Color & grain

• Heartwood: The color varies from a warm, golden brown tone to darker shades of brown, which are given a special depth by the natural grain and the irregular dark veins. Olive wood is known for its striking, fine and contrasting grain, which is often described as “wild” or “flaming”.
• Sapwood: Lighter than the heartwood, usually yellowish to pale brown. The sapwood is often omitted in furniture production and in the processing of olive wood, as it is less attractive than the heartwood.
• Grain: The grain of olive wood is often irregular and wavy, resulting in unique patterns. These structures make each piece of olive wood unique, particularly suitable for furniture and handicrafts that emphasize special aesthetic values.

Tree size & wood properties

• Average height: 5-12 meters Olive trees are usually small to medium-sized and are often cultivated in plantations.
• Trunk diameter: 30-50 cm but there are also larger trees in very old stands.
• Hardness: Janka hardness: ~ 6,200 N Olive wood is relatively hard and resistant, which makes it a good material for furniture, kitchen utensils and decorative objects.
• Weight: Medium to high density, approx. 850-1,100 kg/m³ in the dried state.
• Durability: Olive wood is highly resistant to moisture and insects and is particularly suitable for applications where durability and resistance are required. It is often used for kitchen utensils such as chopping boards and spoons.

Frequent uses

• Furniture: Olive wood is often used to make furniture such as tables, chairs and shelves, especially for pieces that require a unique look and eye-catching grain. The dense structure makes it particularly suitable for high-quality and durable furniture.
• Kitchen utensils: Olive wood is particularly popular for chopping boards, wooden spoons, knife handles and bowls. Its density and resistance to moisture make it ideal for direct contact with food.
• Decorative objects & handicrafts: Due to its unique grain, olive wood is also used for handicrafts, inlay work, sculptures and decorative objects. It is easy to work with and acquires a beautiful patina that becomes even more valuable over time.
• Instrument making: In some cases, olive wood is also used to make musical instruments, especially instruments such as guitars or flutes, due to its hardness and acoustic properties.
• Veneers: Olive wood is used for fine veneers, which are mainly used in high-quality furniture construction due to their beautiful grain and color.