Western Species & Grades
Alder
Decades ago, NWH pioneered the use of Alder as a viable species for commercial use. Today, Alder’s popularity continues to grow. For OEMs, Alder offers a host of benefits, most important the species’ versatility and workability. From interior finish hardwood to furniture building, we provide the ongoing Alder supply our customers demand.
Natural consistency and beautiful color can give it the visual appeal of cherry, maple or birch. Alder dries to an even honey tone and can be finished to resemble more expensive fine-grained species. There is little color variation between the heartwood and sapwood, making alder also ideal for light or natural finishes. Alder’s popularity continues to grow among fine furniture and cabinetry makers worldwide.
Grades Available:
Properties
- Machining 5
- Nailing 4
- Screwing 4
- Gluing 4
- Finishing 5
Properties of Alder
Alder tends to be a light tan to reddish brown; color darkens and reddens with age. Alder is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; it sands especially easy and has excellent gluing, staining, and finishing properties.
How does it compare
| Lumber (12 % moisture content) | Specific Gravity (Density) | Dimensional R (%) | Movement T (%) | Hardness (lbs) | Compression Parallel (ps) | Bending Strength (ps) | Bending Stiffness (kps) | Grain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder, Red (Western) | .41 | 4.4 | 7.3 | 590 | 5,820 | 9,800 | 1,380 | Fine |
| Ash | .60 | 4.9 | 7.8 | 1,320 | 7,410 | 15,400 | 1,770 | Fine |
| Basswood | .37 | 6.6 | 9.3 | 410 | 4,730 | 8,700 | 1,460 | Fine |
| Beech | .64 | 5.5 | 11.9 | 1,300 | 7,300 | 14,900 | 1,720 | Fine/Medium |
| Birch, Yellow | .62 | 7.3 | 9.5 | 1,260 | 8,170 | 16,600 | 2,010 | Fine |
| Cherry, Black | .50 | 3.7 | 7.1 | 950 | 7,110 | 12,300 | 1,490 | Mod/Coarse |
| Hickory | .66 | 4.9 | 8.9 | 1,820 | 7,850 | 13,700 | 1,730 | Mod/Coarse |
| Maple, Hard | .63 | 4.8 | 9.9 | 1,450 | 7,830 | 15,800 | 1,830 | Fine |
| Maple, PC | .48 | 3.7 | 7.1 | 850 | 5,950 | 10,700 | 1,450 | Fine |
| Maple, Soft | .47 | 3.0 | 7.2 | 700 | 5,220 | 8,900 | 1,140 | Fine |
| Oak, Red | .63 | 4.0 | 8.6 | 1,290 | 6,760 | 14,300 | 1,820 | Coarse |
| Oak, White | .68 | 4.4 | 8.8 | 1,360 | 7,440 | 15,200 | 1,780 | Mod/Coarse |
| Poplar, Yellow | .42 | 4.6 | 8.2 | 450 | 5,290 | 9,200 | 1,500 | Fine |
| Walnut, Black | .55 | 5.5 | 7.8 | 1,010 | 7,580 | 14,600 | 1,680 | Medium |
