Alder
Latin name: Alnus glutinosa
Also known as: common alder, black alder (UK), aune (France), els (Netherlands), erle (Germany)
Wood Type:
Hardwood
Durability:
Not durable
Treatability:
Easy
Moisture Movement:
Small
Abrasions:
Poor
Density (mean, Kg/m³):
530
Texture:
Fine
Availability:
Available at specialist timber merchant
Use(s):
Tool handles, Furniture
Colour(s):
Reddish brown (Light and dull)
Environmental
Not listed in CITES. Believed available from well-managed sources. Check certification status with suppliers.
Distribution
Alder occurs in Europe from Scandinavia and north Russia southwards. It is common throughout the British Isles and is found in north Africa and western Asia.
The tree
A small to medium-size tree, attaining a height usually between 15m and 27m and a diameter of 0.3m to 1.2m. It enjoys damp situations along streams, and reaches its best development when growing in moist loam upon which rain has washed down layers of humus from woods at higher elevations.
The timber
There is no distinction by colour between sapwood and heartwood, the wood being a dull, light reddish-brown colour, without lustre, soft. and light in weight, about 530 kg/m³ when dried.
Drying
The timber dries fairly rapidly with little degrade.
Strength
It has no reputation for strength, being comparable to poplar in general strength properties, although a little harder and rather more resistant in shear.
Working qualities
Medium to good - Easy to work and finish provided tools are kept sharpened. It takes glue, stains and polish, and nails and screws satisfactorily. and is a fairly good turnery wood.
Suppliers |
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International TimberManchester |
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James Latham plcHemel Hempstead |
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Stourhead (Western) EstateWiltshire |
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W. L. West & Sons LtdPetworth |
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Suppliers |
|
---|---|
W. L. West & Sons LtdPetworth |
|
Stourhead (Western) EstateWiltshire |
|
James Latham plcHemel Hempstead |
|
International TimberManchester |
|