Alder
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Considered to be the most abundant hardwood in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Red Alder has long been used in the region for furniture and cabinetry production — as well as being a popular choice for electric guitar bodies dating back to when the instrument first went into mass production, in the 1950’s. Ranging in color from a light tan to reddish brown, Alder has a soft, lightweight stature — which makes the wood very easy to work, and it finishes and glues well.
Red Alder is usually sold in two different grades: knotty, and clear. Clear grades are most desired by cabinet and furniture crafters. Many such tradesmen compare the wood’s cooperative disposition to that of Black Cherry.
Although technically a hardwood, care must be taken with Alder until finished as its surface can be rather soft (thus, denting easily). The wood is decidedly non-durable, so confining its use to indoor applications and treating the wood with some type of hardening finish (such as lacquer) is recommended.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Why We Love This Wood
A well priced, easy to work (slightly soft) hardwood.
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Quick Look
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A Popular Choice in
Vital Statistics
Main Color Group | Light Brown |
Grain Pattern | Even |
Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF | 2.3 |
Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 450 |
Janka Hardness - LBF | 590 |
Janka Hardness - N | 2620 |
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