Cherry and alder are two common wood species used in furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects. While they share some similar properties, there are several key differences that set them apart. Knowing how to distinguish these two wood types can be invaluable for woodworkers, carpenters, and homeowners. In this article, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of cherry and alder woods to help you identify them.
Overview of Cherry Wood
Cherry is a classic American hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown color and smooth, fine grain pattern. The sapwood of cherry trees is a pale yellow, while the heartwood develops a deeper reddish hue with age. Cherry’s fine, straight grain and lack of large pores give it an elegant, refined look.
Some key identifying features of cherry wood include:
- Color – Ranges from pale pinkish tan to a deep, warm reddish brown. Darkens over time with exposure to light.
- Grain – Fine and straight grained with a smooth, uniform texture.
- Density – Relatively lightweight and soft among hardwoods.
- Workability – Easy to work with hand and power tools. Good machining qualities.
- Durability – Strong and stable when dried properly, though prone to swelling and shrinking.
- Uses – Furniture, cabinets, flooring, architectural millwork, musical instruments.
Cherry has a pleasant scent when being worked, and it stains and finishes beautifully with a lustrous glow. It is plentiful and affordable compared to other domestic hardwoods like walnut or maple.
Overview of Alder Wood
Alder is an abundant, fast-growing hardwood that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It has a light tan color and straight, even grain pattern. Alder is considered a “poor cousin” to cherry as it shares some visual similarities but has different working characteristics.
Some identifying features of alder wood:
- Color – Pale white to light brown. Has little color variation.
- Grain – Typically straight and uniform, though sometimes wavy or irregular.
- Density – Very lightweight and soft for a hardwood.
- Workability – Easy to work with hand and power tools. Sands easily.
- Durability – Low resistance to abrasion and dents. Stains and finishes well.
- Uses – Furniture, cabinetry, woodturning, millwork, boxes, crates.
Alder is renowned for its lack of prominent grain pattern, which allows it to readily accept paints and stains. It also has a faint musty or acidic odor when being worked. Alder machines well and does not split easily like other softwoods. It is affordable and abundant in supply.
Key Differences Between Cherry and Alder
Though they share a straight grain and pale tan coloration, cherry and alder have several notable differences:
Color – Cherry reddens with age and exposure to light, while alder maintains its pale tan hue.
Grain – Cherry has a fine, smooth grain while alder can be a bit more open and coarse.
Density – Cherry is moderately dense and hard while alder is very soft and low density.
Workability – Alder machines more easily than cherry, though cherry polishes to a finer finish.
Durability – Cherry is stronger and more resistant to wear and indentation. Alder dents easily.
Uses – Cherry is preferred for fine furniture and cabinets, while alder is popular for paint-grade applications.
Cost – Cherry is generally more expensive than abundant, fast-growing alder.
Availability – Alder comes primarily from the Pacific Northwest, while cherry grows in many Eastern and Central US regions.
Tips for Identifying Cherry vs. Alder Wood
Here are some helpful tips for distinguishing these two wood species:
- Examine the wood’s color – cherry reddens over time while alder stays light tan.
- Look at the grain pattern – alder has a more porous, open grain compared to cherry’s fine, smooth grain.
- Test the hardness by denting with a fingernail – alder is much softer and dents more easily.
- Evaluate the weight – alder is exceptionally light while cherry has more density.
- Look for gum pockets – alder sometimes has small brown dots from resin while cherry does not.
- Consider the source location – alder comes from the Northwest whereas cherry grows in many other regions.
- Detect the scent – alder has a faintly sour, musty odor when cut and milled.
- Assess uses – cherry is used more often for durable furniture while alder is better for painted items.
With some close inspection and using these identifying factors, woodworkers can reliably determine whether they are working with premium cherry or common alder wood. Being able to properly identify wood species is an important skill for professionals and hobbyists alike when working with lumber or wood products.
Common Uses for Cherry and Alder Woods
Cherry and alder each have their own strengths and uses in woodworking and construction:
Cherry Wood Uses
- Fine furniture – chairs, tables, beds, dressers
- Kitchen cabinets and cabinetry
- Architectural millwork and trim
- Flooring
- Carvings and intricate detailed work
Cherry’s beauty, strength and refinement make it an exceptional choice for any project where the wood’s natural colors and grain will be shown off.
Alder Wood Uses
- Paint-grade furniture and cabinets
- Drawers and cabinet interiors
- Woodturning for bowls and decorative pieces
- Solid wood panels and planks
- Boxes, crates, pallets
Alder is highly valued for its ability to readily accept stains, paints, and topcoats. It provides an economical and stable substrate for painted finishes.
Finishing and Maintaining Cherry vs. Alder
The appropriate finish and maintenance regime differs for each wood:
Cherry – Clear finishes like polyurethane enhance cherry’s warm reddish tones. Oil or wax finishes can also be applied to protect while allowing the wood to naturally oxidize and redden over time. Maintenance requires dusting and occasionally reapplying thin coats of finish.
Alder – Since alder readily accepts paint and stain, any type of colored finish can be used to change its pale tan appearance. Clear finishes work as well but have little impact on alder’s minimal grain. Maintenance involves dusting and periodic refinishing when worn or damaged.
Sourcing Cherry, Alder, and Other Wood Types
Cherry, alder, and other species can be purchased from specialty wood suppliers and lumberyards. Here are some tips for sourcing different wood types:
- Consult with reputable lumber or wood product dealers about availability and pricing.
- Check listings for sawmills in your region that may carry or mill various domestic woods.
- Look for woodworkers or arborists selling raw slabs or boards from local tree species.
- Search classified ads online from tree removal services offering lumber from felled trees.
- Join local woodturning or woodworking clubs, which often have resources for acquiring wood.
- Attend estate sales or auctions, which sometimes sell high-quality lumber from old barns or buildings.
With a bit of effort, you can find beautiful cherry, workable alder, and other woods to suit your building needs while supporting local businesses. Just be sure to carefully confirm the wood species when purchasing. Understanding key differences between cherry, alder, and other woods will ensure you get the right material for your upcoming projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry and Alder Woods
Is cherry or alder wood better for furniture?
Cherry is generally better for fine furniture like beds, tables, and upholstered pieces where strength, hardness and rich color are desirable properties. Alder is suitable for painted furniture, drawers, and hidden areas since it readily accepts finishes but is prone to dents and wear.
Is alder a hardwood or softwood?
Botanically, alder is considered a hardwood, though it has very soft, low density wood compared to most other hardwood species. It has some structural capabilities closer to a softwood.
Why is alder cheaper than cherry?
Alder grows very quickly in plantation-like conditions, especially in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The abundant supply of easily cultivated alder keeps costs lower than slow-growth cherry trees.
What’s the difference between cherry and birch?
While cherry reddens with age, birch wood has a more consistent pale white or beige tone. Birch has very prominent dark grain lines while cherry has a smoother, more uniform grain pattern. Birch is also harder and denser than softer cherry wood.
Is alder good for kitchen cabinets?
Alder can be a good choice for cabinetry that will be painted in light colors. Since it takes paint and stain so well, alder provides an economical base material for achieving certain painted cabinet looks. Its softness can lead to dents though.
Does alder or cherry stain better?
Alder is easier to stain because it readily absorbs pigment and allows stains to create an even coloration. Cherry can be stained but requires more preparation and testing to achieve an even stain without blotchiness. Clear finishes help maintain cherry’s natural color.
Conclusion
While cherry and alder may appear quite similar at first glance, understanding their distinguishing characteristics helps woodworkers choose the right material for their projects. Examining the color tones, grain patterns, weight, density, workability and uses of each wood clarifies whether premium cherry or economical alder is suitable for a given application. With the knowledge of how to differentiate these two common wood types, you can confidently select lumber for furniture, flooring, cabinetry and other beautiful woodwork.
