OUR MATERIALS || HARDWOOD || ALDER WOOD

ALDER WOOD

Alternative Names & Variations: Grey Alder, Red Alder, European Alder

Color: Light Tan to Reddish-Brown

Hardness: Medium-Soft

Sustainability Status: Very Sustainable / Stable Species Population

Characteristics: Alder wood is a medium-density hardwood with a light, tan (or reddish-brown) color. While Alder wood is technically a hardwood, its physical traits more closely resemble commercial softwoods like pine.

Despite its lightweight nature, Alder wood is strong, making it ideal for furniture and cabinets. The straight, fine, and uniform wood grain enhances its durability and provides a subtle appearance without extreme color variations.

Alder is a fast-growing, regularly available wood species, making it more affordable than other hardwoods.

STRENGTHS

  • Very easy to work with hand and machine tools. Alder wood is soft, sands easily, and finishes well.

  • Alder wood is abundant in the US, making it accessible for small and large-scale projects.

  • Once fully dried, Alder wood is sturdy, exhibiting minimal twisting or alterations in finished products.

  • Alder is more affordable than other hardwoods, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.

WEAKNESSES

  • Alder wood is not always the best option in terms of rot resistance. Alder wood is best for indoor furniture; it turns to pulp in moist, warm conditions.

  • Some may exhibit allergies to Alder tree pollen. In extreme cases, sensitivities to wood dust or wood oils may occur.

  • Despite being a hardwood, Alder wood is relatively soft. To protect the finish from nicks and dents, caution is needed against sharp objects.

ALDER WOOD ALTERNATIVES

PINE WOOD

PINE WOOD

MAPLE WOOD (SOFT)

MAPLE WOOD (SOFT)

BASSWOOD

BASSWOOD