Alder color
The effects of age on the coloration of lumber cut from alder logs. August 10, 2000
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.
Did you have fresh logs? Old logs have severe coloring problems.
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
Would you like to add information to this article?
Interested in writing or submitting an article?
Have a question about this article?
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
Would you like to add information to this article? ...
Click Here
If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.
Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.
When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.
Return to beginning of article.
|
