Red Alder is the Pacific Northwest's most versatile cabinet hardwood -- soft enough to machine effortlessly, consistent enough to finish flawlessly, and affordable enough for production work. The standard cabinet wood in Western Canada. Accepts stain remarkably well and can mimic cherry, walnut, or maple. Available at Windsor Plywood locations across Canada.
Features
- Alder -- Pale tan to light reddish-brown -- consistent and uniform
- Straight, fine even texture grain
- Janka hardness: 590 lbf
- Kiln-dried -- confirm surfacing options at your local branch
Specifications
| Species |
Alder |
| Origin |
North America (Pacific Coast) |
| Janka Hardness |
590 lbf |
| Colour |
Pale tan to light reddish-brown -- consistent and uniform |
| Grain |
Straight, fine even texture |
| Drying |
Kiln-dried |
| Availability |
In-store -- confirm sizes and surfacing options |
Common Uses
Alder is used for kitchen cabinetry, furniture, millwork, turned items, and carved components. The dominant cabinet wood in Western Canadian kitchen manufacturing.. Confirm available sizes and stock at your local Windsor Plywood location.
Pro Tips
- Alder is the best domestic hardwood for staining to look like other species -- even density means uniform stain absorption without blotching. At 590 lbf Janka, it dents more easily than maple but is ideal for cabinetry.
- Acclimate lumber in your workspace for 48-72 hours before milling to allow the wood to adjust to ambient temperature and humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alder so popular for cabinets?
Locally abundant, machines easily, finishes beautifully, costs less than cherry or maple. The default cabinet wood for most Western Canadian cabinet shops.
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