hardwood · Alnus rubra
Red Alder wood properties
Also known as: alder, western alder.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Alnus rubra |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,380,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.45 |
| Density (approx) | 28 lb/ft³ (2.3 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 590 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 7.3% / 4.4% |
| Movement coefficient (CT / CR) | 0.00256 / 0.00151 |
| Region | Coastal western North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Red Alder weighs about 9.4 lb (roughly 28 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 590 lbf is harder than about 25% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: furniture, cabinetry, millwork, veneer, musical instruments.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable; mill and dry logs quickly to prevent staining.
Workability: Works and sands very easily; its softness means denting is a risk without care.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Red Alder:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR from the FPL/Hoadley table where listed. Uses, region, durability, workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.