Hickory was often used as hand-hewn timbers in the structure of 19th century barns; the wood is durable and strong making a perfect candidate for a long lasting structure; and a perfect candidate for a durable and long lasting second life as a floor; somehow this wood has mellowed over time, and although it has the same type of variances as its FreshCut™ counterpart, the light colors are not so light and the dark colors are not so dark; these variations create a tapestry that is visually interesting, but not overwhelmingly varied; the sapwood is often scattered with the tracks of long since departed critters, which weave another thread of interest in this powerful and enduring flooring product.