Olivewood
Olea europaea
Olivewood is a stunning Mediterranean hardwood prized for its extraordinary swirling grain patterns, warm cream and brown coloration, and pleasant natural aroma. Harvested from olive trees that are no longer producing fruit, this dense and hard wood features some of the most dramatic and beautiful figure of any commercial species. Widely used for turned bowls, cutting boards, utensils, and decorative items, Olivewood is a favorite among artisan woodworkers for its incomparable beauty and character.
Janka Hardness
2700 lbf
Very hard
Density
62 lbs/ft³
Very dense
Shrinkage
High (8.8% tangential, 5.4% radial)
Higher movement
Appearance
Color: Cream to golden-yellow background with dramatic dark brown to black streaks and swirling patterns. Color variation is extreme and highly prized.
Grain: Wild interlocked and swirling grain with fine texture. Dramatic contrast between light and dark areas creates spectacular figure.
Key Characteristics
- •Spectacular swirling grain patterns
- •Hard and dense
- •Pleasant natural aroma
- •Dramatic light/dark contrast
- •Polishes to high sheen
- •Natural antibacterial properties
Common Applications
Maintenance
For interior use. Food-safe items should be treated with food-grade mineral oil. Decorative items benefit from wax or oil finish. Protect from extreme moisture changes.
Advantages
- +Among the most beautiful grain patterns
- +Hard and durable for its applications
- +Natural antibacterial properties for kitchenware
- +Pleasant aromatic scent
- +Excellent for turning and carving
- +Sustainable - harvested from spent fruit trees
Considerations
- •Very expensive per board foot
- •Available only in small and irregular pieces
- •Prone to checking and splitting during drying
- •High movement with moisture changes
- •Wild grain makes flattening difficult
- •Not suitable for large furniture projects