It can be a great option for cabinets too but there are several factors to consider before making a decision about.
Is alder a hardwood or softwood.
Availability available in dimension stock and lumber.
Alnus alder is a north american hardwood usually found in the pacific northwest generally between california and alaska.
Although it is classified as a hardwood it is one of the softest hardwood.
Classifying wood as either a hardwood or softwood comes down to its physical structure and makeup and so it is overly simple to think of hardwoods as being hard and durable compared to soft and workable softwoods.
Alder is a relatively soft hardwood of medium density that has low bending strength shock resistance and stiffness.
Well alder is a bit blotchy.
This happens to be generally true but there are exceptions such as in the cases of wood from yew trees a softwood that is relatively hard and wood from balsa trees a.
Lighter than some of its wood counterparts this hardwood member of the birch family has been used to make gorgeous renditions of everything from guitars to dining room tables.
Although classified as a hardwood alder is one of the softest of all hardwoods and is more commonly referred to as a semi hardwood.
Main uses furniture kitchen cabinets doors shutters moulding panel stock turnings carvings and kitchen utensils.
Alder is a common wood used in cabinet making.
On a hardness scale alder ranks just above pine and poplar.