Mockernut Hickory
Carya tomentosa
Genus: Carya · Family: Juglandaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
51 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,820 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Light Brown
Stability
Low
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Common in U.S.
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Mockernut Hickory is harder than 69% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) is one of North America's hardest and strongest commercial hardwoods. With a Janka hardness of 1,820 lbf and exceptional shock resistance, it's the traditional choice for tool handles, ladder rungs, and athletic equipment. Its dramatic heartwood/sapwood contrast creates a distinctive rustic aesthetic in flooring.
In Plain English
Mockernut Hickory is one of the toughest domestic hardwoods you can buy. It's incredibly hard, shock-resistant, and has bold character with dramatic color contrast. If you want a floor or tool handle that can take a beating, Hickory is the answer.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Premier choice for tool handles, ladder rungs, flooring, and applications demanding shock resistance.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Extremely hard — demanding on tools. Wide color variation between sapwood and heartwood.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with Mockernut Hickory. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 1,300 lbf)
- • Lighter (45 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Softer (Janka 830 lbf)
- • Lighter (35 lb/ft³)
- • Softer (Janka 850 lbf)
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Harder (Janka 2,335 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium