The Color Transformation of Alder Wood Explained

In: Furniture Design
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Scottish Mahogany Sideboard also known as Red Alder
Scottish Mahogany Sideboard, also known as Red Alder

Alder wood, mainly black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and red alder (Alnus rubra), is valued for its unique properties and applications. Newly-cut alder wood is initially white but transforms to deep red upon exposure to air, eventually stabilizing to a flesh colour. This transformation is due to the polymerization of compounds like Oregonin in red alder, which can be influenced by factors such as season and storage time (Thompson et al., 2008). In Scotland, alder immersed in peat bogs acquires a dark red hue and is referred to as ‘Scots mahogany’, appreciated for its aesthetic and resistance to decay.

Properties and Uses of Alder Wood

  • Workability and Appearance: Black alder is noted for its workability and appealing appearance, making it suitable for furniture manufacturing. Its surface quality and coating properties are advantageous for creating value-added products(Salca, 2019).
  • Resistance to Decay: Alder wood’s resistance to decay is a significant factor in its use by rural craftsmen. This property is enhanced when the wood is treated or naturally altered, such as through immersion in peat bogs (Salca, 2019).
  • Ecological Benefits: Alders thrive in moist environments, help control floods, and stabilize riverbanks. They are unique among European trees because they can fix nitrogen, contributing to soil fertility (Claessens et al., 2010).
Georgian Scots Mahogany Bar Back Dining Chairs
Georgian Scots Mahogany Bar Back Dining Chairs

Colour Transformation and Management

  • Colour Changes: The red colour in alder wood is primarily due to the polymerization of Oregonin. This process can be managed through pre-steaming and controlled heat treatment, which affects the final colour based on the season and storage conditions(Thompson et al., 2008).
  • Silvicultural Practices: Effective alder management involves early and frequent thinning to prevent heart rot and achieve marketable timber. The wood is used in various applications, including energy, paper, and joinery(Claessens et al., 2010).

While alder wood is appreciated for its unique properties and applications, it has historically been undervalued compared to other hardwoods. However, its ecological benefits and potential for value-added products are increasingly recognized, leading to a reevaluation of its role in forestry and industry (DeBell, 2006) (Deal & Harrington, 2006).

Sources

Claessens, H., Oosterbaan, A., Savill, P., & RONDEux, J. (2010). A review of the characteristics of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) and their implications for silvicultural practices. Forestry, 83(2), 163-175.

Deal, R. L. (2006). Red alder: a state of knowledge.

DeBell, S. (2006). History of research and attitudes about the biology and management of red alder. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW, 669, 3.

Salca, E. A. (2019). Black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.)—A resource for value-added products in furniture industry under European screening. Current Forestry Reports, 5, 41-54.

Thompson, D. W., Kozak, R. A., & Evans, P. D. (2005). Thermal modification of color in red alder veneer. I. Effects of temperature, heating time, and wood type. Wood and Fiber Science, 653-661.

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