Olive Wood is Gaining Popularity in the USA

Hi There,

Olive wood isn’t the first material most American woodworkers reach for—but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. With its dramatic grain, warm golden tones, and Old World heritage, olive wood offers a distinctive alternative to domestic hardwoods like oak or maple. As interest in specialty and sustainable materials grows across the U.S., olive wood is carving out a small but passionate following.

A Rare Material in American Shops

Unlike walnut or cherry, olive trees aren’t widely harvested for lumber in the United States. Until recently most olive wood used by American craftspeople have been imported from Mediterranean regions such as Italy, Spain, Turkey and Tunisia, where trees are periodically removed once they stop producing fruit.

This means olive wood is often sourced as a byproduct of agriculture rather than large-scale logging, making it appealing to woodworkers who value sustainability.

At Desert Hardwoods we are changing the landscape by offering affordable raw olive wood to crafters and woodworkers across the country.

What Makes Olive Wood Special

What immediately sets olive wood apart is its striking appearance. The grain is often wild and swirling, with contrasting streaks of cream, amber, and deep brown. No two pieces look alike, which makes it especially popular for statement pieces.

But olive wood isn’t just about looks:

• It is very dense and hard which allows for crisp detail in carving and turning.
• It has a smooth, almost oily feel when finished, making it ideal for items handled frequently.
• It takes a high polish naturally, often requiring minimal finishing products.

Because of these qualities, olive wood is commonly used in the U.S. for cutting boards, bowls, utensils, knife handles, decorative items, resin tables, coffee tables, side tables and more. Click here for a taste of what amazing items our customers have been making.

We source large quantities of Olive Wood from California and mill them into cookies and slabs at our sawmill location in Phoenix, AZ. We cater to woodworkers who make everything from bird calls all the way up to large conference tables. While it is difficult to locate these trees we have established a network of US sources to make us the leading supplier of raw olive wood across the country.

Why It Matters Now

As more woodworkers seek sustainable and visually unique materials, olive wood fits both trends. It encourages a slower, more intentional approach to craftsmanship—working with limited pieces, respecting natural forms, and creating items that feel personal rather than mass-produced. Its also important that we continue to buy local US products and services to help support local US businesses.

In a woodworking culture often dominated by uniform boards and predictable grains, olive wood stands out as a reminder that sometimes the most interesting projects begin with materials that are a little harder to find—and a lot more interesting to work with.

Warm regards,

David
Desert Hardwoods