Just my 2 pennies , but Hickory is a great wood , very closed cell grain that resists moisture , hard as HECK , an if properly sealed and installed would prob last forever, Also in my book it is onna the prettiest hardwoods, especially if you just use a clear on it and let it age the white will take on a pretty golden patina and the dark stripes and brown color mixed in are beautiful ,
I am a cabinet maker bye trade and it is my favorite of all the species of hardwoods.
(that is what i made an installed for the misses in her kitched for our 10th anniversary...lol )
And besides that it somethin different !...not every joe uses it like pine or oak .
