Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionRed Alder Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species
Red Alder is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameAlnus rubra
Janka hardness590 lbf
Average dried weight28.0 lb/ft³
Best fitPulpwood or wood chips
Overview
Why choose Red Alder?
Red Alder is a domestic hardwood species. Its natural range is Coastal western North America. Common uses include pulpwood or wood chips, electric guitar bodies, pallets, millwork, cabinetry, furniture, plywood and veneer.
Scientific nameAlnus rubra
DistributionCoastal western North America
ShrinkageRadial: 4.4%, Tangential: 7.3%, Volumetric: 12.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 More images | Identification
DurabilityRed alder has little to no resistance to decay, so logs should be sawn and dried soon after felling to avoid stains and rot.
Red Alder colour, grain, and figure
The wood ranges from pale tan to reddish brown, deepening and reddening over time. Heartwood and sapwood look the same.
Grain generally runs straight, and the texture is fairly fine and even.
Working notes
Alder works very easily with hand and machine tools, and it sands especially well. It is fairly soft, so take care not to dent it in some applications.
Serious reactions are rare, but wood from the Alnus genus is said to irritate the eyes, skin and airways.
Red Alder should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Red Alder
Best projects
Common uses include pulpwood or wood chips, electric guitar bodies, pallets, millwork, cabinetry, furniture, plywood and veneer.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Red Alder from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Red Alder FAQ
What is Red Alder best used for?
Common uses include pulpwood or wood chips, electric guitar bodies, pallets, millwork, cabinetry, furniture, plywood and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Red Alder beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Red Alder?
The buying section on this page links to any Red Alder Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.