Alder

Origin: North America and West coast.

Latin name.
Alnus rubra Bong.

Natural vegetation area.
Western side of the Rocky Mountains, from California to Canada, including Alaska

TRUNK CHARACTERISTICS.
The tree is small to medium-sized: it normally does not exceed a height of 25 m: the diameter at breast height is mostly lower than 60 cm. The trunk is straight and regular. It lacks large branches and forks, but features marked taper.

WOOD APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS.
The colour is generally whitish when cut, but turns to light brown with pinkish and yellowish shades after seasoning.

Specific weight in the fresh condition.
In the fresh condition 640 kg/m³ on average, after normal seasoning 450 kg/m³.

Histological structure.
Fine texture, straight and regular grain.

Shrinkage.
Moderate.

Mechanical characteristics.
Axial compression strength 34 N/mm² on average; bending strength 70N/mm²; moderate hardness; the impact behaviour is low.

Modulus of elasticity.
8.500 N/mm².

Most frequent structural defects and alteration.
Colour alterations due to fungi attacks whose spores have penetrated through cuts on the cortex and insect holes.

Durability.
Poor if exposed to the air, reasonable if permanently plunged.

 

Texts taken from: “Manuale tecnico del legno”, FNALA CNA LEGNO LEGNO, by Prof. Ing. Guglielmo Giordano.

Species available for the following products: