Olivewood
Turning Blanks
Live Edge
Offcut Boxes
Pen Blanks
Olivewood (Olea europaea, O. capensis)
Pricing:
Moderately Expensive
Hardness:
2700
Janka
Distribution:
Europe and eastern Africa
Availability:
Moderately Available
Appearance
Olivewood has a primarily creamy yellow or brown colour with incredible, high-contrast streaks of dark brown and black. Olivewood will occasionally have figure in the form of curl, burl, or wild grain that adds even more beauty to this wood.
Workability
Olivewood’s grain can vary between straight and calm to interlocked and wild grain. That being said, a hand plane may not be the best choice for this species so watch out for tearout. Olivewood is a joy to turn and takes glue and finish well.
Uses
Decorative objects, veneer, turned projects, and bespoke furniture.
Additional Comments
Typically, this wood is seen in the form of pruned or storm damaged branches as Olivewood is not grown for lumber. It can be unstable and prone to movement so using it sparingly is advised. While worked, Olivewood has a distinct fruity smell.
