Pecan hardwood flooring, also known as hickory, can last a long time and add great beauty to your home. It is not as hard as some hardwood floors - it has a rating of 1820 on the Janka Hardness Scale (which measures the density of hardwood flooring). By contrast, Brazilian Cherry (Jatobá) is 2820 and Red Oak is 1260. So you are getting a reasonably durable hardwood but not along the lines of Brazilian Walnut or Ipê (3680).

You won't have trouble matching your décor if you choose to install a pecan hardwood floor. Pecan comes in a range of colors including pale, dark and reddish browns. But generally there is a contrast between the sapwood (which tends to be a pale brown) and the heartwood (which is a reddish brown). The grain is straight and sometimes irregular with a coarse texture.

Some flooring manufacturers take pecan wood and combine it with hickory. Naturally, this provides even more color varieties and can also help increase durability. This adds more versatility as a more durable floor will be suitable for more room types.

On the other hand, pecan (hickory) hardwood can be prone to frost and decay. And while it is a fast-drying wood, it is susceptible to shrinkage and should be protected from moisture in its unfinished state. Careful storage prior to installation is important and a short storage time is preferable.

You can also use pecan hardwood for other things in your home to create a consistent look. This wood is often used in furniture, veneers and cabinets. You'll even find it in some subfloors.

Pecan hardwood flooring offers beauty and many other benefits. For more on pecan floors and other hardwood flooring types, visit the hardwood species section at FindAnyFloor.com.