Alder (specifically Western Red Alder)
Alnus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a fine, even texture. It often features a 'closed grain' look with subtle cathedral patterns when flat-sawn, as seen in these cabinet panels. Knotty Alder variations (like this one) include visible tight knots and small pin knots.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light tan to reddish-brown; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. This specific sample has been stained to a mid-tone 'warm' brown. Alder is prized for its ability to mimic cherry or walnut when stained, though it lacks deep natural luster.
Hardness Rating
590 lbf (Soft). It is one of the softest hardwoods, making it prone to denting but very easy to mill.
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. It has low resistance to rot and insect attack; it is intended strictly for indoor use in dry environments like kitchens.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior millwork, picture frames, and electric guitar bodies (noted for balanced tone).
Geographic Origin
Coastal regions of Western North America (Pacific Northwest, from Alaska to California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.50 - $7.00 per board foot (Price varies significantly between 'Superior' clear grade and 'Rustic/Knotty' grades).
Wood Age Estimate
New construction (0-5 years). The clean lines of the Shaker-style panels, modern matte finish, and lack of UV-induced darkening suggest these are recently fabricated cabinets.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable. It is a fast-growing pioneer species; widely available with FSC certification and not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Excellent. It is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands exceptionally well. However, because it is soft/porous, it can 'blotch' when staining, requiring a pre-stain conditioner (as hinted by the user's caption about testing 10+ stains).
Notable Features
Often called 'the poor man's cherry' due to its grain similarity. It has no characteristic odor and a very light weight for a hardwood.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain wood conditioner is mandatory for a uniform look. It takes film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer very well. This sample appears to have a matte or satin topcoat.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the reddish-brown stained tone, the presence of small tight rustic knots, the closed-grain texture that lacks the prominent pores of Oak, and its use in modern high-end 'warm' cabinetry is classic for Knotty Alder.