EUROPEAN ALDER: D
A readily available hardwood which is ideal for a stained finish.
Production: T/T, 1/SE, S/E, DIM.

Alnus glutinosa/incana
Family: Betulacae

Commercial names: Common Alder, Black Alder (UK), Grey Alder (Europe), Japanese Alder.

Distribution: From North Russia to North Africa and West Asia, throughout Scandinavia and Japan, and throughout the United Kingdom.

General description: Dull, light reddish-brown with darker lines or streaks formed by broad rays. Straight grained, with fine texture but without lustre. Weighs an average 530 kg/m3 (33lb/ft3); specific gravity .53.

Mechanical properties: Moderate bending classification with low bending strength and resistance to shock loads; very low stiffness but with medium crushing strength. There is a pronounced tendency for checks to occur on the ends of bends during setting.

Seasoning: The wood dries fairly rapidly with little degrade and is stable in service.

Working properties: It has a low cutting resistance and is easy to work if cutting edges are kept thin and sharp, as there is a slight blunting effect on tools. The wood nails and screws satisfactorily, glues well, stains and polishes to a good finish.

Durability: Alder is liable to attack by common furniture beetle; it is perishable, but permeable to preservative treatment.

Uses: A good turnery wood and used for broom and brush backs, rollers for textiles, toys, wooden clog soles, small laminated items, utility plywood for veneers. Gnarled pieces are used in Japan for decorative purposes.

Certification: We have established a supply of European Alder which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes. All our Certified Timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification.

JBT Comments: A readily available, under utilized hardwood. The only drawback we have found is that care should be taken during gluing, as the glue may be apparent as dark marks when the timber is finished.

Grade: First Quality.

Specification: Through and through; 8ft and longer average 10ft, 6ins and wider.

Stockholding: Available to order in 1in and 11/4ins thickness, normally 4/6 weeks.