It is a popular choice in wood-grain panels for interior country design uses. For the same reason it is a good choice for furniture, architectural millwork and decorative details. It is well-suited for steam bending and for highly stressed machine parts. Some woods are heavier than hickory and some woods are more flexible and resilient, but no other wood combines the two as well. In fact, the American sport of harness racing developed with the invention of the light sulky in which hickory is the primary component.
Hickory is available as veneer and lumber.
It falls in the average price range. Historically, hickory was the ultimate wood of choice for the highest quality barrel hoops, but never for the barrel stays as it has a low tolerance for moisture. Today it is mostly used for decorative paneling veneers and for furniture manufacture. It is a perfect choice for molded and bent plywood needs that require hickory's level of flexibility. For the same reason it is great for striking tools, such as handles for hammers and pick axes.