We just installed Alder cabs on our perimeter with a light stain (that I think looks more medium). Our GC then replaced our window frames with Alder, and stained to match. It is not the knotty Alder. You can find the finished pics by searching for 'Quartz', and a Finished KM thread will pop up. But, while you will read on some previous Alder threads about concerns over the softness of Alder (yes, it is soft), this wood creates such a warm, buttery, soft feel that we are loving! I have no idea what a darker stain might do to the overall feel/look of Alder. We did use a stained maple for the island, which we use much more than the perimeter. I am finding myself happy that the island wood is a bit more durable since we do bang things around a bit more.

I have alder and I love it. But it was quite an ordeal getting them right. When I chose them I told the cabinet maker I wanted a "nice warm natural" color. Out of that, he focused on the word "natural" and only sealed them. That might have worked except for the fact that there's a lot of variation in the wood. Here's what showed up in my kitchen: I totally freaked at the clown stripes. We had to have them pulled out, stripped and stained to even it out. It was my mistake to be so general, I suppose, his to place that lighter board where it stuck out like a sore thumb. It cost us $2K and months of delay since we went to any available slot in the cabinet maker's and GC's production schedules after that. It was worth it though. Here's what we ended up with when they stained the lighter boards to make them fit in and then stained the whole expanse: and another spot where you can see the wood to better advantage: I love the richness of the wood and its rustic quality. I hope you will too. Just specify that you want the boards hand selected for uniformity or good attention to the stain.

Hello Sabine, this is the wood I am building right now, Alder has a good natural look but is orange color, I do like your pick for staining alder, as walnut would have been my pick to. My cabinets are Alder with Walnut. Kitchen cabinets are distressed Alder and Walnut is natural. Poly Satin finish. Here is Alder in natural state with the same poly satin finish only. Your light walnut stain would be perfect!! Ken

Do you remember the 80’s? And the acres of whitewashed pink cabinets? If not, you’re doomed to repeat it.