Hey folks! I'm totally new to woodworking and don't really know much about wood types—like which ones are stronger or better for specific projects. My girlfriend and I are big fans of The Odyssey, and I'm thinking about building a bed frame out of olive wood to celebrate that when we move in together or get married someday (still a bit in the future!). But I haven't seen many olive wood bed frames online, so I thought I might tackle this project myself (I have plenty of time to learn!). Do you think olive wood would be a good option for a bed frame? If not, how could I still incorporate olive wood into the design? Thanks a bunch!
3 Answers
Olive wood is definitely strong and dense, making it a good choice structurally. However, it can be quite pricey and varies by location. In my area, it goes for about $30 or more per board foot. So, if you were to build a full bed frame, you might be looking at a $3,000 to $5,000 investment! If the budget's okay with that, you're golden, but keep in mind it needs to be handled correctly as it's not very stable dimensionally. I usually suggest to beginners to start with cheaper hardwoods until you get the hang of things, then you can switch to the fancy woods once you're confident!
You might struggle to find olive wood in large enough sizes for a bed frame. Most olive trees are small and twisty, so you usually only come across smaller pieces. I'd suggest looking for a different type of wood that gives you a similar look, or even using olive wood veneers to give a beautiful finish.
Olive wood is pretty unique, but it doesn't grow large enough to make furniture. That's likely why you're not finding many bed frames made from it. Instead, how about making a small carving or detail out of olive wood to add to the headboard? That way, you still get to incorporate it without needing a whole frame made of it!
That's a great idea! Veneers can really add a nice touch without breaking the bank or complicating the build too much.