Alder Wood Countertops and Table Tops
Alder
General Description:
Alder hardwood is moderately lightweight. With alder there is no visible boundary between heartwood and sapwood. Red Alder hardwood, a relative of birch, is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes on exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge.
Alder is available in a Select grade which has a clear look with very few knots in the wood. Rustic Alder (or Knotty Alder) has more numerous knots of various sizes than the Select grade.
Alder is often used when a lived-in, rustic effect is desired.
Click here to see the Alder Photo Gallery
Janka Hardness
590
Color:
Very consistent in color - pale pinkish-brown to almost white.
Color Change:
Alder is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes on exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge.
Grain:
Either no distinct grain pattern OR moderately straight-grain with a uniform texture.
Characteristics:
Relatively soft hardwood, medium density, good working properties, low tensile strength, moderately lightweight, low shock resistance and stiffness.
Finishing:
Finishes smoothly and takes stain well.