Hardwood · Eastern North America
Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata
Tan heartwood with contrasting pale sapwood.
Janka hardness1,880 lbf
Density (12% MC)51.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot4.3 lb
Rot resistanceLow
Workability2/5
Price$$
Hardness compared
White pine
Yellow Poplar
Black Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Shagbark Hickory
Jatoba
Working with Shagbark Hickory
Extremely tough and shock resistant, but moves a lot with humidity. Pre-drill everything.
Typical uses: Tool handles, rustic furniture, flooring, smoking wood.
Seasonal movement
| Tangential coefficient (flatsawn) | 0.00411 per 1% MC |
|---|---|
| Radial coefficient (quartersawn) | 0.00259 per 1% MC |
| T/R ratio | 1.59 (stays flat well) |
| 12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC | 0.247" (≈ 6.3 mm) |