Alder: shrub or tree, plant uses

The alder family includes more than one species of trees, but only black and gray ones are in greatest demand. The shade of wood is one of the most positive qualities due to which it is chosen for finishing various buildings. The reddish-yellow or reddish-white color gradually discolors in air and becomes yellow, remaining in this form for a long time. Alder begins to fade only with time.

General information

Alder wood is used very widely, and not only on its own. Thus, its shavings, as an antiseptic with astringent properties, are added to a mixture of beech, spruce and pine shavings, from which particle boards, plywood, and veneer are produced.

There are several common varieties of alder, the wood of each of which has its own set of qualities, pros and cons:

• Black alder. It is characterized as the most sensitive among its “brothers” to temperature changes, therefore it is not recommended for finishing saunas and baths. Wood is not very resistant to damage. It is often affected by fungal diseases, so it requires etching before use, and then good protection from moisture. Among the advantages, one can identify that it is more durable than other types of alder and has a more beautiful wood appearance. It is also integral in the manufacture of toys, for fuel, and even for the production of paper.
• Gray alder tolerates excess moisture better. A positive point is the fact that it can be used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products, containers, crafts, and environmentally friendly toys. It is often used to make shoes and various turning tools.

Disadvantages of alder furniture

In addition to the undeniable advantages of alder, as well as furniture made from it, it still has a number of disadvantages.

• Firstly , alder is difficult to drill and ranks almost last among other ornamental species.
• Secondly , in boards made from alder, core repetitions similar to longitudinal brown lines, as well as darker wide spots, are quite common.
• Thirdly , when exposed to sunlight, this wood can lose its orange tint within a few months, then its color is more reminiscent of seasoned pine wood. Black alder has a fuzzy grain and soft wood.

Areas of application of alder

When building houses, the wood of this tree is often used for decoration or for making furniture. In this capacity, its demand is explained by its good reaction to staining, thanks to which it is possible to obtain different colors and even imitate more valuable species - mahogany, walnut, cherry, ebony.

Lining from this rock even has healing properties and can be used for finishing baths, saunas, making canopies, ceilings or walls.

In particular, this is due to the fact that:

• Alder lining is not subject to deformation even at high temperatures;
• Does not emit heavy tar compounds or harmful fumes;
• Absorbs moisture and has low hygroscopicity;
• Has excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
• The lining made from this material does not collect condensation on its surface, as it has air ducts that promote air circulation;
• It does not heat up due to low thermal conductivity, so the risk of burns upon contact is minimal.

Of course, lining or dry board can be used to decorate various rooms, not just baths. However, alder has an interesting property - when heated and maintained for a long time, its color becomes reddish and remains so until the air in the room cools down.

Taking water procedures in such a bath will be a pleasure. By the way, planed boards are also well suited for its construction. It is important not to allow them to come into contact with the ground.

In the video you can see how the alder lining is stuffed in a bathhouse:

Alder is used not only for interior decoration of house walls, but excellent doors are also made from its solid wood. Naturally, they are not suitable as entrances, but as interior ones they are fine.

Such doors are for the most part universal, since it is easy to choose them even for the most sophisticated interior, and the price will remain more than acceptable. In addition, they are durable, have a uniform shade and texture, and its color will depend only on the quality of the tinting.

Doors made of solid alder are suitable for children's doors, as it has good antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties. If earlier this tree was used as a medicinal tree, and it was also believed that it protected against evil spirits, now this can be replaced with certainty that it is environmentally friendly and safe.

The wood remains clean from resin compounds and other harmful substances, so such doors can be installed throughout the house, and not just in children's rooms.

Alder is used to make laminate, as it not only has excellent properties, but also has a very aesthetic appearance. It is also important that caring for such a floor will not require extra time, as well as the cost of expensive products.

The laminate will not be subject to rapid contamination, and cleaning will be very easy. By the way, it is an excellent substitute for expensive parquet, since it retains excellent qualities and environmental friendliness at lower costs.

In the photo - alder laminate

It was already mentioned above that furniture is made from alder, but furniture panels, as well as chipboard and chipboard sheets, are also made from this species. Their performance indicators are of high quality, and the likelihood of deformation or chipping remains low.

Boards and sheets are used not only for assembling furniture, but also as decorative finishing, installing them as window sills, stairs or tabletops. The fact that it is possible to select a shield of the desired size or shade is considered advantageous.

You can buy ready-made furniture instead of panels if you don’t want to assemble it yourself. The items will be distinguished by uniformity of color, smoothness and versatility, which allows you to select the right items for almost any interior.

Products made from alder, moreover, are not only durable, but also lighter compared to other materials. According to some indicators, such furniture will outstrip even aspen and linden.

Photo of chipboard made of mountain dark alder wood

Description

The shoots of the young plant are cylindrical in shape with a greenish core.

The buds grow on stalks and have two scales. Alder leaves grow in an alternate order; the leaf shape is entire, lobed, sometimes jagged at the edges. The shape of the leaf can vary - from round or slightly oblong to elongated.

Flowering occurs with monoecious flowers that have the shape of fluffy earrings - the birch family has such a distinctive feature. In this case, the stamens are formed on top of the shoot in the form of long earrings, and the pistils are formed in the lower part and have the shape of small spikelets.

A distinctive feature of alder is that it blooms even before or simultaneously with the beginning of the leaves to bloom. Thanks to this, pollen is better transported by the wind.

Inflorescences are formed during the year preceding flowering, at different times: female, staminate - begin to form in mid-summer (lasting about 5-6 months), male, pistillate - from autumn (formed 1-2 months).

When inflorescences are formed, male flowers are formed in the amount of 3 pieces, less often - one in the form of an earring. Female flowers are formed in pairs, at the bottom of the shoot.

The fruit is a hard, woody cone, characteristic of alder. Among the many trees in the forest, alder can be recognized precisely by these cones.

The trunk is usually slender, covered on the outside with smooth bark . The density of wood is low.

You can distinguish alder from other trees by the following parameters:

• begins early flowering;
• has earrings;
• there are small bumps on the shoots.

Alder grows in temperate climates, prefers rich and moist soil, but can grow in dry and clay soil.

Kinds

Depending on the area and living conditions, it can have any number of different forms. You can find more than a hundred different species - trees and shrubs. On the territory of Russia, the two most common types are the sticky black and gray ones, namely:

• Black look. The name is due to the leaves having an adhesive element, and due to the fact that the trunk is black. In Greek myths, this species was described as a harbinger of spring. Description: this species is capable of rapid growth, often reaching a height of 20 meters. It grows in the forest, most often alone, with no plants of other species growing nearby. The plant begins flowering in mid-spring. The fruits are small black cones. Black alder is photophilous and loves moist soil, so it can often be found in moist places . Often this species unites to form alder thickets. It is considered an endangered species in some regions of Russia. They are planted along ponds, the plant decorates parks and squares.

• Another type of tree, gray alder, can be easily distinguished from other trees. The appearance of the tree (pictured) is not similar to its “black” relative - it has a slightly curved trunk with bark that has a gray tint, while the leaves of the tree are also gray. When flowering, it produces earrings of a brownish hue. During the flowering period, the tree looks very elegant and unusual. Unlike its other brothers, the gray species is unpretentious to its habitats - it lives even on poor soils and wetlands . It has great resistance to frost and windy weather. Young shoots grow quickly, often forming dense thickets of trees and shrubs. This property of trees is often used for industrial purposes - trees are planted along the banks, thereby further securing them from collapse.

In addition to these, there are other species that are widespread throughout Russia. Among them we can distinguish such species as bush alder or Siberian alder. Such plants are small trees with a maximum height of 6-8 meters. They live mainly in the Siberian part of Russia and the Far East.

Most species of this tree begin flowering in early spring - from April to May. As noted above, flowering begins before the leaves bloom. The flowers are long earrings and small black cones.

Growing

Although alder is often considered a weed tree, this is far from true. This opinion is formed due to the wood of the tree. Alder wood is often small, crooked, and difficult to use for industrial purposes. However, some species of this tree take root well in unpretentious conditions, which is an excellent property for planting nurseries or starting to grow forests.

For example, gray alder lives in any area and on any soil. In addition, a large amount of nitrogen accumulates on its roots in the tubers, which gradually settles into the ground and is able to restore the fertility of the soil around it.

Growing alder trees and shrubs is a fairly easy task. The seeds of the plant germinate easily. Alder cones are quite hard, which prevents them from scattering during seed collection, this prevents foreign impurities from getting into them.

It is worth noting that black alder is much more difficult to grow. The tree loves only moist soil, rich in mineral elements, and almost does not grow in poor, depleted soil with insufficient moisture, therefore such a tree is unsuitable for nursery cultivation; it is often planted along the banks of rivers and reservoirs.

Growing alder - advantages:

• some species are unpretentious to the soil, which allows trees to be grown in any area;
• easy to collect seeds;
• begins early flowering;
• Due to the accumulation of nitrogenous formations on the roots, it can improve soil fertility.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each material has negative and positive sides, and alder is no exception.

Alder wood has the following disadvantages:

• Susceptibility to damage due to the low strength and softness of the rock. Requires careful handling;
• It responds poorly to high soil moisture and begins to rot if it is used as a flooring on the ground;
• Mandatory treatment with antiseptic solutions will be required, since alder is susceptible to the development of fungal diseases;
• Low elasticity;
• Does not go well with iron (for example, nails). It begins to oxidize them, which is why unsightly dark circles may form on the surface at the places where they occur;
• Due to its ability to conduct alkaline reactions, it cannot be combined, for example, with cement mortars, otherwise it will begin to rot.

This type of tree has many positive qualities, so they can also be included in a separate list:

• Despite the fact that alder begins to rot in close proximity to the ground, it thrives in places of high humidity. It can also be used for the manufacture of containers and tubs for water;
• Capable of drying quickly when dried, and the dimensions and properties do not change;
• Well suited for processing (sawing, planing, etc.), but may be susceptible to splitting into layers when driving nails. However, this minus can be compensated for if you use screws - this way the tree will remain intact;
• Alder tolerates procedures such as staining, gluing, varnishing and polishing very well, without causing any defects.

The main advantages include reasonable price. Thanks to it, many builders prefer this particular material, widely using it in a variety of industries.

What can be made from alder wood

Solid alder doors

Finishing the bathhouse with alder

Alder furniture

Alder furniture set

Alder bench

Physical and mechanical properties of alder wood

The advantage of alder wood is the uniform color of the core and sapwood; the older the tree, the darker the wood. When dried, it practically does not crack and is little susceptible to warping. After cutting, the cut of the tree becomes reddish due to the oxidation of substances in the wood; after drying, the color becomes slightly lighter, while the sapwood and the heartwood differ slightly in shade.

Average characteristics of wood:

• average density in air-dry state: 495 kg/m3;
• Yankee hardness: 2.890 N;
• modulus of rupture: 75.9 MPa;
• elastic modulus: 8.99 MPa;
• compressive strength: 42.2 MPa;
• shrinkage: radial - 5.0%, tangential - 9.0%, volumetric - 14.0%.

Soft, homogeneous wood, medium-heavy, similar in properties to linden wood.

Perfectly polished, impregnated and painted. Black and gray alder wood differ significantly in moisture absorption and density. Black, denser and absorbs less moisture.

Not resistant when in contact with the ground, but becomes resistant when stained and under water in the absence of oxygen. Dried wood has good thermal insulation properties and is capable of absorbing and dissipating sounds.

It can be easily processed manually and mechanically, adheres well, and is secured with nails and screws. Combines perfectly with any materials.

Reviews and ratings

Reviews on the use of alder wood for finishing baths, making furniture and interior doors are mostly positive, since it lasts a long time if handled correctly. If you additionally treat it with special compounds, you can use the boards even in the construction of various fences and utility buildings.

Many who have used alder claim that it is better to use it for finishing, and to use timber of more reliable species to build the frame in order to avoid problems with rotting.

Based on all the information, the following ratings can be given to wood of this type:

• Environmental friendliness - 5 points. High indicators are maintained even with a serious temperature difference, and this can already be assessed highly;
• Price - 5 points. In terms of quality and price, alder can be considered an ideal material;
• Practicality - 4 points. It is expressed in a wide range of applications, since wood can be used both to create toys and for decoration. The point should be lowered only because over time, even with good initial processing, the wood may begin to rot if it comes into contact with the ground, iron or cement;
• Appearance - 5 points. This indicator is simply excellent, which is reflected in the fact that alder, when combined with different types of processing, is able to imitate more expensive species;
• Ease of production - 5 points. Quite widespread.
• Labor intensity during use - 4 points. Very easy to use, but nails cannot be used, which results in a lower score.

Advantages of furniture made from alder

Alder is an environmentally friendly and durable material. The wood goes through several stages of processing, including drying to the desired level of moisture. Therefore, such furniture retains its appearance for a long time.

And although it is believed that alder is not a very suitable material for making furniture, it is precisely thanks to its moisture resistance quality that it has taken its rightful place among other types of wood.

This type of wood is also endowed with such quality as viscosity. When making furniture, alder cuts well, does not split during carving and does not crack into layers. Alder furniture can be given various decorations in the form of intricate patterns, reminiscent of the texture of more expensive species, because This material lends itself well to treatment with varnish, polish or stain.

Additional features of this wood are lightness, softness and strength. It is in terms of strength that many craftsmen compare alder with materials such as linden or aspen.

Alder is quite heavy and elastic. Her layers are barely noticeable. It has a dense wood structure.

Furniture made from alder is very practical. Alder does not absorb any foreign odors and is considered a non-allergenic product. Products made from alder are in the same price category as similar products made from beech.

In the online furniture store you will find a large selection of cabinets, beds, tables, chairs, etc. There are often promotions for different types of furniture, with an individual approach to each client.

Black alder - what is it, features of the material

Black alder is often used to make furniture. It is particularly well tinted and easy to process.

The characteristic features of this alder are: high resistance to various types of deformation, preservation of its original shape when dried, as well as high resistance to rotting.

Sanding is fairly easy to apply on black alder. It is an ideal material for carving. Therefore, the furniture can be given additional exclusivity. The color range is very diverse. Furniture can have either a white or a yellow-reddish tint.

Alder in folk medicine

Alder leaves, bark, and alder seeds, which are recommended to be collected in late autumn, have a healing effect. When harvesting, the cones are cut with garden shears and then dried indoors at room temperature. If everything is done correctly, the fruits will have a brown or brown color, a light aroma and an astringent taste. The leaves are harvested at the beginning of summer, and the bark at the beginning of winter.

Due to the presence of essential oils, organic acids, tannins, alkaloids and other components, preparations based on alder fruits and leaves have a blood purifying, bactericidal, hemostatic, and astringent effect. Decoctions of the seeds and leaves of this plant provide a diaphoretic and antimicrobial effect and reduce inflammation.

An infusion of alder fruits is used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract; the bark is used for enterocolitis and digestive disorders. Decoctions based on the plant cleanse the skin, heal wounds, eliminate nosebleeds, reduce allergies, and help with rheumatism.

What you need to know about alder furniture

This type of wood can be subjected to artificial application of “signs of aging”. This can give your product uniqueness and chic.

Furniture made from solid alder should not be exposed to strong temperatures. The optimal temperature for such furniture is from +10°C to +25°C. Strong temperature changes also affect the condition of the furniture.

For longer service life of furniture and preservation of its appearance, air humidity should be about 60%.

Exposing furniture to sunlight can also have a negative effect. Furniture may fade or change its original color. It is better to keep such furniture away from windows.

For all connoisseurs of classics, as well as for opponents of pretentious lines, furniture made from alder is an ideal option. Such furniture will invariably bring beauty, nobility and comfort to your interior.