Hickory
Regular Hickory is prized for its exceptional strength, bold grain patterns, and striking natural color variation. Unlike more uniform hardwood species, Hickory naturally displays dramatic contrasts between light sapwood and darker heartwood, giving every project a distinctive appearance.
Meridian Products grades Regular Hickory to highlight these natural characteristics while maintaining consistent quality and craftsmanship. Customers selecting this grade should expect a vibrant blend of colors and grain patterns that showcase the authentic beauty of solid Hickory.
Color Characteristics
One of the defining features of Regular Hickory is its natural color variation.
Customers should expect:
- A blend of light sapwood and darker heartwood throughout each project
- Significant natural color contrast
- Cream, tan, golden, and medium brown tones within the same panel
- Doors and components that display a balanced mixture of light and dark wood
To create a visually pleasing appearance, panel joints are carefully matched so that light wood blends with light wood and darker wood blends with darker wood. Individual doors should display a natural mix of colors rather than appearing entirely light or entirely dark.
Grey discoloration is not permitted.
Natural Grain Characteristics
Regular Hickory is selected to showcase the natural beauty of the species.
Acceptable grain characteristics include:
- Straight grain
- Rift grain
- Burl or curly figure
- Quarter-sawn medullary rays
- Flecking
These natural grain patterns are expected and contribute to the unique appearance of every project.
Natural Wood Features
Natural mineral streaks may be present provided they do not dominate the appearance of the panel.
Tight pin knots up to 1/4 inch in diameter are acceptable. Small knot clusters may also occur when they blend naturally with the surrounding wood and maintain the overall appearance of the component.
Natural worm tracks and vine marks may occur provided they blend naturally with the surrounding grain and remain a subtle visual feature.
Natural flecking may appear in scattered areas throughout the panel but should not dominate the overall appearance.
Natural burl and curly figure are acceptable and enhance the authentic character of Hickory.
Panel Construction
Solid wood panels are manufactured to provide exceptional strength, stability, and a natural appearance.
Customers should expect:
- Natural variation in stave widths
- Carefully blended grain transitions
- Well-matched panel joints
- A true solid wood appearance
Individual staves may be split and rejoined during manufacturing to remove natural defects while preserving attractive grain flow and overall panel integrity.
Sapwood
Regular Hickory intentionally incorporates both sapwood and heartwood to highlight the species' distinctive appearance. Customers should expect: significant contrast between light and dark wood; visible sapwood and heartwood within the same panel; natural transitions between color variations; and a unique appearance from door to door. These characteristics are a defining feature of Hickory and should be expected in every project.
Stain Characteristics
One naturally occurring stain up to approximately 2" × 2" may be present on a standard-sized panel. Sticker stain is not permitted.
Reverse Side
The reverse side of Regular Hickory components is considered non-show material.
Customers should expect greater variation in:
- Color
- Grain pattern
- Mineral streaks
- Figure
- Natural wood characteristics
These variations are acceptable and do not affect the structural integrity or performance of the product.
What Makes Regular Hickory Unique
Regular Hickory is one of the most visually dynamic hardwood species available. Its dramatic contrast between sapwood and heartwood, combined with bold grain patterns and natural character, creates cabinetry with warmth, depth, and individuality.
Unlike more uniform hardwoods, Hickory is intentionally selected to celebrate these natural variations, ensuring that every project is truly one of a kind while maintaining the exceptional durability for which Hickory is known.
Quality Standards
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
- Grey discoloration
Every Hickory component is carefully inspected to ensure it meets Meridian Products’ quality standards. We combine material grading with expert craftsmanship to highlight the natural beauty of Hickory while providing the consistency expected from the selected grade.
Natural Wood Disclaimer
Wood is a product of nature. Variations in color, grain pattern, mineral streaks, knots, sapwood, heartwood, and other naturally occurring characteristics are inherent to solid hardwood and are not considered manufacturing defects. No two pieces will be exactly alike, making every project uniquely beautiful.
While Meridian Products carefully grades and inspects every component to meet the standards of the selected material grade, natural variation should be expected and appreciated as part of the character and beauty of genuine wood.