I found this ( http://www.boardwalkhardwood.com/wirebrushed-hickory-distressed-hickory-flooring/wolf-creek-plank ) which seems to show some open knot holes. I don't think it's an issue, especially if you don't overuse water for washing.

You can look at almost any brand of character grade plank Naturally Aged, Mirage, French Connection, etc.) to see what a filled knot looks like. Mostly they're filled with a dark filler or complementary color filler.

Im currently just finishing up a common grade hickory job. there were larger knots but chose to cut them out, and leave only knots that had crack openings. as far as the splinter issue, you shouldn't have an issue with the knots, but from experience, hickory slivers suck. plain and simple.

JFCwood said it and I agree, most prefinished hickory I've worked with filled the knots with an epoxy or something similar, and while you can clearly see the knot in the board, its filled and doesn't pose any threat. Hallmark comes to mind as a good one, but only since I work with it a lot.

I have hickory floors and there are knots in it. The surface is smooth, though. I just went and ran my foot over several of them in my dining room. Although the floor is distressed, I haven't had a splinter in a year with this floor.

It happens to be a Hallmark floor. I've been very happy with it.

Thanks everyone! I think I will inquire about getting them filled. The sample board had a few holes that were quite big (like an inch in diametre). I love the look of the knots and wouldn't want to eliminate the boards with knots completely, but I would feel better knowing there wasn't a risk of splintering my little kids' feet!

@Melissa Silva - Did you have the floors installed? How did it turn out? I just posted the same question over on the building a home forum. I am looking at Chelsea Plank and the store said I may have to worry about the the knots not being filled.

Hi! Yes we did get them and I love love love them. They are great! Yes there are open knot holes though. None have been a problem except one that our socks keep snagging on. My husband is going to fill it.

Beautiful Melissa! What color is your floor?

Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the pictures.

luettaw thank you! It's Chelsea Plank in Hickory and colour is Wolf Creek :)

Wow. I love what you have done with your floor and kitchen. We are installing the same floor and your photos (albeit a year old!) are so helpful. Thank you for posting!

beautiful! Were those prefinished or site finished? What kind of finish is it? Thanks.

More than likely prefinished in the pics as there is a noticeable bevel. That's not to say unfinished beveled or micro beveled floors can't be found.

Ken Fisher

Character Grade Hickory with Knots