Alder tends to be light tan to reddish brown in colour, it darkens with age to a light reddish-brown with darker streaks or lines. There is no visible distinction between the heartwood and sapwood, with the overall grain pattern and appearance similar to that of Birch, although redder.

It is easy to work with hand and machine tools, sands especially easy. The wood is rather soft, however, and care must be taken to avoid denting it in some applications.

Excellent gluing, staining and finishing properties, it also turns well and behaves similar to that of Black Cherry