Olive Wood

What is Olive Wood?

Olive wood is derived from the olive tree, a species of small, fruit-bearing tree found in much of Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Arabian Peninsula and southern Asia. Before they are felled, olive trees have thick, irregular trunks and knotted branches, making for interesting-shaped planks that are rarely angular. Olive trees can live for hundreds of years, and while they take a long time to grow, the wood is often a by-product of the agricultural industry, since trees eventually stop producing good fruit. This makes (much) olive wood a sustainable material.

Properties and qualities

Olive wood is very hard, strong and durable. It is deep brown in colour with strong, oil-like grain patterns that are a beautiful distinguishing feature: no two olive wood products are identical. In addition, olive wood has natural antibacterial properties. For these reasons, and combined with the fact that the wood can be sustainably sourced, URBANARA uses the material to make kitchen and bathroom accessories.

How does it feel?

Olive wood typically feels hard and is normally sanded and oiled to smooth and highlight the gorgeous pattern in the grain.


Olive wood products should not be soaked or put through a dishwasher. They can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth. An oil treatment is recommended occasionally, with olive or linseed oil. For best results, refer to the care instructions on your olive wood product.