Is olive wood harder than oak?

Olive wood vs. oak: A surprising endurance test for your home

When it comes to high-quality wood for furniture, cutting boards, or fine home accessories, two names often top the list: domestic oak and Mediterranean olive wood. Both are known for their beauty and durability. But one question always arises: Which wood is actually harder?

Many of us would instinctively guess solid German oak. But the answer might surprise you.

How do you measure the hardness of wood? The Janka test.

To objectively compare woods, there is a global standard: the Janka hardness test. This measures the force required to push a steel ball with a diameter of 11.28 mm halfway into the wood. The higher the value (given in pound-force (lbf) or Newton (N), the harder and more resilient the wood.

The result: olive wood is the clear winner

Let’s take a look at the numbers:

• Oak (white oak): has a Janka value of approximately 1,360 lbf (approximately 6,050 N). This is already a very good value, making oak a robust and popular wood for parquet flooring and furniture.

• Olive wood: impresses with a Janka value of approx. 2,700 lbf (approx. 12,010 N).

The result is clear: olive wood is on average almost twice as hard as oak wood.

Why is olive wood so extremely hard?

The secret lies in the slow growth and high density of the wood. Olive trees grow for centuries, often under barren, dry conditions in the Mediterranean. This slow growth leads to very narrow annual rings and an extremely dense wood structure.

This high density makes olive wood not only harder but also more resistant to scratches, cuts, and stains. At the same time, it naturally contains oils that make it more resistant to moisture and bacteria—a huge advantage, especially in the kitchen.

Oak vs. Olive Wood: A Brief Overview

Conclusion: Beauty meets extreme resilience

Although oak is a fantastic and durable wood, the point for sheer hardness and durability clearly goes to olive wood. Its extreme density makes it the perfect choice for items that are subject to daily wear and tear, such as our Cutting boards or Kitchen helpers .

So the next time you hold a beautiful piece of olive wood in your hands, you will not only admire a unique grain, but also a true powerhouse of nature.