Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionEast African olive Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
East African olive is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameOlea capensis; divided into three subspecies (see comments below)
Janka hardness2,700 lbf
Average dried weight62.0 lb/ft³
Best fitVeneer
Overview
Why choose East African olive?
East African olive is an imported specialty hardwood. Mainly East Africa, with a range that stretches west to Sierra Leone and down to South Africa. Common uses include veneer, turned objects, small specialty items and high-end furniture.
Scientific nameOlea capensis; divided into three subspecies (see comments below)
DistributionMainly East Africa, with a range that stretches west to Sierra Leone and down to South Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 5.4%, Tangential: 8.8%, Volumetric: 14.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 More images | Identification
DurabilityDecay resistance is moderate to good.
East African olive colour, grain, and figure
Heartwood is typically yellow with a light reddish-brown tone, crossed by darker streaks and veins that run brown through black. The yellowish sapwood usually has a sharp boundary with the heartwood, though the line is harder to see when the heartwood has no streaking.
Grain may run straight, interlocked or wild. The texture is fine and uniform with a moderate natural luster.
Working notes
Density together with occasionally wild or interlocked grain makes it somewhat difficult to work, and surfacing can cause tearout. The high oil content can now and then cause trouble when gluing.
Serious reactions are unusual, but olive is reported to act as a sensitizer.
East African olive should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for East African olive
Best projects
Common uses include veneer, turned objects, small specialty items and high-end furniture.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying East African olive from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
East African olive FAQ
What is East African olive best used for?
Common uses include veneer, turned objects, small specialty items and high-end furniture. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is East African olive beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell East African olive?
The buying section on this page links to any East African olive Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.