Hickory is a popular hardwood used for flooring, furniture, and other wood projects. With its varying grain patterns and warm brown tones, hickory makes for an attractive, durable material. When choosing a stain for hickory, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to help bring out its best qualities.
Light Stains
Light stains are a good option if you want to showcase the natural beauty of hickory wood. They add just a hint of color while allowing the wood grain to remain prominent. Some good choices for light stains on hickory include:
– Natural or clear stain: This will protect the wood while preserving its natural light tan color. It’s a good choice if you want to keep the wood looking as close to unfinished as possible.
– White wash: White wash stains mute the wood color slightly while allowing the grain to show through. This gives a rustic, distressed look to hickory.
– Light brown: Look for stains in soft beige or brown tones. These bring out the subtle warmth of the wood without overwhelming it.
– Gray: Grays and driftwood tones can look very elegant on hickory, enhancing its visual texture.
Medium Stains
Medium stains make the grain in hickory pop while adding richer color. Some flattering medium stain shades on hickory include:
– Caramel: Buttery caramel stains look luxurious on hickory. They bring out reddish undertones in the wood.
– Hazelnut: For a sophisticated look, try a hazelnut or coffee-colored stain. This flatters hickory’s natural brown palette.
– Cinnamon: Stains in cinnamon or amber hues give hickory floors or furniture a welcoming, rustic character.
– Chestnut: Hickory takes on an American traditional look with chestnut browns. This versatile shade works well in many rooms.
– Honey: For a warm, brightening effect, consider golden honey tones. They make hickory feel lively and inviting.
Dark Stains
Darker stains lend hickory a bold, dramatic appearance by saturating the grain with rich pigment. Good options include:
– Walnut: Deep chocolate browns like walnut will make hickory feel substantial and elegant.
– Espresso: An almost-black espresso stain gives hickory a moody, sophisticated look.
– Dark cherry: For a intensity balanced with red/brown warmth, try merlot-hued cherry stains.
– Jacobean: Named after the 17th century English style, Jacobean stains impart an antiqued character to wood.
– Dark gray: Charcoal grays intensify the varied grain patterns of hickory for visual impact.
Stain Considerations
Keep the following tips in mind when staining hickory:
– Test stains first on hickory scraps to ensure you like the color result. Wood stains can look different on hickory than on stain color samples.
– Apply conditioner before staining to help the stain absorb evenly and prevent blotchiness.
– Use a pre-stain wood conditioner if you want a very even, consistent stain application.
– Opt for gel stains for more control and less absorption on dense hickory.
– Use oil-based stains for deeper penetration and color richness. Water-based stains work as well but may require extra coats.
– Consider a stain that offers UV protection to help the color last longer without fading.
– Apply polyurethane over the stain for added protection and sheen. Use satin or semi-gloss for floors, and satin or matte for furniture.
– Allow proper drying time between stain coats as directed by the product. This prevents uneven staining or tackiness.
Best Stain Colors for Hickory Floors
Hickory makes an attractive hardwood flooring choice. Its hardness stands up well to foot traffic while its varied grain provides visual interest. Here are some of the best stain colors to use on hickory floors:
| Stain Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Golden oak | Warm golden tones that brighten up a room |
| Chestnut | Rich reddish-browns with classic appeal |
| English walnut | Dark chocolate browns that add drama |
| Weathered gray | Muted grays that accentuate grain |
| Brown maple | Medium beige-browns that feel casual yet sophisticated |
These stains all complement the natural beauty of hickory while hiding dirt well. The rich colors and flowing grain make for an inviting, durable floor.
Best Stain Colors for Hickory Kitchen Cabinets
With its hardness and attractive grain, hickory offers a great upgrade for kitchen cabinets. Here are some fitting stain shades for hickory cabinets:
| Stain Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Mocha | Deep chocolate browns that provide an elegant contrast to stainless steel appliances |
| Spiced walnut | Warm brown tones that feel natural and relaxed |
| Hazelnut | Rich nutty browns that pair well with granite counters |
| Praline | Buttery caramels that complement rooms with oak or rustic styles |
| Slate gray | Silvery grays that give a sleek, contemporary look |
The accent grains in hickory give it more visual interest than oak or maple. Staining it in deeper colors helps highlight this while creating an upscale look.
Best Stain Colors for Hickory Furniture
For furniture like beds, tables, or bookshelves, hickory’s strong framing and flowing grain patterns make it an attractive choice. Here are some fitting stain colors for hickory furniture:
| Stain Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Driftwood | Soft grays that give a relaxed, casual vibe |
| Cognac | Amber browns that feel warm and welcoming |
| Saddle brown | Reddish leather tones fitting for traditional styles |
| Cordovan | Deep oxblood reds that provide a bold accent |
| Fruitwood | Rosy browns that add a rustic farmhouse feel |
Choosing wood stains with undertones matching hickory’s base color brings out its best features. The strong framing also allows hickory furniture to stand up well to dark, saturated stains if desired.
Conclusion
Hickory is a versatile hardwood that pairs well with a wide variety of stain colors. Light stains showcase its natural tan hue while medium stains like caramel and chestnut give it a rich, warm character. For high contrast and visual drama, darker stains like espresso and Jacobean make hickory grain stand out beautifully. Always test stains first before applying and use conditioner for even absorption. With the right preparation and color choice, staining allows the best qualities of hickory to shine through in flooring, cabinets, furniture, and more. Its flowing grain patterns and strength make this American wood highly appealing when paired with colors that bring out its natural beauty.
