Olive Wood: Uses and Characteristics

Olive wood is known for its natural beauty, strength and durability.

This wood, which comes from the olive tree (Olea europea), although its wood has traditionally been used as firewood, has been used for centuries in the manufacture of kitchen utensils thanks to its distinctive grain and high density.

Below, we will explore in depth the main characteristics of olive wood and its most common uses.

What is Olive Wood?

The olive tree is a typically Mediterranean tree, valued both for its fruit and its wood.

Olive wood has a warm color ranging from light yellow to dark brown tones, with brown and black streaks that give it a unique visual appearance.

This wood is prized for its aesthetic beauty and its ability to resist wear and tear, making it ideal for a wide range of applications such as cutting boards or other kitchen utensils.

Olive Wood Properties

Hardness and Density

Olive wood is very dense, with a density of around 920 kg/m³. This high density gives it great resistance to impact and wear, making it suitable for products that require durability and resistance to intensive use.

Unique Appearance

One of the most distinctive characteristics of olive is its striking grain, with veins that create irregular patterns and colorations that can range from light to dark. This unique aesthetic is ideal for decorative products or furniture that seeks to stand out for its natural beauty.

Moisture Resistance

Although it is not a particularly weather- and insect-resistant wood, olive has a moderate resistance to moisture. This makes it suitable for kitchen utensils, provided it is properly maintained.

Low dimensional stability

In spite of its hardness, olive wood can show a certain tendency to deform with sudden changes in temperature and humidity. It is important to dry it properly before use and to give it an adequate treatment to avoid deformation.

Uses of Olive Wood

Kitchen Utensils and Cutting Boards

One of the most common uses of olive wood is in the manufacture of cutting boards and kitchen utensils such as spoons, spatulas and bowls. Its high density makes it resistant to cuts and its natural grain brings a unique aesthetic touch to the kitchen. In addition, its low porosity contributes to maintaining hygiene by preventing the accumulation of bacteria.

Olive kitchen utensils, especially olive cutting boards, have become popular in recent years.

Find our olive tree planks in the Unique Planks section.

Small objects and handicrafts

Because of its uniqueness and natural beauty, the olive tree is also used in the manufacture of small objects and handicrafts. Boxes, jewelry boxes and other objects for personal use can be found made of olive wood. In some cases, you can find bathroom picks and other larger objects made with this wood.

Epoxy tables

Although it is not common to build furniture from olive trees, epoxy tables are often made from the larger trees.

Olive Wood Advantages and Considerations

Advantages

• Unique Aesthetics: The irregular grain and grain of olive wood creates visually striking pieces, making it ideal for high-end and decorative products.
• Resistance: Its hardness and density give it excellent resistance to wear, making it perfect for cutting boards and other kitchen utensils that must withstand continuous use.
• Low Porosity: This allows kitchen utensils made of olive to maintain good hygiene, as they do not absorb liquids easily.

Considerations

• Difficult to work with: Due to its high density, olive wood can be difficult to work with, especially in applications that require detailed work or fine cuts.
• Outdoor Limitations: Although it is moisture resistant, it is not the best choice for outdoor applications unless properly treated to protect it from weathering and insect attack.
• Low availability: Due to the small size of the olive tree, its slow growth and commercial yield, the olive tree is scarce and tends to be marketed mostly in small planks or boards. Its price per m3 rises considerably in planks that exceed 20 cm in width.
• Low dimensional stability: Its tendency to deform makes us recommend its use in slatted boards or boards of moderate to high thickness to avoid deformations that may hinder its use.
• Defects: Often the olive tree has a large number of defects such as holes, hollow knots or cavities due to the way the tree grows. Obtaining defect-free boards is difficult but in high demand. Defects are usually sealed with epoxy resin.

Conclusion

Olive wood is seeing an increasing demand in timber. This wood is an excellent choice for those looking for a strong, durable and aesthetically appealing material. Its use in kitchen utensils and decorative pieces stands out for its ability to combine functionality with a natural beauty that few other woods can offer. With proper care and treatment, olive trees can last for generations, maintaining their visual appeal and structural integrity over time.

Our products with olive wood