Alder has a unique chemical makeup to cause it to transform a variety of colors and tones depending on how it is dried after milling. Most if not all commercially available alder is kiln dried immediately after milling stopping the natural coloring process resulting in a uniform white wood. Listening to our customers that want a variety of colors and tones highlighted by natural oils has made us produce alder flooring with these characteristics. By only harvesting when the sap levels are low, carefully storing the milled planks outside in a moist environment then introducing steam to the kiln just before final drying we are able to achieve the natural colors and tones nature intended for this dynamic wood. Also, the occasional plank contains heartwood from very old trees with bands of black walnut streaks running through it that stand out as feature boards.