Olive Wood
Olea europaea · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East).
- Hardness
- 2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack if left in outdoor soil contact.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked with wavy and curly figure. The burls and contorted growth patterns create complex swirls and cathedral-like loops particularly visible in the carved bowl area.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a creamy yellowish-brown with high-contrast dark brown to black streaks. Distinct color variation between the fresh interior golden tones and the heavily oxidized, grey-weathered exterior patina.
Hardness (Janka)
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack if left in outdoor soil contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and size.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The tree likely lived over 100-200 years given the dense ring growth; the sample shows significant surface oxidation and weathering suggesting the raw timber was harvested several decades ago.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as wood is often sourced from pruned or non-productive orchard trees.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, turnery, carvings, knife handles, bowls, kitchen utensils, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East).
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout during planing. Excellent for turning and carving; however, it tends to dull blades quickly. Glues and finishes well due to natural oil content.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchen use to enhance chatoyance. For decorative pieces, shellac or clear lacquer will preserve the high-contrast grain without darkening it excessively.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when worked. Very high oil content makes it naturally water-resistant and suitable for food contact. It is exceptionally heavy and dense.
