common domestic hardwoods, known for strong color variation between light sapwood and darker heartwood. This guide covers hickory traits and matching treads to a hickory floor.
Hickory traits
Color
wide variation from creamy sapwood to tan and reddish-brown heartwood, often on the same board.
Grain
bold, sometimes irregular grain with a rustic character.
Finishing hickory treads
Hickory's color variation shows through clear finishes. Stain can even out the contrast somewhat but the variation usually remains visible. Test finishes on a sample first.
Matching treads to a hickory floor
Because hickory varies so much board to board, stock treads can look different from the floor. Treads made from the same flooring keep the color range consistent.
Tread Space makes stair parts by hand in Columbia Falls, Montana, from the flooring identified for your project. Suitability is confirmed during project review, and pricing and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.
Common questions
Is hickory good for stair treads?
Yes. Hickory is very hard, about 1,820 lbf on the Janka scale as a general figure, so it handles stair traffic well.
Is hickory harder than oak?
Yes. Hickory is generally harder than both white oak and red oak.
Why does hickory look so varied?
Hickory boards often contain both light sapwood and darker heartwood, giving strong color variation.
Can hickory be stained?
Yes, though the natural color variation usually stays visible. Test on a sample first.
Can my treads match my hickory floor?
Treads can be made from the wood flooring identified for your project. Suitability is confirmed during project review.
Related guides
Ready for your stair parts?
Pricing and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.