Olive wood

The olive wood, farmed from the trees of Olea europaea, is a hard and rich in color wood that is prized all around the world for its appearance, density, straight grain and fine texture. 

Olive lumber is very strong, but it has a high sensitivity to outside elements and insect attacks. Because of this, it can most commonly be found only in indoor furniture and smaller wooden objects. Visually, olive wood is famous all around the world for its consistent texture, grain and a very distinct and fruity scent when being worked.

 

Olive is a favorite wood of carvers and turners. "It's used for things like knife handles, pistol grips, letter openers, furnishing accessories, turned boxes, crucifixes for rosary beads," Gilmer says.

Olive wood is nowadays almost only used for handicraft production. Its wood, which is light yellow, veined, and with irregular fibers, is sought after for turning, cabinetmaking, and sculpture.

Olive wood is hardwood, which makes it possible to make sturdy cutting boards and other kitchen utensils that can be used every day.

Its exceptional hardness requires a certain know-how and specific tools to work it.