We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Is Holly Lumber?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
About Mechanics is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At About Mechanics, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject-matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Holly lumber is made from the Ilex opaca tree, famous for its spiky green leaves and bright red berries. Wood from the holly tree can be white to cream in color if it is handled appropriately, and can be used in fine woodworking, musical instrument construction, and furnishings. Some woodworkers use it as a substitute for woods like ebony and boxwood if they are not available. Supplies of holly lumber vary and it can be expensive because it is a slow-growing tree and many specimens are small, requiring careful processing.

This is a hardwood, known for having a tight, close grain, although it can be prone to developing knots. It is also very heavy, and can be difficult to shape with some tools. Holly lumber is commonly chosen for inlays and carving where the delicate tones of the wood will be clearly visible, and is usually too expensive for more utilitarian uses. Woodworkers may choose to stain, paint, or varnish it for protection, or to enhance its natural beauty.

Harvesting and processing can be complex, because the wood is subject to discoloration if it is exposed to sunlight shortly after cutting. Mills may cut and process holly lumber in the winter, when the sun is less likely to be out. They need to handle the raw lumber carefully as they dry and process it so it doesn’t buckle, crack, or develop other flaws. Fully seasoned lumber can be expensive because of the limited supplies and careful handling required. For small projects, it is sometimes possible to buy cut ends, which are discounted because they are not full size.

One concern with holly lumber is that it is very vulnerable to insects and fungi. When it is used indoors, as it often is, this may not be a significant worry because the environment should stay dry, leaving the wood sound. If holly lumber is likely to be exposed to pests, it may need to be treated to keep them out of the wood. Woodworkers also need to consider the risk of shrinkage, as holly lumber can shrink considerably as it cures and adjusts to a new environment. It can also swell in humid, warm conditions.

When inspecting lumber to see if it is suitable for use in a project, there are several things to look for with holly lumber. The first is clear, even coloring without signs of purple or gray staining, which indicate it was exposed to sunlight during processing. Lumber should also be checked on both sides and the edges for knots as well as checking, small cracks that can appear in wood that is dried too quickly.

About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon310342 — On Dec 21, 2012

I have a holly tree that is about 30 feet tall and from the base is over two feet in diameter. It might be a bit more. At seven feet high, it's about two feet in diameter.

There are 10 holly trees about 10 feet tall, and the bases of those trees are four to six inches in diameter.

I'm very interested in selling entire tree or branches for musical and/or medical purposes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.