Alder Wood Guide 2026
Alnus rubra
Typically described as lightweight and stable domestic hardwood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 35 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States;Canada
- Common uses include Cabinetry, Furniture, Interior doors
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: It has a fine, uniform, and straight-grained texture.
Workability: It is very easy to machine, glue, and sand.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It is renowned for taking stains evenly, often used to mimic other species.
Color change: The wood changes very little in color over time.
Insect resistance: It has no natural resistance to decay or insect attack.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Alder. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber. | Random lengths are typical for factory lumber. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber. | Random lengths are typical for factory lumber. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber. | Random lengths are typical for factory lumber. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber. | Random lengths are typical for factory lumber. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are typical for factory lumber.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are typical for factory lumber.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are typical for factory lumber.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are standard for kiln-dried cabinet grade lumber.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are typical for factory lumber.
Availability notes: Widely available and inexpensive in the North American market.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light tan to reddish brown; no clear heart/sap distinction
Grain: Mostly subtle and uniform
Common Uses
- Cabinetry
- Furniture
- Interior doors
- Trim
- Millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Red Alder;Western Alder
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 590 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States;Canada
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Alder is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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