North American red alder is latest in series of modified wood products

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A technology company’s modification process preserves the alder without eliminating natural beauty.

Accsys Technologies now offers North American species red alder as part of its line of modified wood products. Accoya Alder [1] undergoes a proprietary modification process called acetylation that improves its durability, hardness, water absorption and dimensional stability while retaining its natural strength and beauty.

Alder’s fine grain and a medium tone gives it a clean, attractive look and makes it popular for construction of interior doors, cabinetry, flooring, and moldings. By applying the patented acetylation technology, Accsys has expanded the opportunities for alder to exterior applications, including screens, outdoor furniture, windows and exterior doors, while still maintaining the species’ aesthetic qualities.

Accoya wood’s acetylation technology alters the wood’s reaction with water by permanently replacing the molecules that want to bond with water with more stable acetyl groups. Acetyl groups are naturally present in all wood species, which means that nothing toxic is added. The altered cell structure of the wood makes it an unrecognizable wood source for insects and prevents fungal decay.

For more information, go to the website [1].