Alder wood is the third most commonly used wood for ready-to-finish furniture, according to General Finishes, a maker of wood finishing products. Alder trees are a relative of birches; species include both tree and shrub forms.

Habitat

Alder wood grows mostly in the northern hemisphere, in cold, wet climates, including Europe, Russia, western Asia and Japan; one type of alder--red alder--grows only in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and Canada. In fact, most all the alder in the U.S. hails from the West Coast.

Uses

Wood Bin Woodworking reports that alder wood is ideal for cabinet work, veneers and plywood cores, as well as broom and brush handles, toys and even artificial limbs. General Finishes claims that alder wood is ideal for ready-to-finish furniture because of its smooth finish and ability to take wood stains.

Physical Properties

Alder wood has a low shock resistance and low bending strength. It is a moderately light, soft wood with no distinct grain pattern.

Distinguishing Characteristics

According to Flora of North America, a plant reference, alder wood's primary distinguishing characteristic is that it turns slightly reddish upon exposure to air; General Finishes advises consumers to look for the pinkish-brown hue as the wood's main identifier.

Types

A hardwood like its relative, the birch, alder species include red alder, black alder and gray alder; red alder is common on the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada.

Source:

Flora of North America: Alnus

WoodBin Woodworking: Common Alder

General Finishes: Wood Species