Lumber prices / Red Alder
Red Alder Price per Board Foot
Red alder is the Pacific Northwest's everyday hardwood: light, even-textured, and easy on both tools and budget. It takes stain evenly enough that cabinet shops use it as a cherry stand-in, and it is a forgiving wood to learn on.
Typical price per board foot$4 – $7
TypeHardwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)28 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.3 lb
Janka hardness590 lbf
Common usesCabinetry, furniture, turnings, millwork
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $4 to $7 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $16 – $28 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $37 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $37 |
To price a full order, put $6 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does red alder cost per board foot?
- Red Alder commonly runs about $4 to $7 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does red alder weigh?
- About 2.3 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 28 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is red alder a hardwood or a softwood?
- Red Alder is a hardwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 590 lbf.