Hardwood · Pacific Northwest
Red Alder
Alnus rubra
Light tan to reddish brown.
Janka hardness590 lbf
Density (12% MC)28.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.3 lb
Rot resistanceLow
Workability5/5
Price$
Hardness compared
White pine
Yellow Poplar
Red Alder
Black Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Shagbark Hickory
Jatoba
Working with Red Alder
A budget cherry look-alike. Knotty alder is popular for rustic cabinets.
Typical uses: Cabinets, furniture, turnings, guitar bodies.
Seasonal movement
| Tangential coefficient (flatsawn) | 0.00256 per 1% MC |
|---|---|
| Radial coefficient (quartersawn) | 0.00151 per 1% MC |
| T/R ratio | 1.70 (stays flat well) |
| 12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC | 0.154" (≈ 3.9 mm) |