Alder hardwood is moderately lightweight. With alder there is no visible boundary between heartwood and sapwood. Red Alder hardwood, a relative of birch, is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes on exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. 

Alder is available in a Select grade which has a clear look with very few knots in the wood.  Rustic Alder (or Knotty Alder) has more numerous knots of various sizes than the Select grade.

Alder is often used when a lived-in, rustic effect is desired.

Janka Hardness: 590

Color: Very consistent in color - pale pinkish-brown to almost white.

Color Change:  Alder is almost white when freshly cut but quickly changes on exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge.

Grain: Either no distinct grain pattern OR moderately straight-grain with a uniform texture.

Finishing: Finishes smoothly and takes stain well.

Characteristics: Relatively soft hardwood, medium density, good working properties, low tensile strength, moderately lightweight, low shock resistance and stiffness.