How Well Can Hickory Wood Take Water?

Hickory Wood

• In the home, hickory is most commonly used in cabinets, furniture and floors. It is often desired because of its bold patterns and contrasting colors. Hickory wood is also durable. With a proper finish, it withstands everyday use for generations.

Hickory and Water

• Hickory that is not finished does not tolerate water and is vulnerable to water damage, especially from standing water. According to Bruce, a wood-flooring manufacturer, water prematurely ages wood and causes cracking, warping and splitting.

Protecting Hickory Wood

• Test the hickory to see if it is properly sealed and protected. Dribble a few drops of water on the wood. If the wood repels the water, it's sealed. If the water immediately soaks in, it's not sealed. If it seeps in after a few minutes, additional protection is recommended. Protect hickory wood with an appropriate sealer, such as a water-based urethane. Use it as per manufacturer recommendations, applying at least two or three coats.

Other Tips

• Wipe up spills immediately with both unfinished and finished hickory products. Consider engineered hickory wood floors rather than solid wood floors. The factory applied finish on engineered flooring is often durable and is usually cleaned with a damp rag since it tolerates water well. It is also easier to install and usually more economical than solid hickory flooring.