Hickory wood, known for its exceptional toughness, resilience, and distinctive rustic charm with cream-to-tan colouration and brown streaks, is highly sought after for numerous applications ranging from cabinetry and flooring to tool handles and sporting goods.
With an impressive Janka hardness rating of 1880 and a specific gravity of 0.64, this durable North American hardwood requires a reliable supplier who can provide quality materials for your woodworking projects.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the various options for finding reputable hickory wood suppliers throughout the United States.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Hickory Wood Market
Hickory is a premium hardwood native to North America. It grows in trees that can reach heights of 160 feet, have 6-7 foot diameters, and have lifespans of up to 350 years.
Before beginning your search for hickory wood suppliers, it’s important to understand that hickory wood pricing typically falls within the $4-8 per board foot range, which is standard for quality North American hardwoods.
However, prices vary significantly based on region, grade, and seller type, with big-box retailers generally charging premium rates compared to specialized suppliers.
Local Lumber Yards and Hardwood Specialists
Local lumber yards and speciality hardwood suppliers consistently offer the best value and selection for hickory wood compared to large retail chains. These smaller operations typically provide better quality wood at more competitive prices, with many experienced woodworkers reporting significant savings when purchasing from these specialized businesses.
Why Local Yards Outperform Big-Box Stores
The price differential between dedicated lumber specialists and big-box retailers can be substantial. For instance, some woodworkers report finding poplar (another hardwood) at $3.50 per board foot from local hickory wood suppliers compared to approximately $12 at large chain stores like Menards.
This price disparity typically extends to hickory and other hardwoods as well.
Many local lumber yards also offer value-added services that enhance your woodworking experience, including:
- Complimentary edge jointing while you wait
- Access to drum sanders for processing glued-up pieces (for a modest fee)
- Expert advice from staff familiar with working with challenging woods like hickory
Finding Local Suppliers
To locate nearby hickory wood suppliers, consider these approaches:
- Search online business directories with terms like “hardwood supplier” or “lumber yard” plus your city name
- Ask for recommendations at local woodworking clubs or maker spaces
- Check with cabinet shops about their hickory wood suppliers
- Visit woodworking speciality stores and inquire about their hardwood sources
Direct from Sawmills and Millers
For the most competitive pricing on hickory and other hardwoods, connecting directly with sawmills and custom millers offers significant advantages. These operations often provide substantial savings since you’re purchasing closer to the source, eliminating multiple middlemen in the supply chain.
Benefits of Sawmill Sourcing
When you purchase from sawmills:
- You typically get better prices on locally harvested hickory
- You may have access to unique cuts and figure patterns not available through retailers
- You can often request custom sizing and processing options
- You might discover locally sourced species with distinctive regional characteristics
Some sawmills also operate kiln-drying facilities, allowing them to provide properly dried lumber ready for immediate use in your projects.
When contacting sawmills, inquire about their inventory of hickory specifically, as availability may vary seasonally.
Individual Sellers and Online Marketplaces
Social media platforms and online marketplaces have become valuable resources for finding hickory wood, often at substantial discounts.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Many woodworkers recommend checking Facebook Marketplace for individuals who mill their lumber and operate small-scale kiln operations from their properties. These sellers frequently offer competitive prices without the overhead of commercial operations.
Similarly, Craigslist can yield excellent finds, with some woodworkers reporting prices between $2-4 per linear foot for hardwoods from private sellers.
One woodworker shared an exceptional experience purchasing several hundred board feet of walnut and cherry for just $200 from an individual seller clearing out their basement inventory. While such dramatic deals aren’t guaranteed, they illustrate the potential value of exploring these marketplaces.
Specialty Wood Retailers and Online Suppliers
For those seeking convenience or specific cuts of hickory, several national retailers and online hickory wood suppliers offer reliable options.
Woodworker’s Source
Woodworker’s Source provides various hickory wood products, including thin lumber packs and pre-cut boards in different dimensions. Their offerings include:
- Natural hickory 1/2″ lumber packs containing 6 boards for $89 with free shipping to the continental U.S.
- Natural hickory 1/2″ short packs with 5 boards at a discounted rate of $49 (regularly $79)
- 3/4″ natural hickory pre-cut lumber packs of 4 boards in customizable sizes7
These prepared packs can be ideal for smaller projects or when you need precisely dimensioned stock without processing it yourself.
Regional Specialty Suppliers
Depending on your location within the United States, you might have access to regional speciality suppliers known for their hickory inventory. For instance, West Penn Hardwoods in Hickory is mentioned as a destination worth visiting, though it might require some travel depending on your location. Similarly, L.L. Johnson Lumber Mfg. Co. is noted as a hickory lumber supplier.
In the Raleigh area specifically, several suppliers are mentioned by local woodworkers:
- Capitol City Lumber carries a comprehensive selection of hardwoods including hickory
- American Woodyards on Hillsborough Street, which offers good pricing as a milling operation
- Woodcraft on Glenwood and Kingspor in Cary, which carry higher-quality hardwoods though at higher prices due to being resellers
Tips for Selecting Quality Hickory
When sourcing hickory wood, consider these recommendations from experienced woodworkers:
Understand Grading and Pricing
Wood grade significantly impacts price and appearance. FAS (First and Second) grade represents the highest quality with minimal defects, while #2 common will have more character marks but costs considerably less.
For many projects, lower grades can be perfectly suitable and offer substantial savings.
Consider Rough-Sawn Options
Purchasing rough-sawn hickory and processing it yourself with a jointer and planer can yield significant savings.
While this requires additional equipment and labour, the cost difference often justifies the effort for regular woodworkers.
Explore Alternative Sources
Several creative alternatives can yield quality hickory at competitive prices:
- Reclaimed barn wood and architectural salvage
- Cull lumber from big-box stores (damaged or warped boards sold at approximately 70% discount)
- Free scrap bins at crating companies or construction sites
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which sometimes carry donated hardwoods
Conclusion
Finding reliable hickory wood suppliers requires exploring multiple channels, from local lumber yards and sawmills to online marketplaces and speciality retailers. The most cost-effective approach typically involves bypassing big-box stores in favour of sources closer to the initial milling process.
By understanding regional pricing variations, exploring alternative sourcing methods, and establishing relationships with local suppliers, you can secure quality hickory wood for your projects at reasonable prices.
Remember that availability and pricing can fluctuate significantly based on your specific location within the United States, seasonal factors, and market conditions. Developing connections with multiple hickory wood suppliers ensures you’ll have reliable access to this exceptional hardwood regardless of market fluctuations.