What is Holly Wood?
Holly is tough, heavy wood, and durable hardwood. It is commonly known as American Holly. It is native to the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada.
American Holly is the whitest natural wood. Holly is widely used for ornamental and small decorative items.
Holly can be a vine and shrub to both evergreen and deciduous trees. There are more than 560 different species within the genus. The holly tree produces small, red berries that can be poisonous.
| # | Holly Wood |
| Scientific name | Ilex opaca |
| Tree size | 40–50ft (9–15 m) tall and 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter |
| Janka Hardness | 1,020 lbf (4,540 N) |
| Rot-resistance | Little to no natural resistance |
| Type | Hardwood |
| Uses | Furniture, cabinet, handles, carvings, broom |
Uses of Holly Wood
Holly Wood is often used for furniture, broom and brush handle, turned objects, and inlays. It can be easily curved, so American Holly is most commonly used for making decorative items.
Wood Color
Holly Wood is the world’s whitest wood. Its heartwood is pale white in color, while the sapwood is almost white.
Generally, its grain is interlocked and irregular. It has a medium to fine uniform texture with a moderate natural luster.
Working with Holly Wood
Working with Holly is not very easy. The knots and interlocked grain present in it makes it difficult to work with hand tools. But it turns out well on the lathe.
It holds the nail, screw well. Glues, stains, and finishes well. It accepts all types of stains very well. After finishing, it gives excellent results.
Holly Wood Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantage
- Easy to Stain: It can be stained easily, and accepts stains well.
- Uniform Texture: Holly Wood has a uniform and fine texture.
Disadvantage
- Not Rot-resistant: Holly Wood is not rot resistant, and is susceptible to insect attack. So it is not suitable for the outdoor.
- Workability is not good: It is not easy to work with due to irregular and interlocked grain.
- Price: Holly Wood is expensive lumber, and is rarely available in large quantities and large sizes of plank.
Is Holly Wood Toxic?
No health problems have been reported with Holly. But be careful while woodworking because all kinds of wood dust are harmful. Asthma patients should avoid wood dust. Use gloves and goggles while working.
Is Holly Wood Sustainable?
Yes, Holly is sustainable. It is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Types of Holly Wood
There are many types of Holly. Some species are as follows.
1. Cape Holly(Ilex Mitis)
Cape Holly is a hard and durable hardwood. It is widely used for indoor furniture, brooms, and brush handles. Cape holly is also commonly known as African holly. It is native to Africa.
Tree Size: 60-80 ft (18-24 m) tall, 1-2.5 ft (.3-.8 m) trunk diameter
Janka Hardness: 1,100 lbf (4,870 N)
Workability: It May be difficult to work due to the presence of knots and interlocks.
Rot-resistant: Cape Holly is not rot resistant and is also susceptible to insect attack.
1. English Holly(Ilex Aquifolium)
English Holly is a durable hardwood. The English Holly tree is known for its Christmas decoration. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Tree Size: 50-65 ft (15-20 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter
Janka Hardness: 1,010 lbf (4,510 N)
Workability: It May be difficult to work due to the presence of knots and interlocks.
Rot-resistant: English Holly is not rot resistant and is also susceptible to insect attack.