Knotty Alder Wood Countertops, Bar Tops, Butcher Block Countertops

Alder is a common substitute for American Cherry.

Description: Alder is a common substitute for American Cherry. It has low shock resistance and stiffness. It works well with hand tools. The grain is fairly straight. The heartwood and the sapwood are very similar and are not clearly distinct. Alder is generally sold in shorter lengths, so longer Alder Wood Countertops will usually contain butt joints.

Alternate Trade Names: Red Alder, Western Alder, Oregon Alder, Pacific Coast Alder

Origin: Pacific Coast of USA and Canada

Color: Pale yellow to red brown

Grain: Straight grain

Janka Hardness: 590

Alder typically grows to be about 70 to 120 feet (21 to 36 meters).

Alder Facts: Alder typically grows to be about 70 to 120 feet (21 to 36 meters). The trunk typically grows to have a diameter of 1 to 4 feet (0.3 to 1.2 meters). It is not only used for wood countertops, but also other types of furniture, umbrella handles, plywood, interior construction, and electric guitar bodies. The Native Americans created a dye from the tree’s bark to dye fishing nets to make them less visible underwater. They also used Alder bark as a medicine to treat poison oak, insect bites, tuberculosis, and skin irritations.