Alder Character (Knotty) 4/4 , 4/4 Supreme, and 8/4

Alder (Alnus rubra), part of the Birch (Betulaceae) family, is a softer hardwood from the Pacific Northwest. Consistent color, stability, and uniform acceptance of stains and finishes are some of the characteristics that have made Western Alder a preferred wood for furniture. Its elasticity makes it ideal for carving intricate details. Ranking second only to oak as the most commonly used wood, alder offers the look of many fine hardwoods at an economical price. A relatively small tree, reaching about 50ft in height, it will produce a trunk up to 15". When alder is first cut it is white but quickly changes color as soon as its exposed to enough air. Alder is consistent in color, from a pale pinkish-brown to almost white. Alder is fairly straight-grained with a smooth uniform texture; it may display pin knots, grain "fuzz" and mineral streaks. The growth rings are distinct, delineated by either a whitish or brownish line at the outer margin. The pores are uniformly distributed within a g