Q.
All the alder I have cut in the past few weeks turned very red within a few days of cutting (I air-dried it outside). Even the stuff that I brought right into my shop (which has a controlled temperature) turned very red.

The color results from the oxidation of extractives in the wood. (It is like an apple that turns color after you have taken a bite.)

Kiln drying must start within a few hours to avoid coloring. Steaming can enhance coloring, and will develop uniform color throughout the wood.
Gene Wengert, forum moderator

Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

KnowledgeBase: Lumber & Plywood: Storage

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: Lumber Grading

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: Sawmilling

KnowledgeBase: Wood Engineering: Wood Properties

KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base



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