Hickory Logs for Sale
Buy and sell Shagbark and Pignut Hickory logs in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and the Midwest. America's toughest native hardwood for tool handles, smoking wood, and flooring.
Shagbark vs. Pignut Hickory
Hickory is among the hardest and strongest North American hardwoods. The two most commercially important species are Shagbark Hickory and Pignut Hickory, both valued for their exceptional toughness and shock resistance.
Shagbark Hickory
- Shagbark (Carya ovata)
- Janka hardness: 1,880 lbf
- Distinctive shaggy bark
- Premium tool handles
- Edible nuts (foraging value)
- Higher prices
Pignut Hickory
- Pignut (Carya glabra)
- Janka hardness: 1,820 lbf
- Smooth bark
- Tool handles and flooring
- More common species
- Similar strength
Both species deliver outstanding impact resistance and are interchangeable for most applications, though Shagbark commands a slight premium in some markets.
Tool Handles
Axes, hammers, picks
BBQ/Smoking Wood
Premium smoking flavor
Hardwood Flooring
Extremely durable
Ladder Rungs
Impact resistant
Hickory Grading & Pricing
Hickory's extreme hardness and demand for specialty products keep prices strong across all grades:
| Type/Grade | Min. Diameter | Typical Use | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory - Veneer | 16"+ | Figured veneer | $400-900/MBF |
| Hickory - Prime | 14"+ | Handles, flooring | $300-500/MBF |
| Hickory - #1 | 12"+ | General lumber | $180-350/MBF |
| Hickory - Smoking | Any | BBQ smoking chunks | $150-300/cord |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Logs
What are Hickory logs worth?
Hickory log prices range from $200–$500 per MBF (Doyle scale) for prime sawlogs, $150–$300 for #1 common, and $80–$175 for pallet or tie grade. Hickory’s density makes it harder to process, which can affect pricing at some mills. Specialty uses like smoking wood and tool handles can provide additional markets beyond standard lumber.
What is Hickory wood used for?
Hickory is the hardest and strongest commercial hardwood in North America. It’s used for tool handles (where shock resistance is critical), hardwood flooring (rustic and character grade), smoking wood for barbecue (Hickory-smoked is a flavor standard), furniture, ladder rungs, and athletic equipment. Hickory’s density and hardness make it exceptionally durable but also more difficult to machine.
What is the difference between Shagbark and Pignut Hickory?
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) has distinctive peeling bark strips and produces large, sweet, edible nuts. Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) has tighter bark and smaller, bitter nuts. Both species produce similar quality lumber with comparable strength properties. For log selling purposes, most mills buy all Hickory species together. Shagbark is more commonly found in river bottoms and lower slopes, while Pignut often grows on drier ridges.
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