Alder alternates

[Splinter]

I like way Alder looks, machines, takes a stain and finish.... I suggested it to the homeowner and they said," yeah, sure... whatever.... It'll be a nice brown when you're finished, right?"

Im tired of working with it though... Plus my supplier doesnt stock the best stuff either. I want an alternate that has similar qualities, available at a reasonable cost. Cherry is out of the question, it costs me close to $6 a bd/ft, and Im sick of Maple too... Plus, I hate finishing Maple.

So has anyone worked with a rather clear wood, not so hard, and available at a reasonable price? A flying pig and a pink elephant would be nice too.. Oh yeah, and world peace.

[bconley]

Birch looks about the same as alder and is harder.

Soft maple, is cheap but it looks terrible clear coated and is tough to stain, you can fog a pigmented lacquer over the top for decent results.

[naptownCr]

you like the look, machining qualities, and finishing qualities and are tired of working with it?
Well just switch to Ipe you'll be back real quick.

[Splinter]

Hah! I love Ipe... I dont do composite or PT decks, if they want one from me, it's Ipe. I've dovetailed that stuff into 30 planter boxes for Manhattan rooftops. Love it, love it, love it... Alder, not so much...

I know my OP sounds ridiculous, I was just wondering if there's a better choice out there that will give a similar look.

[kornerking]

Aspen? I use it quite a bit. Most of my parts on KornerKing are made from Aspen. Drwawer boxes and sides to the module. During the Early 90's I made thousands of bedroom sets from Aspen. Holds up well.
Not Poplar-- Aspen. About the same density as Alder, maybe a little harder. Generally a very white wood. To stain use stain diluted at least 50% with thinner.
Oh ya, the cost-- about $1200. per thousand.

[Leo G]

Basswood..............not sure about the price anymore. use to be pretty cheap. Talk about lightweight.

Find a new supplier for your wood. Alder is a naturally knotty wood, tough to find clear lengths.

Holt & Bugbee
Kiever Willard
Downs and Reader
Rex

[WarnerConstInc.]

Ash mills nice, may be hard to get out your way though?

[JasonW]

Spanish Ceder is about $4 per bf here. Easy to work with, takes stains nice and paints nice. You'll need nose plugs when you mill it though....

[Splinter]

Yeah, I used Spanish Cedar on a porch not too long ago... Bleeeeech.....

I thought about Basswood, but it really doesnt have much of a grain to it... Went to the supplier just now, and the Alder was beautiful... 10' lengths, clear and straight. Cost me $4 bd/ft though. Still cheaper than Cherry.

I asked about Birch and they only stock Red Birch @ $8/bd/ft.