Skip to content
Gift Cards Hours & Location Milling Services Monthly Specials

Holly Wood

Holly is a rare hardwood prized for its bright, almost pure white color and very fine, uniform grain. It machines cleanly and takes detail exceptionally well, making it a favorite for inlay work, carving, and specialty woodworking where a crisp, high-contrast look is desired.

Holly Wood

This collection is empty

View all products

Holly (Ilex opaca)

Pricing:



Average

Hardness:

1,020

Janka

Distribution:



Eastern US

Availability:



Moderately Available

Appearance

Holly is prized for its pale white colour and almost complete lack of grain pattern. There are often knots present which reduces the usable size of boards. If not dried quickly enough after felling, a bluish grey fungal stain will develop.

Workability

The grain is interlocked which can make hand planning difficult but it can be worked with a finely tuned card scraper with ease. Be careful sanding Holly when there are dissimilar woods next to it because the sanding dust created can stain the white of the Holly.

Uses

Often used as an accent wood in stringing, banding, and inlays. The small size of the tree and knots make it difficult to make larger projects.

Additional Comments

Holly is best used in small pieces or thin slices due to the large shrinkage rate and seasonal movement. There is nothing more striking than Holly and Ebony featured together on inlays.

Have you made something with Holly?

Send us an email with your project for a chance to be featured here and on our social media!

Frequently Asked Questions About Holly Wood

What is Holly wood used for?

Holly (Ilex opaca) is used for inlay work, marquetry, piano keys (as an ivory substitute), chess pieces, decorative stringing, knife handles, and turning.

What color is Holly wood?

Holly is one of the whitest natural hardwoods available, almost pure white to ivory in color, with a very uniform grain.

What is Holly wood used for in marquetry?

Holly is one of the most valuable marquetry woods because its near-white color creates contrast against dark species like Ebony, Wenge, or Walnut.

How hard is Holly wood?

Holly has a Janka hardness of approximately 1,020 lbf (4,540 N).

Is Holly wood good for piano keys?

Yes. Holly has historically been used as an ivory substitute for the white keys of piano keyboards. Its white color, fine grain, and moderate hardness made it the alternative to ivory after elephant ivory trade was restricted.

Can Holly wood be stained?

Yes. Holly accepts dye-based stains well.

Why does Holly wood turn gray?

Holly turns gray rapidly after sawing if not kiln-dried quickly, because of blue stain fungi that colonize the freshly cut sapwood.

What finish works best on Holly wood?

Clear finishes, lacquer, water-based polyurethane, and shellac, work best on Holly to preserve its distinctive white color. Oil-based finishes can yellow the wood over time.

5994
Verified Reviews