Red Alder

Properties and Uses

Red Alder is a renewable hardwood which has gained prominence in recent years for its suitability in solid and laminated flooring, furniture, doors, specialized veneers, and fine millwork.  Historically red alder was a low-value and under utilized timber resource, mostly used for plywood, paper pallets, and firewood. 

The bark is grey or whitish and slightly ridged with age. Cut wood has a fine uniform texture and straight grain. Color ranges from white through pinkish to light brown, with little distinction between heartwood and sapwood, and is relatively soft with a medium luster. This wood dries readily with little degrade and is easily worked, having good machining and gluing qualities, as well as good nail and screw holding properties. Light in weight with medium strength and hardness, it takes paint and stain finishes well.

About The Wood

Regarded as British Columbia’s most important and plentiful hardwood, this deciduous tree is native to western North America and considered the largest species of alder in the world. Also known as Western Alder or Oregon Alder, the name Red Alder refers to the inner bark turning orange-red when exposed to air.

Red Alder is a fast-growing tree that only lives 40 to 60 years, reaching medium-size heights of 20 to 35 metres.  Its rapid growth makes it valuable for quickly covering land disturbed by logging, mining, or fires.

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