Wild Olive

Wild Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) is a striking hardwood known for its rich, warm tones and intricate grain patterns, ranging from golden yellow to deep brown. This durable and dense wood is often used in high-end furniture, turning projects, and carving due to its workability and resistance to wear. Its unique appearance and strong characteristics make it a favored choice for quality woodworking. (Please note this description was generated by AI, and therefore may be inaccurate.)

Olive is sometimes figured with curly or wavy grain, burl, or wild grain.  Grain may be straight, interlocked, or wild; fine uniform texture with moderate natural lustre. Can be somewhat difficult to work on account of its density and sometimes wild or interlocked grain, resulting in tearout during surfacing operations. Olive has high movement in service and is considered to have poor stability—especially if branch wood has been used (a more common occurrence with fruit trees like olive). Turns superbly, though drying checks and warpage can occur during drying. Glues and finishes well.