Is Alder Wood A Hardwood

Alder s resemblance to birch hardwood at half the price makes it an acceptable substitution.

Is alder wood a hardwood.

Identified as a popular finish hardwood alder wood is one of the softest hardwoods on the market after of course pine and poplar wood. Alnus alder is a north american hardwood usually found in the pacific northwest generally between california and alaska. If you re in the market for new cabinets there s a good chance you ve heard about alder wood. While there are many species of alder throughout the world the most commonly used in woodworking today is the red alder in the flooring industry hardwood harvested in north america is referred to as domestic which is less expensive than the imported.

Red alder is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes on exposure to air to light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. Alder is often used as a face frame material on birch plywood cabinets. Straight grained with fine texture but without luster. Extensive information on domestic exotic hardwoods.

It is interesting to note that this light brown wood with striking grain patterns came into limelight as a more affordable alternative to cherry wood and that s exactly how. The hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain and varies from piece to piece. Alder is a common wood used in cabinet making. Lighter than some of its wood counterparts this hardwood member of the birch family has been used to make gorgeous renditions of everything from guitars to dining room tables.

Heartwood is formed only in trees of advanced age and there is no visible boundary between sap and heartwood. The wood is fairly straight grained with a uniform texture. As a hardwood alder is used in making furniture cabinets and other woodworking products. So a janka rating is an average of numerous tests performed on all directions and numerous pieces.

Distribution principally the pacific northwest where it is the most abundant commercial hardwood. Generally speaking the harder the wood the easier it is to finish and polish. Although it is classified as a hardwood it is one of the softest hardwood. Owing to its malleable texture the wood is commonly known as a semi hardwood.

Alder wood is dull light reddish brown with darker lines or streaks formed by broad rays. General description alder a relative of birch is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes with exposure to air becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. Homeowners who want to pick the best wood for their wooden furniture are often confused when it comes to alder wood as they wonder if alder is a hardwood.