OUR MATERIALS || EXOTIC HARDWOOD || OLIVEWOOD
OLIVEWOOD
Alternative Names & Variations: Italian Olive, Mediterranean Olive
Color: Yellow to Light Reddish-Brown with Darker Brown to Black Streaks
Hardness: Very Hard
Sustainability Status: Very Sustainable / Stable Species Population
Characteristics: Olivewood is known for its distinctive qualities that make it a popular choice for woodworking worldwide. Olivewood’s heartwood displaying colors from yellow to light reddish-brown, along with contrasting streaks Its fine texture and moderate luster add to its aesthetic charm, making it a sought-after material for high-end applications.
While versatile for indoor use, Olivewood’s irregular growth makes it better suited for smaller, intricately shaped pieces rather than large lumber. Olivewood is a unique material valued for its historical connections, visual appeal, and its ability to inspire exquisite craftsmanship in creating furniture, turned objects, veneer, and various small specialty wood items.
STRENGTHS
-
Olivewood presents a visually appealing spectrum, with contrasting streaks and veins enhancing its aesthetic charm.
-
Olivewood finds its niche in high-end indoor furniture, turned objects, and veneer.
WEAKNESSES
-
Olivewood’s high sensitivity to external elements necessitates treatment for prolonged durability. Its susceptibility to insect attacks and decay limits its suitability for prolonged outdoor exposure.
-
Due to the economic significance of olive fruit, Olivewood lumber availability is restricted to pruned branches, trimmings, or damaged orchard trees, making it relatively scarce on the market. The twisted and irregular growth pattern of olive trees hinders the extraction of long, straight lumber pieces.
OLIVEWOOD ALTERNATIVES
CHERRY WOOD
ZEBRA WOOD
BUBINGA WOOD