Why We Love Alder
Alder isn’t just versatile and beautiful—it’s sustainable, renewable, and responsibly sourced. From cabinetry and furniture, Alder delivers strength, warmth, and unmatched performance.
Simply put, Alder delivers.
The History of Alder
From Overlooked to Essential
Alder's journey in the U.S. is a classic underdog story - once dismissed as a low-value species, it's now a go-to material for cabinetry, furniture, doors, moldings, and architectural millwork. And at the heart of this transformation? NWH.
The Overlooked Hardwood
For decades, Alder was abundant but undervalued. Thriving in the Pacific Northwest, it was mainly used for pulp, paper, and firewood - hardly the stuff of fine craftsmanship. Premium woods like oak, cherry and maple dominated the market, leaving Alder in the shadows.
NWH Sees the Potential
That all changed with Northwest Hardwoods (now NWH) took a bold step in 1967. Recognizing Alder's fine grain and exceptional workability, we introduced it as a legitimate alternative to pricier hardwoods. It was a game-changer - Alder was no longer just filler; it was a feature.
A Rising Star
Manufacturers and designers took notice. Alder's ability to stain beautifully and mimic high-end woods made it a natural choice for furniture and interiors. Its fast growth and sustainability only added to its appeal. As demand surged, NWH lead the charge, supplying the industry with the highest quality Alder available.
The Industry Standard
What started as a bold move has become an industry standard. Alder is now a staple in woodworking and design, thanks to its versatility, beauty, and reliability. And at every step, NWH has been the driving force behind its success.
BEAUTIFUL
Alder offers warm, rustic elegance for cabinetry, furniture, doors, and millwork.
- Fine, straight grain with a uniform texture
- Naturally warm tones with subtle variations
- Finishes to mimic other premium woods
WORKABLE
Alder’s workability means faster production, less waste, and flawless results.
- Machines cleanly for precise results
- Strong yet easy to fasten without splitting
- Smooths and stains beautifully
BEAUTIFUL
Alder offers warm, rustic elegance for cabinetry, furniture, doors, and millwork.
- Fine, straight grain with a uniform texture
- Naturally warm tones with subtle variations
- Finishes to mimic other premium woods
WORKABLE
Alder’s workability means faster production, less waste, and flawless results.
- Machines cleanly for precise results
- Strong yet easy to fasten without splitting
- Smooths and stains beautifully
VERSATILE
Alder’s adaptability extends well beyond its physical attributes.
- Offered in grades from luxury to economy
- Fits both high-end and budget-friendly designs
- Adapts to diverse aesthetics and styles
IMPACTFUL
Alder delivers real economic benefits for the entire Pacific Northwest region.
- Transformed undervalued wood into opportunity
- Reduces costs by utilizing local resources
- Strengthens communities and regional prosperity.
VERSATILE
Alder’s adaptability extends well beyond its physical attributes.
- Offered in grades from luxury to economy
- Fits both high-end and budget-friendly designs
- Adapts to diverse aesthetics and styles
IMPACTFUL
Alder delivers real economic benefits for the entire Pacific Northwest region.
- Transformed undervalued wood into opportunity
- Reduces costs by utilizing local resources
- Strengthens communities and regional prosperity.
Alder & The Environment
A Force for Renewal
Alder is nature’s way of restoring and sustaining the land. Thriving in water-rich lowlands, it plays a vital role in stabilizing ecosystems and providing a renewable resource for generations to come.
Prevents Erosion
and stabilizes soil in forested areas.
Replenishes Naturally reducing the need for replanting
Enriches Biodiversity
by supporting a variety of plant and animal life
Improves Soil Health
by fixing nitrogen and enhancing fertility.
Provides a Renewable Resource offering beauty and function sustainably.
Grows Fast, Regenerates Naturally ensuring long-term forest health
Prevents Erosion
and stabilizes soil in forested areas.
Replenishes Naturally reducing the need for replanting
Enriches Biodiversity
by supporting a variety of plant and animal life
Improves Soil Health by fixing nitrogen and enhancing fertility.
Provides a Renewable Resource offering beauty and function sustainably.
Grows Fast, Regenerates Naturally ensuring long-term forest health
The NWH Alder Seedling Program
The NWH Alder Seedling Program stands at the forefront of our commitment to ecological balance. Tackling the decline in Alder populations and promoting species diversity, we have taken significant steps to nurture and proliferate these important hardwoods.
We are thrilled to share an important milestone in NWH’s in environmental stewardship: the successful distribution of 70,000 Alder seedlings to date.
Alder By The Numbers
Alder Properties
Alder Properties
Weight per Bdft: 2.45
Specific Gravity (Density): 0.41
Hardness (Janka): 590
Bending Strength (MOR): 9800
Bending Stiffness (MOE): 1380
Dimensional Movement (Shrinkage): R 4.4%, T 7.3%
Finishing Alder
Alder’s fine grain and uniform texture make it an ideal choice for a variety of finishing techniques, including staining, clear coating, and painting. Its smooth surface ensures consistent, high-quality results across different applications.
For Painted Cabinetry and Furniture
Painting wood can be challenging—some species, like Maple, require extensive preparation, while MDF may not offer the durability you need. Alder provides a stable, uniform surface that takes paint exceptionally well, reducing prep time and ensuring a smooth, professional finish. Its natural reliability makes it a strong alternative to other hardwoods and engineered materials.
Alder Resources
Alder offers a modern alternative to traditional hardwoods, combining beauty, versatility, and practicality for cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. Discover all you need to know about Alder with the resources below.
Alder
Brochure
Alder Technical Bulletin
Alder Grades at a Glance
NWH Alder Grades Sorted to Width
Alder Sorted to Width
Sorting 4/4 Alder Premium and Superior by width improves yield, reduces waste, and streamlines inventory management, making production more efficient. It helps manufacturers save time, use materials more effectively, and maintain consistent quality in every project.
Alder Sorted to Width
Sorting 4/4 Alder Premium and Superior by width improves yield, reduces waste, and streamlines inventory management, making production more efficient. It helps manufacturers save time, use materials more effectively, and maintain consistent quality in every project.
Alder Grades
NWH proprietary alder grades are more precise than standard NHLA grading rules. This offers better cutting yields and ultimately delivering higher value.
Superior
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4
Our most flexible grade with the highest yield. Combines “Select & Better” and FAS boards with backs that are Cabinet grade or better. Ideal for uses requiring long, wide clear-face cuttings or multiple rips and chops.
Sorted to Width available in 4/4.
Applications
- Cabinets
- Entry Doors
- Casegoods
- Millwork
- Mouldings
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Entry Doors
- Casegoods
- Millwork
- Mouldings
- Furniture
Cabinet
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4
Graded from the worst face, this product is at the high end of mid-grade lumber. Each board yields clear two-face cuttings of 24” and longer. This grade was designed to yield well for kitchen cabinet door manufacturers.
Applications
- Cabinets
- Drawer Fronts
- Furniture
- Doors
CAB
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4
Alder CAB grade lumber is a combination grade of (Blended) Cabinet and Custom Shop. Minimum yield is 66-2/3% clear face cutting with reverse face sound back cuttings, as described in the Sound Cutting Rule.
Applications
- Casegoods
- Drawer Slides
- Cabinets
- Casegoods
- Drawer Slides
- Cabinets
Premium
4/4, 5/4
Rustic appearance and structural grade with scattered sound and unsound defects. Each board yields full-width cuttings with 1-2 cuttings per board. 5/4 exhibits larger defects but maintains structural integrity due to added thickness. Reverse face Standard Frame or better.
Sorted to Width available in 4/4.
Applications
- Rustic Cabinets
- Rustic Millwork
- Casegoods
- Upholstery Rails
- Frame Components
Standard Frame
4/4, 5/4
A sound structural grade designed for rustic applications, the upholstered and knock-down frame manufacturer. This grade will yield an assortment of long rails and shorter parts for both chair and sofa frames.
Applications
- Rustic Cabinets
- Furniture Frames
- Fingerjoint Blocks
- Doors
The NWH Difference: How We Consistently Deliver High-Quality Alder
NWH’s quality promise begins long before a board makes it into your hands. From timber sourcing to final packaging, every step is monitored, audited, and refined to deliver consistent, dependable Alder—making sure you get the best out of every board.
