Red Alder
Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is the most plentiful hardwood on the Pacific Coast. It thrives in the low, moist conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Alder is a prolific, fast growing species that is medium in strength, low in durability and light in weight.
Lumber
Main content
Thickness
Grade
Width
Detail
% Clear Cuttings
Lengths
Use
4/4
Superior
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
83%
6'-10'
Trim, Panels, Clears
4/4
Cabinet
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
66% Front/Back
6'-10'
Strips, Mid-Length Clears
4/4
Custom
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
66% Front
6'-10'
Strips, Short Clears
4/4
Com Shop
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
50%
6'-10'
Short Clears
4/4
Premium Frame
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
Tight Knot
6'-10'
Tight Knot Mouldings
4/4
Frame
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
Solid 4" x 7'
6'-10'
Solid for Frames
4/4
#3 Shop
4" Wider
S2S: 15/16"
33%
6'-10'
Shorts
5/4
Superior
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
83%
6'-10'
Trim, Panels, Clears
5/4
Cabinet
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
66% F/Back
6'-10'
Strips, Mid-Length Clears
5/4
Custom
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
66% Front
6'-10'
Strips, Short Clears
5/4
Com Shop
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
50%
6'-10'
Short Clears
5/4
Premium Frame
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
Tight Knot
6'-10'
Tight Knot Mouldings
5/4
Frame
4" Wider
S2S: 1-3/16"
Solid
6'-10'
Solid for Frames
6/4
Superior
4" Wider
S2S: 1-7/16"
83%
6'-10'
Trim, Panels, Clears
6/4
Rustic
4" Wider
S2S: 1-7/16"
Solid
6'-10'
Solid for Character Millwork
8/4
Superior
4" Wider
S2S: 1-15/16"
83%
6'-10'
Trim, Panels, Clears
8/4
Rustic
4" Wider
S2S: 1-15/16"
Tight Knot
6'-10'
Character millwork
Red Alder
The lumber is of fairly straight grain, uniform texture and little distinctive figuring. When freshly cut, Alder is almost white, then darkens to a mellow reddish brown after exposure to air. After kiln drying to 6-8% moisture content (MC) the wood is a honey brown color. Alder works and turns easily. This wood glues, sands and finishes well and stains evenly.
Alder is used for furniture, casework, woodenware, toys, moulding and doors.