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.
Hardwoods with similar hardness
Red Alder rates 590 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Poplar | 540 lbf | $3 – $5 |
| Basswood | 410 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| American Sycamore | 770 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| Genuine Mahogany | 800 lbf | $12 – $20 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
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.