Rustic Knotty Hickory

Rustic/Knotty Hickory is intentionally selected to display the full range of the species’ natural color.

Customers should expect:

• Dramatic contrast between light sapwood and darker heartwood
• Significant color variation throughout each project
• A natural blend of cream, tan, golden brown, and medium brown tones
• Highly contrasting panels and components

To maintain a balanced appearance, individual staves are selected so that light areas blend with light and darker areas blend with darker wood across panel joints. Doors should display a natural mix of colors rather than appearing entirely light or entirely dark.

Grey discoloration is not permitted.

Rustic/Knotty Hickory celebrates the unique grain patterns found throughout the species.

Natural grain features may include:

• Straight grain
• Rift grain
• Burl or curly figure
• Tiger or flame figure
• Quarter-sawn medullary rays
• Flecking

These characteristics are expected and contribute to the authentic rustic appearance of the finished product.

Knots are a defining characteristic of Rustic/Knotty Hickory.

Customers should expect:

• Tight pin knots
• Large sound knots up to approximately 3 inches in diameter
• Natural knot clusters
• Knots with minor splits or surface checking
• Partial knots occurring along glued stave joints

To preserve the natural appearance while maintaining structural integrity:

• Knots must remain sound and free of rot.
• Open knot voids may be present up to approximately 2 inches.
• Straight-through holes are not permitted.
• Angled knot openings may be professionally filled from the back with black filler to create the appearance of a naturally closed knot.
• Panels are expected to contain a minimum of one knot per square foot of panel area.

These features are intentional and define the rustic character of this grade.

Solid wood panels are assembled to maximize stability while maintaining the natural character of the wood.

Customers should expect:

• Natural variation in stave widths
• Carefully blended panel joints
• Authentic grain transitions
• A true solid wood appearance

Individual staves may be split and rejoined during manufacturing to remove structural defects while preserving the natural appearance of the panel.

One of the defining features of Rustic/Knotty Hickory is the unrestricted use of both sapwood and heartwood. Customers should expect significant color contrast, light and dark wood within the same panel, visible transitions between sapwood and heartwood, and natural variation throughout the project. These characteristics are intentional and should be expected in every Rustic/Knotty Hickory order.

One naturally occurring stain up to approximately 2" × 2" may be present on a standard-sized panel. Sticker stain is not permitted.

The reverse side of Rustic/Knotty Hickory components is considered non-show material.

Customers should expect even greater variation in:

• Color
• Grain pattern
• Knots
• Mineral streaks
• Figure
• Natural rustic characteristics

These variations are acceptable and do not affect the quality or performance of the finished product.

Rustic/Knotty Hickory is intentionally graded to celebrate the bold, rugged beauty of natural Hickory. Unlike premium or select hardwood grades that minimize natural characteristics, this grade embraces them.

Rustic/Knotty Hickory is distinguished by:

• Bold color contrast between sapwood and heartwood
• Prominent sound knots
• Strong natural grain patterns
• Rustic figure and mineral streaking
• Authentic character unique to every project

For customers seeking warmth, individuality, and a handcrafted appearance, Rustic/Knotty Hickory offers a level of natural beauty that cannot be duplicated by engineered materials or more uniform hardwood grades.

To ensure every component meets Meridian Products’ quality standards, the following conditions are not permitted:

• Rot
• Structural cracks
• Open worm holes
• Checking
• Pick-out
• Tear-out
• Unsound knots
• Straight-through holes
• Manufacturing defects that compromise structural integrity