Red Alder
Alnus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Coastal West North America (Pacific Northwest)
- Hardness
- 590 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to the elements.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a uniform texture. Visible cathedral pattern is present at the bottom of the board; it typically shows no distinct growth rings or prominent figure, though small pith flecks or knots (knotty alder) are common.
Color & Appearance
Light tan to reddish brown; color tends to darken and redden with age and exposure to light. There is no visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
590 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to the elements.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or surfaced; shows minimal oxidation or patina, appearing as a contemporary commercial sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally abundant and managed sustainably.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture (often used as a substitute for Black Cherry), turnings, electric guitar bodies, shutters, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Coastal West North America (Pacific Northwest)
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes, sands, and glues well. Due to its softness, it can be prone to denting, but it is excellent for staining and finishing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes are recommended to bring out its natural warmth and mimic more expensive hardwoods.
Notable Features
One of the few hardwoods in which the heartwood and sapwood are the same color. It is often referred to as the "poor man's cherry" due to its similar look when stained.
