What is Olive Wood? Properties & Uses
When it comes to beautiful and versatile timbers, olive wood certainly deserves a special mention. At W.L. West & Sons Ltd, we are thrilled to announce that we offer stunning high-quality olive wood fit for a wide variety of projects in the West Sussex area. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, properties, appearance, common uses, and even staining options for this beautiful timber. So, let’s explore the world of this extraordinary wood.
Where does olive wood derive from?
Originating from the Mediterranean region, olive wood has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Although it derived from the Mediterranean, due to being very low-maintenance, they spread rapidly outside of its origin and are now farmed for its fruit in over 20 countries. Unsurprisingly, the hardwood comes from the olive tree, which many people may be familiar with. Further, it is scientifically known as Olea europaea. The tree itself is renowned for its long-lasting nature, symbolising strength and resilience.
The olive tree symbolises strength and resilience, a very appropriate description
What are the properties of olive wood?
Olive wood possesses unique properties that make it highly sought after. Its distinctive grain pattern, with swirls and streaks, resembles the artistic brushstrokes on a canvas. The grain can range from straight to wild and irregular, offering a captivating aesthetic appeal, resulting in many projects being truly unique.
The colour is as captivating as its grain. The heartwood tends to have a rich golden-brown hue, often accompanied by darker streaks or patches. In contrast, the sapwood is lighter, creating a delightful contrast that adds depth and interest to any woodworking project.
When working with this timber, it tends to release a lovely fruity aroma, which often continues to be noticeable for several years after polishing.
What is olive wood commonly used for?
Olive wood’s exceptional properties make it a favoured choice among craftsmen, artisans, and designers. Its density, hardness, and interlocking grain provide durability and stability for various indoor applications.
Woodworkers often turn to olive wood for carving intricate designs and decorative accents due to it’s ease of workability. The fine texture and smooth surface of olive wood allow for precise and detailed work. Often, it is used in the creation of small sculptures, utensils, and ornamental items.
Although it’s particularly dense and strong, olive wood tends to be prone to rot and insect attacks, especially if left untreated. Therefore, to increase the lifespan of products and furnishings made from olive wood, it’s recommended primarily for indoor use, for example: flooring, ornaments, turned objects, etc. It’s also rarely available for purchase in lumber form due to the nature of it’s uses.
In addition to its functional uses, olive wood is prized for its beauty in interior design. It is a popular choice for crafting unique flooring, elegant cabinetry, and eye-catching veneer. The warm tones and distinct grain pattern bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
It boasts stunning warm tones throughout, suitable for many applications.
Should olive wood be stained?
Due to its natural beauty, olive wood is often left unstained to showcase its inherent characteristics. However, if desired, it can be stained to achieve both different hues and intensify its visual appeal. It is essential to note that it’s dense nature and high oil content can make staining more challenging compared to other woods. Therefore, working with a professional or experimenting with small test pieces is recommended to achieve the desired results.
Where can I buy olive wood?
At W.L. West & Sons Ltd, we take pride in offering exceptional olive wood for your woodworking needs in the West Sussex area. Our olive wood is carefully sourced and kiln dried to ensure optimal quality and stability.
We currently hold stock in the following dimensions:
30mm thickness
1.2m and 2.2m lengths
various widths
50mm thickness stock arriving from September – watch this space!
If you require different thicknesses or have specific requirements, please get in touch with our specialists who can source these for you. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and will gladly assist you in finding the perfect olive wood for your project.
Get in touch for a variety of olive wood.
Overall, olive wood stands as a testament to nature’s beauty and craftsmanship. Its mesmerising grain, warm tones, and exceptional properties make it a versatile material for various woodworking applications. Whether you seek to create stunning furniture, intricate carvings, or unique interior elements, olive wood is sure to bring elegance and charm to your creations. Here at WL West & Sons, we are excited to offer you the opportunity to explore the world of olive wood and bring your vision to life. Contact us today to embark on your woodworking journey with this remarkable timber.
WL West Timber is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex with over 155 years’ industry experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
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