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Alder

Alder

Alder, also called red alder and western red alder (scientific name: Alnusrubra), has a heartwood of light tan to red-brown color. Sapwood is not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is medium-fine, and its grain is mostly straight.

Alder is commonly found in coastal western North America. It is rated not durable to perishable for resisting decay.

Janka Hardness :

2,620 N(590 lbf)

Average Dried Weight :

450 kg/m3(28 lbs/ft3)

Workability :

With alder, you can easily achieve good results with both hand and machine tools. Alder is very good with glues and stains, and it finishes well. It sands easily, but softness makes it prone to denting. It is good for turning.

1

Pricing / Availability

Red alder is available in the domestic markets in two variants: knotty red alder and clear red alder. Knotty red alder is cheaper than most hardwoods and its price range is comparable to that of aspen and poplar hardwoods. Clear red alder, however, is priced relatively higher and belongs to the price band of cabinet hardwoods like maple and birch.

2

Sustainability

It is not mentioned on the IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

3

Common Uses

Generally used as plywood, for furniture, for veneers, for musical equipment, in millwork, for cabins, and as pulpwood.

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