When Pittsburgh families walk into our showroom, the primary concern is usually durability. Between our slushy winters, active pets, and the high-energy households that define our community, a floor needs to be more than just beautiful, it needs to be a workhorse. While Oak has long been the standard bearer for American homes, Hickory hardwood has emerged as the ultimate choice for those who need maximum resilience. At A&S Carpet Collection, we believe Hickory is the “undisputed heavyweight champion” of domestic hardwoods.

Hardness You Can Feel: Comparing the Janka Scale

To understand why Hickory is so durable, we have to look at the Janka Hardness Scale, which measures the force required to embed a small steel ball into the wood.

Hickory vs. Oak and Maple

• Hickory: Boasts a rating of approximately 1820.
• Hard Maple: Follows at 1450.
• White Oak: Sits at 1360.
• Red Oak: The traditional benchmark, rated at 1290.

Hickory is roughly 41% harder than Red Oak. In a practical Pittsburgh home, this translates to a floor that is significantly more resistant to the “dents and dings” of daily life. Whether it’s a dropped cast-iron skillet in the kitchen or the frantic paws of a Labrador Retriever, Hickory’s dense cellular structure absorbs impact where softer woods would succumb to damage.

The Aesthetics of Camouflage: Grain and Character

Hardness is only half the story. The visual personality of Hickory is what makes it a designer’s favorite for active households. Unlike Maple, which has a very subtle, consistent grain that can highlight every tiny scratch, Hickory is famous for its dramatic color variations and bold grain patterns.

Hiding the Wear and Tear

Hickory features a striking contrast between its creamy sapwood and tan-to-reddish heartwood. This natural “busyness” is a homeowner’s best friend. Because the wood flooring already possesses a high degree of character including knots, burls, and mineral streaks the occasional micro-scratch from tracked-in driveway grit or a small dent from a child’s toy simply blends into the natural landscape of the floor. While a high-gloss, clear-grade Oak floor might show every imperfection, a Hickory floor wears its history with grace, looking better as it ages.

Stability in the Steel City

Pittsburgh’s climate can be tough on wood. Our humid summers and dry, heated winters cause natural materials to expand and contract. Because Hickory is so dense, it requires professional installation and proper acclimation to handle these shifts. At A&S Carpet Collection, we ensure your Hickory planks are perfectly acclimated to your home’s specific environment, providing a stable foundation that resists the gapping often seen in less dense species.

Your Partner in Durable Hardwood Design

Choosing Hickory means choosing a floor that stands up to the reality of life in Western Pennsylvania. At A & S Carpet Company, our goal is to provide our customers with genuine old fashioned family service backed with honesty and integrity. We create inspiration to express yourself with a distinguished collection of designer choices and flooring essentials to enhance any home décor, and competitive prices suitable to match any lifestyle, even if your style includes an eye to the bottom line. See expert installation displays, designed to help you visualize how your future renovations will look in your home. Our design experts will work with you to select the perfect options for you and your family. Contact us or Visit us at our showroom location in Allison Park, PA. We service the areas of Pittsburgh, Allison Park, and the surrounding North Hills.