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Known for its smooth grain and warm, rustic appearance, alder wood is a versatile and popular choice for interior doors, cabinetry, and millwork. We offer a curated selection of alder products that blend natural beauty with workability—making it a favourite among woodworkers, renovators, and builders alike. Often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to cherry or maple, alder is easy to machine, sands beautifully, and takes stain exceptionally well, allowing for a wide range of finishes to match your style. Its straight, uniform grain and light-to-medium brown tones make it ideal for both traditional and modern design applications. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood specializes in hard-to-source wood products and expert service. Whether you’re building custom furniture or updating your home’s interior, explore our selection of alder and bring the warmth of real wood into your next project.
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.