Most likely, most people who own their own homes don’t think about the kind of wood that was used to build them. Most likely, the contractor chose the 2x4s and plywood sheathing that make up the structure of the house. Douglas fir and other types of pine are the most common woods used. Most of the time, we choose the type of wood for our baseboards, trim, and molding based on what’s on sale at Home Depot or Lowes.
Alder wood has become an increasingly popular choice for furniture, flooring, cabinets, and other wood projects. But what exactly does this versatile hardwood look like? Here is a complete visual guide to the appearance of alder wood.
Freshly Cut Alder Wood
When freshly cut, alder wood is almost white in color. The wood contains very little resin or oils, so it lacks the yellowish or reddish tint present in other hardwoods like cherry or walnut when first cut. The white color of fresh alder wood makes it easy to stain or paint.
Changes in Color Over Time
One of the unique characteristics of alder wood is how quickly its color changes upon exposure to air. Within a few weeks, alder wood takes on a light brown hue. Over months and years, the wood develops richer, warmer reddish and yellow undertones. This color change is accelerated by sunlight. Older alder wood often has dramatic reddish tones.
Many woodworkers appreciate this evolving color palette It allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to shine through different stains and finishes. The color also darkens and becomes more dynamic with age
Plain Sawn vs Quarter Sawn Color
How alder lumber is cut from the log impacts its appearance. Plain sawn boards have a more pronounced cathedral grain pattern The growth rings and grain lines produce visual striping and arches
Quarter sawn alder has a straighter, more uniform grain pattern The narrow growth rings result in a flatter, subtler visual texture. Quarter sawn alder takes finishes very evenly.
Heartwood Formation
Alder trees only develop heartwood in very mature specimens. Unlike oak, walnut, and other hardwoods, alder lacks any clear boundary between heartwood and sapwood. Both mature heartwood and younger sapwood share the same light reddish-brown coloration.
Knots, Burls, and Other Characteristics
Unlike clear alder, knotty alder contains knots, burls, and other natural character marks. The knots range from pinholes to large open knots over 3/4″ in diameter. Mineral streaks, bird pecks, cracks, and worm holes may also be present.
While clear alder has a uniform, predictable appearance, knotty alder celebrates the uniqueness of each board. The knots and holes provide visual interest and a rustic aesthetic. Knotty alder works well for cottage, farmhouse, or craftsman style interiors.
Grain Patterns
Alder wood has a fairly straight, even grain pattern, similar to cherry or maple. The grain lines tend to be flowing and uniform. However, each board still has its own distinct grain characteristics based on where it was cut from the tree.
Upclose, the grain has a moderately coarse texture. It sands easily into a smooth surface, ideal for painted projects. The pores are slightly visible but not as prominent as in oak or ash.
Stain and Finish Characteristics
The fine, closed grain of alder wood allows it to take stain very evenly. All parts of the wood absorb stain at the same rate. Alder can be easily stained to mimic more expensive woods like cherry or maple.
Alder also holds paint extremely well. Its neutral tone provides the ideal base color for any shade of paint. The wood sands to a smooth, uniform surface ideal for painted finishes.
Weather Resistance
While it stains and finishes beautifully, alder wood has only moderate weather resistance. It is not as rot resistant as cedar, redwood, or pressure treated pine. Left untreated outdoors, alder will tend to warp and split more readily than other woods.
Alder is best suited for indoor furniture, cabinets, flooring, and woodwork rather than decks, pergolas, or outdoor projects. If using alder outside, apply a protective finish and keep the wood sheltered from direct sun and moisture.
Workability and Machining
Alder machines and sands very easily. It has a fairly soft, uniform texture that makes it ideal for detailed moldings, carvings, and precision joinery. Alder also turns well on a wood lathe.
The wood is rated as non-resistant to shock loads. It dents more easily than hard maple, hickory, or other dense hardwoods. Take care to avoid dings and impacts during construction.
Sustainability
Alder is considered an environmentally sustainable wood choice. It grows very quickly compared to most hardwoods and regenerates vigorously when coppiced. The trees also enrich soils by fixing nitrogen.
Alder can be locally sourced throughout much of North America. This reduces transport emissions and supports local economies. Using domestic alder supports responsible forest management.
With its subtle grain patterns, evolving natural color, and compatibility with all types of stains and finishes, it’s easy to see why alder wood is surging in popularity. Understanding the unique visual characteristics of alder helps ensure it is used to its full potential.
How Hard Is Alder Wood?
Alderwood is one of the softest woods in the hardwood family, just above pine and poplar. It has a bending strength (in PSI) of 9,800, making it pliable but relatively soft. These properties make it an excellent option for cabinetry, bedding, and other decorative furniture inside the home. Alder will very seldom crack and work well both in wet and dry climates.
What Grade Is Alder Wood?
Alder has the highest hardwood lumber grade among all hardwood species, achieving an impressive 83% clear face. Besides having a nice grain, Alder wood is also very lightweight (though strong). It can give a smooth, glassy surface for furniture and other interior decorations.
A Swanky Rustic Wood Finish on Distressed Alder
FAQ
What is special about alder wood?
Is alder wood expensive?
How do you identify alder?
What does an alder tree look like?
Leaves: Young alder tree leaves are sticky to the touch and are very shiny. Mature leaves will have a rounded shape with notched edges, not the pointed tips found on birch trees. The leaves tend to turn brown rather than vibrant yellow or red in the fall. Flowers: Flowers on an alter tree are elongated catkins rather than blossoms.
Are alder trees hardwood?
Alder trees are classed as hardwood trees. Timber from alder trees is extremely workable due to its relative softness. Alder wood isn’t as durable as walnut, ash, or maple wood. And alder is only marginally harder than softwoods such as timber from pine or poplar trees.
Where does alder wood come from?
Alder wood comes from the alder tree. Alder trees primarily grow in regions with ample moisture, typically near rivers, ponds, and lakes, where the soil conditions are conducive to alder tree growth. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall.
What color is alder wood?
Alder wood is also known as Oregon Alder, Pacific Coast Alder, Red Alder, and Western Alder. Alder’s scientific name is Alnus rubra. Alder is nearly white when freshly cut, but soon show some color variation that darkens to a tan or reddish brown color that gets darker and redder as the wood ages.
