Red Alder
Alnus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America
- Hardness
- 590 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable, susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors
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Grain Pattern
Straight and uniform grain with a fine, even texture
Color & Appearance
Pale yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood; darkens and reddens with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
590 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable, susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 5.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or fresh stock, estimated less than 2-5 years old based on lack of heavy oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, doors, millwork, turning, and carving
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; glues, turns, finishes, and machines very well, though it is soft and can dent easily
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well; lacquer, varnish, and oil-based finishes produce a smooth, professional result
Notable Features
Lightweight, relatively stable once dry, with distinct transition between sapwood and heartwood barely perceptible until exposure
