Common Trade Names: alder, Oregon alder, Red alder, Western alder, Pacific coast alder, red Western alder
Scientific Name: Alnus rubra
Color Range: pale yellow to reddish brown
Availability: Alder is widely available in the market. It is sold in two different grades: knotty alder (less expensive) and clear (more expensive). The appearance and grades are set according to the rules of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA).
Janka Scale Hardness: 590 lbf
Average Weight per BF: 2.33 lbs/Bd. Ft.
What Is Alder Lumber?
Alder is a genus of the Birch family. Alder has at least 35 tree species grown and distributed throughout the world. When freshly cut, alder has a creamy white color. This color changes fast upon exposure to air and becomes darker. Its color can range from light brown to yellow to reddish brown. The color also tends to get darker as the alder lumber ages.
What makes alder unique is that there is no clear distinction between its heartwood and sapwood. Heartwood is only formed in old alder trees. The wood has a fairly straight grain and uniform texture. Sometimes, large aggregate rays appear on the face grain.
Where Is Alder Sourced From?
The most common alder species sold in America is red alder. It grows on soil rich in nutrients, such as streambanks and floodplains. As such, it is found across the Pacific Northwest from Southeast British Columbia to Northern Carolina.
Other North American alders include the Sierra alder (A. rhombifolia), gray or speckled alder (A. incana) and the American green alder (A. viridis). The European or black alder (A. glutinosa) is also cultivated in some parts of North America.
Is Alder Hardwood or Softwood?
Alder is considered a hardwood since it is a deciduous tree that sheds its leave during autumn and winter. Even if it is a part of northwest hardwoods, it is not as hard as other woods in this category, such as white ash, yellow birch and elm. Alder is a soft hardwood mainly because of its medium density. It also has low bending strength, stiffness and shock resistance.
What to Look for When Purchasing Alder
Alder makes an affordable choice for many cabinetry and woodworking projects. It makes a good alternative to black cherry, which can be more expensive. When buying alder lumber, always ask how the wood was dried, how long it was dried, and its grade.
The lumber from an alder tree is easy to work with using hand and machine tools. Pick a thicker and longer lumber than you need because you will lose some of it when sawing, planing and sanding.
FAQs
Can alder furniture go outside?
Yes, it can. Alder wood has been used for many outdoor furniture and doors. With proper treatment, alder can withstand all weather conditions for years. Despite being a soft hardwood, alder has the durability, strength and shock resistance to deal with moisture and other harsh elements from outdoor exposure.
How to care for alder furniture?
Caring for alder furniture is almost the same as with most wood furniture. Make sure that a reliable sealer protects the wood. Re-apply the sealer as often as recommended by experts
Is alder an eco-friendly option for lumber used?
Alder grows fast and has a unique way of growing. It grows new shoots from its stump, root or trunk. A cut alder tree will regrow on its own as long as the underground roots stay alive. There is no better eco-friendly option than an alder tree when it comes to lumber use.
Where to Buy Alder Lumber
Purchasing wood can get tricky if you do not know a reliable source. Alder lumber is a staple in the industry, but you need to know you are getting your money’s worth. We at Alderfer Lumber Company Inc. guarantee the best and highest quality alder lumber you can find.
We carefully and ethically source all our lumber and wood products to ensure their authenticity and sustainability. We have clear and knotty grade lumber in various sizes and dimensions.
All you need to do is to contact us and give us your required specifications for your construction and woodworking needs. Aside from alder wood, we also offer other wood species at reasonable prices.
Alderfer is your one-stop shop for your wood needs!
