Hickory Flooring

[harryc]

I just put down a new hardwood floor, a first, and I might have a problem with the material but I dont know enough about it. I'm looking for a little info before talking to the sales rep, because he also knows its my first floor and may convince me its normal, especially since he sent the wood in the first place. The flooring is hickory planks, 5 to 8 inch, country grade, with the full range of color tones and knots. I like the wide range of color tones, but several (maybe 10%) have grayish "splotches" about an inch or so in diameter, that look like something splattered on them, but the color is in the wood (it didn't sand out). Some are singular, some are in small rows maybe 1 or 2 feet long. Others in my non professional work party explained it was just the natural coloring of the wood, and wouldn't be noticeable anyway. Well, it is pretty noticeable, and kind of silly looking too, since this is in a kitchen. I haven't seen anything like it in any of the other online pics of hickory flooring. So my question is, could this be normal and just not well advertised, or did this company screw up the drying process, let the wood get too wet before drying, or something? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Rich]

I'm thinking this is due to the wood itself and the grade. Most online pics show the best #1 select grade. So it's unlikely that you'll see the grey spots. You see this quite a bit in pine trim and wood. It get's a bluish color when left untreated it turns grey. I'm not saying this is the same but in pine it is due to early symptoms of dry-rot. After pine is cut and dried / treated it is essentially done rotting.
I'll do some research on hickory and see if it's similar. I was going to use hickory for an office desk but the wife changed her mind to oak - nice looking stuff.

[Rich]

A couple things I found that hickory is susceptible to is minor damage from white rot and some canker causing fungis. Overall they are pretty resistant to rots but these are the 2 things I've found.. although not common. The white rot is also called white mold that if not treated will eventually deteriorate the wood completely. You won't have to worry about any further damage as it's now sealed.
In summary - I would say it has more to do with the cabin grade than anything else. The may allow those minor imperfections in that grade.
I'll keep looking for some more information if you want.

[harryc]

No need to keep looking, that explanation sounds most sensible. Thank you.