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Windsor Plywood offers a comprehensive selection of cabinet-grade and construction-grade plywood and sheet goods, ideal for everything from fine woodworking to structural applications. Whether you're building custom cabinetry, shelving, or tackling a renovation, we have the right materials in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and finishes. Choose from high-quality hardwood veneers like maple, oak, and birch, or durable construction-grade panels designed to stand up to demanding use. Be sure to ask about our specialty products that include aircraft plywood, marine grade plywood, bending plywood, superlite MDF and even whiteboards. Our sheet goods are carefully sourced for consistency, performance, and value—perfect for professionals and DIYers alike. With decades of experience and a reputation for carrying hard-to-find products, Windsor Plywood is your trusted destination for specialty wood and sheet materials in Canada and beyond. Visit your local store for expert guidance, custom cutting options, and a wide selection of in-stock and special-order plywood solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alder wood and what is it commonly used for?
Alder is a domestic hardwood grown throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. It has a fine, even grain with a pale pinkish-brown tone that takes stain evenly, making it one of the most popular choices for painted and stained cabinet doors, furniture, and interior millwork. Alder is relatively lightweight and machines cleanly with standard woodworking tools.
How does alder compare to other hardwoods for cabinetry?
Alder is softer than maple and harder than pine, with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 590. It accepts stain more uniformly than maple, which tends to blotch. It is a practical and cost-effective alternative to cherry for stained cabinetry, and its fine grain provides a cleaner painted surface than oak. Alder is widely used in production cabinetry across western Canada for these reasons.
Is alder suitable for exterior applications?
No. Alder has poor natural rot resistance and is not recommended for exterior applications without thorough sealing or the use of pressure treatment. It is an interior wood, best suited for furniture, cabinetry, trim, and decorative work in dry, protected environments.
What finishes work best on alder?
Alder accepts both paint and stain well. For stained applications, a pre-stain conditioner is not typically necessary as alder stains more evenly than blotch-prone species like pine or birch. Oil-based and water-based stains both work on alder. For painted cabinetry, a quality primer followed by finish coats produces an excellent result due to alder's smooth grain texture.
Does Windsor Plywood carry alder lumber in stock?
Windsor Plywood carries alder hardwood lumber in select and common grades suitable for cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. Availability of specific thicknesses, widths, and lengths varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock before planning your project.