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LUMBER

Domestic   |   Imported   |   Softwoods
Alder

Alder Natural consistency and beautiful color can give the visual appeal of cherry, maple or birch. Alder dries to an even honey tone and can be finished to resemble more expensive fine-grained species. There is little color variation between the heartwood and sapwood, making alder also perfect for light or natural finishes. Alder's popularity continues to grow among fine furniture and cabinetry makers worldwide.

Other common names:

Red Alder, Western Red Alder, Alnus rubra

Sourcing Region: 

Coastal western North America

Color, Pattern, Texture: 

Alder tends to have a light tan to reddish brown; color darkens and reddens with age. There is no visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood. The overall grain pattern and appearance is similar to Birch. Its grain is generally straight, with a moderately fine, uniform texture.

Common Uses and Applications: 

Veneer, plywood, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, pallets, musical instruments

Working Properties: 

Usually very easy to work with, both hand and machine tools; it sands especially easy. The wood is rather soft, and care must be taken to avoid denting it in some applications. Alder has excellent gluing, staining, and finishing properties; it also turns well and behaves similar to Black Cherry.

Alder Superior

Alder Superior is our most flexible alder grade with the highest yield.  Combines “Select & Better” and FAS boards with backs that are Cabinet grade or better. Alder Sup is ideal for uses requiring long, wide clear-face cuttings or multiple rips and chops. 
We grade after drying and surfacing, and against all natural drying or surfacing defects (pin knot no defect). 

Applications: Cabinet and entry doors, case goods, millwork 
Grades: Superior
Length and Width: Yield of 83-1/3, clear face cuttings with minimum cutting sizes of 3”x 6’ or 4”x 3’.

Cabinet Alder

Alder Cabinet grade lumber is graded from the worst face; this product is at the high end of mid-grade lumber.  This Alder Cabinet grade is designed especially for the cabinet industry. 
We grade after drying and surfacing, and against all natural drying or surfacing defects (pin knot no defect). 

Applications: Furniture, components, millwork, cabinets
Grades: Cabinet
Length and Width: Each Alder Cabinet grade lumber board yields 66-2/3%  clear face cuttings with minimum cutting sizes of 3”x3’ or 4”x2’

Alder Custom Shop

Alder Custom Shop is graded from the best face, this mid-grade product yields clear one-face cuttings with sound and better backs.  
We grade after drying and surfacing, and against all natural drying or surfacing defects (pin knot no defect).

Applications: Drawer fronts, table tops, face frames, cabinet doors, furniture
Grades: Custom Shop
Length and Width: Alder Custom Shop best face yields 66-2/3%  clear face cuttings with minimum cutting sizes of 4” x 2’ or 3” x 3’.

Alder Com

Alder Com grade is a combination of COM #2 and Standard Frame.
We grade after drying and surfacing, and against all natural drying or surfacing defects (pin knot no defect).

Applications: Small specialty items, finger joint applications
Grades: Com
Length and Width: Yield of 50% clear two-face cuttings with minimum cutting size of 2” x 6”.

Alder Premium

Alder Premium is an appearance and structural grade with scattered sound and unsound defects. Each Alder Premium board yields a high percentage of long, sound cuttings. 5/4 exhibits larger defects but maintains its structural integrity due to added thickness.
We grade after drying and surfacing, and against all natural drying or surfacing defects (pin knot no defect).

Applications: Rustic or distressed cabinetry and furniture, upholstery rails, frame components​

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