Hickory stands as the benchmark for domestic hardwoods, widely recognized as the hardest, heaviest, and strongest American wood available, making it the superior choice for high-impact and demanding applications. Aesthetically, the wood is striking, with the sapwood being a pale white and often tinged with fine, inconspicuous brown lines, while the heartwood ranges from a pale to a rich reddish-brown, creating a dynamic, rustic contrast known as "calico" grade. Hickory is characterized by a coarse texture and a grain that is usually straight but can be beautifully wavy or irregular. Though its density can present a challenge to work with, it sands to a good finish, and its open grain structure welcomes a full range of medium-to-dark finishes, allowing for both natural and highly customized looks. With the Rustic grade you can expect wildly contrasting colors, knots, and possibly some open/missing pieces where the knot was.