Wood Species Guide

Knotty Alder

Alnus rubra

Also called: Red Alder, Western Alder, Oregon Alder, Pacific Coast Alder, Rustic Alder, Alder

Knotty alder is red alder from the Pacific Northwest sold in a rustic grade full of tight, characterful knots. It is soft, easy to work and stains evenly, which makes it a favorite for rustic cabinets and doors.
DomesticHardwoodBirches & Beech
Good forBudget-Friendly

What Knotty Alder looks like

Light tan to reddish brown, darkening a bit with age. Knotty grade adds tight, dark brown knots spread across the board.

Grain and texture

Fairly straight grain with a fine, even texture. 'Knotty' is a grade of red alder that keeps sound, tight knots for a rustic look.

Working Knotty Alder: planing, cutting and gluing

Easy to machine, sand and glue. It is soft, so it dents and can fuzz with dull cutters. Knots can chip out at the end of a cut; go slowly around them.

Finishing Knotty Alder: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes stain evenly and is often stained to look like cherry or walnut. A conditioner helps on light stains. Fill loose knots with epoxy, and seal coat the board before any pour.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Not decay resistant; indoor use. Stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate before installing.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

We carry knotty alder as rough-sawn lumber. It is a budget-friendly way to get a rustic, warm look on cabinets, doors, trim and shelving. Fill any loose knots with clear or black epoxy before final sanding. Because it's soft, it's a better pick for cabinets and wall work than for a dining table top.

Common uses for Knotty Alder

Rustic cabinetry and doors, interior trim, shelving, furniture, turnings and carving.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. The IUCN Red List rates it as Least Concern.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating LowWhat the ratings mean
  • Eye irritation
  • Skin irritation
  • Respiratory / asthma

Alder is a mild wood to work. Eye, skin and airway irritation have been reported now and then, but serious reactions are rare.

In the shop
Dust collection + dust mask when sanding
Food contact
Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Alder dust can irritate the eyes, skin and airways in some people. Use dust collection and a mask.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Knotty Alder in stock now

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Similar woods: Birches & Beech

See the Birches & Beech group guide

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