Alder wood is a popular choice in woodworking due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. However, many DIYers and beginner woodworkers aren’t aware if alder is a hardwood that’s suitable for their project.
In this article, I’ll share details about the characteristics, uses, and strengths of alder wood to clarify this matter.
Hardness Rating of Alder
Alder wood is a relatively soft hardwood that has a Janka hardness rating of 590 Ibf. This rating indicates that it has a lower resistance to indentation and wear compared to many other hardwoods.
Despite this, it’s still a popular choice for furniture, cabinetry, and woodworking projects. Here is a table comparing the Janka hardness ratings of alder to different wood species:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Alder | 590 |
Pine | 690 |
Cherry | 950 |
Oak | 1360 |
Maple | 1180 |
Mahogany | 1070 |
Ash White | 1320 |
Hickory | 1820 |
Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) | 3684 |
Ebony | 3220 |
Characteristics of Alder Wood
Alder wood is known for its light to medium brown color with a reddish hue. It has a medium density and is relatively lightweight compared to other hardwoods.
Also considered a member of the Birch family, it is commonly used for furniture and interior trim due to its attractive appearance and workability.
Alder wood is a hardwood known for its straight grain pattern and even texture that makes it ideal for woodworking projects. Here are some of the top qualities of alder wood:
- Color: Light to medium brown with a reddish hue
- Density: Medium density, relatively lightweight
- Hardness: Considered a softer hardwood
- Stiffness: Low stiffness, easy to work with
- Wood Type: Member of the birch family
- Applications: Furniture, cabinets, interior trim, carving, turning, decorative projects
Pros and Cons of Alder Wood
Pros
- Attractive appearance: Alder wood has a warm, natural look that many people find appealing.
- Easy to work with: Alder wood is relatively soft and easy to carve and shape.
- Affordable: Compared to some other hardwoods, alder wood is relatively affordable.
- Accepts stains and finishes well: Alder wood is known for its ability to accept a variety of stains and finishes, which can enhance its natural beauty.
- Sustainable: Alder is a fast-growing tree that is harvested in a sustainable manner
Cons
- Softness: While alder wood is easy to work with, it is also relatively soft, which can make it more prone to dents and scratches.
- Prone to warping: Alder wood can be more prone to warping and twisting than some other types of wood, especially when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity.
- Limited durability: Alder wood is not as durable as some other hardwoods and may not hold up as well in high-traffic areas or outdoor environments.
- Less variety: Alder wood is not as widely available as some other hardwoods, which may limit its availability in certain regions.
Uses of Alder
Having worked with Alder for various projects, I can personally vouch for its versatility and affordability. This wood is an all-rounder; it’s not only visually appealing but also has practical attributes that make it stand out. Its warm, natural look and ease of use make it a popular choice for a wide range of woodworking projects.
It has a wide variety of uses due to its versatility and affordability. It is commonly used for furniture, cabinets, and interior trim. It’s also popular for carving and decorative purposes due to its ease of use and attractive appearance.
In addition, alder wood is used in the production of musical instruments such as guitars and ukuleles. Its even texture and tonal qualities make it an ideal choice for soundboard material.
Alder wood is a versatile material that is used in a variety of woodworking projects. Here are some common uses for alder wood [1]:
- Cabinetry: Alder wood is often used in the construction of cabinets due to its attractive appearance and affordability.
- Furniture: Alder wood can be used to create a wide range of furniture pieces, from chairs and tables to dressers and bed frames.
- Millwork: Alder wood is commonly used in millwork, such as moldings, baseboards, and door frames.
- Paneling: Alder wood paneling is a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings due to its warm, natural look.
- Turning: Alder wood is easy to turn on a lathe, making it a popular choice for creating decorative items such as bowls and vases.
- Carving: The softness and workability of alder wood make it a popular choice for carving and sculpting projects.
- Musical instruments: Alder wood is a popular choice for the bodies of electric guitars due to its lightweight nature and good resonance properties.
- Smoking and grilling: Alder wood chips are commonly used for smoking and grilling meats and seafood, imparting a mild, sweet flavor to the food.
Is Alder Wood Strong?
Alder wood is a hardwood, but it is one of the softer hardwoods available. Its hardness rating is generally lower than that of oak, maple, or birch. However, this does not necessarily mean that alder wood is weak or unsuitable for use.
To compare the hardness of alder wood to other hardwoods, let’s take a look at the Janka hardness scale. This scale measures the amount of force required to embed a steel ball half its diameter into the wood. The higher the number, the harder the wood.
Hardness Rating of Alder Compared to Oak
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (Ibf) |
Red Alder | 590 |
White Oak | 1360 |
Black Alder | 1160 |
Red Oak | 1290 |
Northern Red Oak | 1290 |
Southern Red Oak | 1290 |
White Oak | 1360 |
Live Oak | 1660 |
As you can see, Live oak has a significantly higher hardness rating than alder wood. However, it is important to note that the hardness of the wood does not necessarily correlate with its strength or durability.
Strength of Alder Compared to Pine
While pine is technically a softwood, and it is often used as a comparison to hardwoods due to its prevalence and popularity.
As you can see, alder wood has a higher hardness rating than white pine, making it a stronger choice for certain usage and application.
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating *Ibf) |
Red Alder | 590 |
White Pine | 380-420 |
Sugar Pine | 380 |
Yellow Pine | 870 |
Strength of Alder Compared to Maple
Maple wood is a popular hardwood that is commonly used in woodworking. It is known for its durability, strength, and attractive grain patterns. When compared to alder wood, maple is generally stronger and more durable.
There are many different species of maple, each with its own unique characteristics. The two most commonly used species of maple in woodworking are hard maple and soft maple.
In comparison, alder wood has a Janka hardness rating of around 590 lbf, making it significantly softer than hard maple and slightly softer than soft maple.
The following table compares the Janka hardness ratings of several different species of alder and maple:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (Ibf) |
Alder | 590 |
Red Maple | 950 |
Sugar Maple | 1,450 |
Strength of Alder Compared to Birch
Birch is another popular hardwood that is commonly used in woodworking. It is known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns. When compared to alder wood, birch is generally stronger and more durable.
Numerous birch species exist, each possessing distinct and individual characteristics. Among these, yellow birch and white birch stand out as the two most frequently utilized species in woodworking. .
In comparison, alder wood has a Janka hardness rating of around 590 lbf, making it significantly softer than both yellow and white birch and other wood types under birch.
The following table compares the Janka hardness ratings of alder and birch woods:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (Ibf) |
Alder | 590 |
Yellow Birch | 1,260 |
White Birch | 1,260 |
Paper Birch | 1,260 |
Silver Birch | 990 |
Sweet Birch | 990 |
River Birch | 1260 |
FAQ
Is Alder a Good Hardwood?
Yes, alder wood is a good hardwood favored for its grain, stability, and ease of use. Though not as strong as some, it’s still durable and popular with furniture and cabinet makers due to its staining properties. It can be stained to mimic other woods, making it a cost-effective option.
Conclusion
Alder is a hardwood, but it’s softer than other types within the same classification. It’s a versatile hardwood with many uses in woodworking.
Additionally, it’s a cost-effective hardwood option due to its attractive grain patterns and excellent staining properties. While it’s not as strong as some hardwoods, I can still say that alder is worth considering for your next project.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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