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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alder wood and what is it commonly used for?
Alder is a domestic hardwood grown throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. It has a fine, even grain with a pale pinkish-brown tone that takes stain evenly, making it one of the most popular choices for painted and stained cabinet doors, furniture, and interior millwork. Alder is relatively lightweight and machines cleanly with standard woodworking tools.
How does alder compare to other hardwoods for cabinetry?
Alder is softer than maple and harder than pine, with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 590. It accepts stain more uniformly than maple, which tends to blotch. It is a practical and cost-effective alternative to cherry for stained cabinetry, and its fine grain provides a cleaner painted surface than oak. Alder is widely used in production cabinetry across western Canada for these reasons.
Is alder suitable for exterior applications?
No. Alder has poor natural rot resistance and is not recommended for exterior applications without thorough sealing or the use of pressure treatment. It is an interior wood, best suited for furniture, cabinetry, trim, and decorative work in dry, protected environments.
What finishes work best on alder?
Alder accepts both paint and stain well. For stained applications, a pre-stain conditioner is not typically necessary as alder stains more evenly than blotch-prone species like pine or birch. Oil-based and water-based stains both work on alder. For painted cabinetry, a quality primer followed by finish coats produces an excellent result due to alder's smooth grain texture.
Does Windsor Plywood carry alder lumber in stock?
Windsor Plywood carries alder hardwood lumber in select and common grades suitable for cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. Availability of specific thicknesses, widths, and lengths varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock before planning your project.