Pecan Hickory Lumber in Houston Overview

Pecan Hickory Lumber

Specifications

  • Thicknesses (Commonly Stocked at Houston Hardwoods in): 4/4, 5/4, and 8/4. We also offer custom milling to your exact specifications (e.g., 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or other custom dimensions), as well as various options including S4S, S2S, S2S1E, and SLR1E.
  • Species: Carya illinoinensis (Pecan) and related hickory species (e.g., Carya cordiformis, Carya glabra)
  • Hardness (Janka): 1,820 lbf
  • Color: Light to medium brown heartwood with reddish undertones; pale, creamy sapwood; often with darker streaks
  • Grain: Straight to wavy, with a coarse texture; often shows knots and natural character marks
  • Workability: Good — machines well but hardness requires sharp tools; sands and finishes smoothly
  • Common Uses in Houston: Custom furniture, cabinetry, decorative accents, tool handles, and specialty woodworking

What Makes Pecan Hickory Unique

Pecan Hickory stands out from other hardwoods like mahoganies and maples due to its exceptional hardness and rustic, natural grain. Unlike the warm, reddish tones of African or Honduran Mahogany, Pecan Hickory offers a lighter, medium-brown color with reddish undertones and distinctive streaks, giving it a rugged, character-filled look. Compared to Soft Maple’s plain grain or Curly and Birdseye Maple’s figured patterns, Pecan Hickory’s coarse, wavy grain and knots make it ideal for sturdy, rustic-style projects that highlight natural beauty.

Why Choose Pecan Hickory

  • Rustic, Natural Look: Its medium-brown color with reddish undertones and knotty grain adds a warm, rugged charm to furniture and cabinetry in Houston homes.
  • High Durability: With a Janka hardness of 1,820 lbf, this hardwood is extremely tough, perfect for furniture and heavy-use millwork.
  • Great for Finishing: Takes stains and clear finishes well, enhancing its natural grain for a polished, vibrant appearance.
  • Stable When Prepared: When properly dried and acclimated, Pecan Hickory resists warping, making it reliable for sturdy joinery and detailed work.
  • Versatile Appeal: Its strength and rustic aesthetic make it a great choice for both traditional and modern projects at a reasonable cost.

Why You Might Not Choose Pecan Hickory

  • Hard to Work: Its high hardness (1,820 lbf) can dull tools and requires Karlsson require extra effort for smooth results.
  • Rustic Appearance: The coarse, knotty grain may not suit sleek, modern designs, limiting its use in minimalist projects.
  • Best for Indoors: Houston’s humid climate and strong sunlight make Pecan Hickory less practical for outdoor use without heavy protective coatings.

Pecan Hickory in the Houston Climate

Acclimation for Best Results

This hardwood performs well in Houston’s humid climate when acclimated to indoor conditions before use. This prevents movement from the area’s high humidity (70–90%) and temperature changes, ensuring it lasts in furniture and decorative projects.

Ideal for Indoor Projects

With Houston’s frequent rain and intense sunlight, Pecan Hickory is best used indoors. Outdoor projects need strong sealing to avoid moisture damage, making it less suitable for exterior use in the Gulf Coast region.

Color and Grain Changes

The light to medium-brown tones and knotty grain of this wood may deepen slightly in sunlit Houston homes, enhancing its rustic look. UV-resistant finishes can help maintain its original color, ideal for spaces with large windows or bright natural light.

Popular Pecan Hickory Applications in Houston

Pecan Hickory’s rugged grain and exceptional strength make it a favorite for Houston’s designers, craftsmen, and homeowners seeking durable, rustic materials. Its natural character adds a warm, authentic feel to custom projects in homes and businesses across the city and suburbs.

Popular Applications Include:

  • Custom Furniture: Sturdy pieces like dining tables, chairs, and coffee tables in areas like Katy, Pearland, and Montrose
  • Cabinetry: Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities for rustic, durable interiors in Sugar Land and Bellaire
  • Decorative Accents: Wall panels, shelving, and rustic trim for cozy home designs
  • Tool Handles: Durable handles for axes, hammers, and other tools, popular among Houston’s craftsmen
  • Specialty Woodworking: Custom carvings, cutting boards, and decorative boxes for unique projects
  • Architectural Details: Decorative trim and low-traffic stair parts with strong finishes for home settings in Spring

Current Design Trends Featuring Pecan Hickory:

  • Rustic Furniture Designs: Pecan Hickory is used for sturdy tables and chairs, popular in cozy home renovations in Katy and Pearland.
  • Rustic Modern Cabinetry: Its knotty grain shines in kitchen cabinets and built-ins for warm, inviting spaces in Montrose.
  • Industrial-Chic Interiors: Designers pair this hardwood with metal for a rugged, modern look in Houston’s urban lofts and commercial spaces.
  • Handcrafted Home Accents: Its natural grain is favored for carved panels and rustic shelving in homes in Sugar Land.
  • Coastal-Inspired Projects: Pecan Hickory is used for durable furniture in coastal homes in Galveston and Kemah, complementing Houston’s Gulf Coast style.

Looking for Pecan Hickory for Your Next Project?

We stock this hardwood in 4/4, 5/4, and 8/4 thicknesses and can custom mill to your exact needs. Whether you’re building sturdy furniture, crafting rustic cabinetry, or creating decorative accents, our team is here to help you pick the right material.

Visit Houston Hardwoods or contact us to check availability, request a quote, or talk about your project plans.