All About Alder Lumber

What is Alder? 

Alder’s workability, reliability, and finishing capabilities make it one of North America’s most popular hardwood lumber species. This relatively soft and non-porous wood takes finishes and stains well, making it particularly well-suited to imitate the appearance and grain patterns of high-end hardwoods. Offered in multiple grades, from knotty to clear, Alder uniquely provides a rustic or standard grain effect in any application. Learn more about Alder below. 

Taking a consultative approach to best understand the needs and desires of our customers, we are committed to Delivering the Difference with our Hardwood Lumber products. 

The Great Mimicker: 

Because of Alder’s rich undertones, little color variation and fine grain, it’s an ideal wood for natural finishes or dark stains. Alder is a fine-grained wood and consistent in color due to very little distinction between its heartwood and sapwood. Often sought after as a cost-effective alternative to other hardwoods such as walnut, cherry, or maple, it can be stained or finished to perfectly emulate these other wood species.

Need to Know:

• Ideal for interior applications like cabinetry, furniture, millwork, doors, veneer
• Can be stained and finished to appear like cherry or walnut
• Available in multiple grades for any aesthetic
• Easily workable
• Fast-growing trees ensure sustainability
• Domestically grown in the Pacific Northwest

Knotty Alder: Uniquely Rustic Character

Knotty Alder is defined by its character, with the number and kind of knots and grain patterns allowed determining the grade of the lumber. The knots range from sound and tight to open, with different splits, color variations, and imperfections allowed on the board. The effect is more rustic and imperfect than Select grades where the grain is straighter and there are no visible knots. Knotty Alder is most often found in rustic designed kitchens, furniture and paneling.

Environmental Impacts of Alder Lumber:

Alder is the most common hardwood in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and is commercially very accessible. It has been used for furniture, cabinetry, and turned products for centuries. Alder trees are naturally smaller than many other hardwood trees, and thus widths and lengths available may be limited. Alder is easily grown, sustainably harvested domestic hardwood. FSC® Certified Alder Available Upon Request.