Trade Names:  Red Alder, Oregon Alder

Origin:  North America

Range:  Red Alder grows along the pacific coast of North America, in the south almost to Mexico and in the north to the northern part of Canada, however only in a coastal strip approx. 50 miles wide.

Uses:  Used in the USA all along as a versatile wood with many purposes. At the beginning of the nineties in very high demand in Germany as lumber for solid wood furniture. Unlike in other species the defects are not only tolerated but even desired. Used in short lengths (0,50 - 1,20 m) for mass-produced furniture due to the defects in the lumber. Also used for kitchen cabinets, living-room and bedroom furniture as well as rustic paneling.

Properties:  Light brown to reddish in color, generally with open defects. A great many streaks and open knots.

Machining:  All machining operations can be carried out without any difficulty. Fibres can be raised when planing at a high speed.

Seasoning:  Drying is easy and quick. There is no tendency to distort or warp unless the moisture content drops too abruptly.