Uses: Tool handles, ladder rungs, wheel spokes, flooring. Hickory is also used as charcoal in cooking meat, with the smoke imparting an additional flavor.
Hickory
Scientific name: Carya spp
Description: Heartwood tends to be light to medium brown, with a reddish hue; sapwood is a paler yellowish brown. Grain is usually straight, though occasionally wavy, with a medium texture.
Properties: Difficult to work, with tearout being common during machining operations if cutting edges are not kept sharp; the wood tends to blunt cutting edges. Glues, stains, and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.