Alder woodAlderwood is one of the softest woods in the hardwood family, just above pine and poplar. It has a bending strength (in PSI) of 9,800, making it pliable but relatively soft. These properties make it an excellent option for cabinetry, bedding, and other decorative furniture inside the home. Alder wood is commonly used to make wooden toys because it is easy to hand carve. The Alder tree grows quickly and abundantly so it is a nice, sustainable resource.