WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Olive
Olea europaea
Also known as: European Olive, Olive Wood, Olivier
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 2,700 lbf (12,010 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 900 kg/m³ (56 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.92
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Irregular, often with striking figure and wild grain
- Texture
- Fine and even
- Durability
- Moderately durable
- Region
- Europe, Africa, Asia
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - cultivated widely; wood is byproduct of olive oil industry
Overview
Olive wood is prized for its distinctive cream and dark brown streaked figure, derived from trees cultivated for olive oil. Despite its Mediterranean origins, it is used worldwide for turnery, small luxury items, and decorative inlays. The wood is dense and takes a fine polish.
Heartwood is cream to yellowish-brown with irregular dark brown or black streaks creating distinctive figure. Sapwood is pale yellow. Density averages 900 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 2,700 lbf. Fine, even texture with often wild or irregular grain.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - dense wood dulls tools
Gluing
Good with proper preparation
Finishing
Excellent - takes oil and wax beautifully
Steam Bending
Poor - irregular grain
Scent
Mild, pleasant when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Striking figure
- Dense and hard
- Turns beautifully
- Unique appearance
Weaknesses
- Can check during drying
- Irregular grain
- Expensive
- Small pieces typical
Common Uses
Turnery · Small boxes · Inlays · Knife handles · Decorative objects · Carving