Alder Hardwood Sample (1/2"x3"x6")
$5.00 ea.
| Thickness | 1/2" (≈ 1/2" approx) |
| Width | 3" |
| Length | 6" |
| Grade | Samples are milled on all sides, cut square and sanded; wood is a product of nature with inconsistencies from piece to piece. Use species samples as a guide, not a perfect representation. |
| Brand | Woodworkers Source |
| Size | 1/2" x 3" x 6" (official size of the International Wood Collectors Society) |
2.33
lbs /Bd. Ft.Wood Texture
Ease of Finishing
Pale Yellow to Reddish Brown.
A relatively small tree, reaching about 50ft in height and producing a trunk in diameter up to 15".
Alder, Oregon alder, Pacific coast alder, Red alder, Western alder
Rustic furniture, entry doors, moldings, turning, carving, toys, plywood, veneer, cabinets, musical instruments.
What Does The Janka Hardness Rating Mean?
The Janka hardness test is the international standard for measuring the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear.
It's expressed in psi, or pounds-per-square-inch. The test measures the pressure required to embed an 11.28mm (.444 in) diameter steel ball into wood to half the ball's diameter. The measurement was developed to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring; however, we include it here and compare it to the rating of red oak to help you make a buying choice.
There is a difference between hardness and being difficult to work with. Generally speaking, the harder the wood the easier it is to finish and polish. Harder woods create good, solid long-lasting joinery in furniture.
The hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain, and varies from piece to piece. So a Janka rating is an average of numerous tests performed on all directions and numerous pieces. Use the Janka hardness rating as guide, not a definitive answer.
Image by Nasa-verve, Wikimedia Commons
Sample of several species
As Expected
Good sample stock
The Joys of Building with Great Woods
Understanding hardwood lumber starts right here with these wacky fractions.
If you're expecting perfect clear lumber 100% of the time, you're in for a surprise. Here's a summary of the hardwood lumber grades and what to expect from them.
Board feet isn't your everyday kind of math, but these three simple steps make it easy to figure out your project.
Here's a handy (and free) Excel worksheet that helps you estimate the lumber needs for your project.
Are woods poisonous? Hazardous to use in cutting boards or baby cribs? Find out here.
Wood is like a sponge, and it's always in a state of absorbing or releasing moisture to stay equalized with its environment. The problem with that is it also swells and shrinks. Here's what you need to know to protect your project.
