Chakte Viga
Scientific name: Coulteria platyloba
Overview
Chakte Viga is a vibrant Central American hardwood known for its striking orange to red coloration. Native primarily to Mexico and parts of Central America, it has become increasingly valued for decorative woodworking, furniture, and specialty applications.
Freshly cut Chakte Viga exhibits intense orange-red tones that gradually deepen with exposure to light, maturing into a richer reddish-brown over time. Its bold coloration and solid density position it within the color-forward category of tropical hardwoods.
Within the Central American collection, Chakte Viga represents the vivid red-orange spectrum.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Chakte Viga
- Scientific Name: Coulteria platyloba
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Southern Mexico & Central America)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to deep red with darker streaks
- Grain: Often interlocked
- Texture: Medium to fine with a natural luster
Identification Characteristics
Chakte Viga is most easily identified by its bright orange-red heartwood, particularly when freshly milled. Over time, natural oxidation causes the color to deepen and mellow toward a darker red-brown.
Compared to Santa Maria, Chakte Viga is generally more vibrant in fresh coloration. Compared to Cocobolo, it lacks dramatic dark striping and heavy natural oil content.
The grain is typically straight but may occasionally show slight interlocking. Texture is fine to medium, and the wood has a solid, substantial weight relative to its size.
Key identification traits include:
- Bright orange-red coloration when fresh
- Color deepens with age
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate visible pore structure
Working Properties
Chakte Viga works well but can be moderately hard on tooling due to its density.
- Machines cleanly with sharp blades
- Turns well
- Sands smoothly
- Glues reliably
- Accepts finish evenly
To preserve color, UV-protective finishes may help reduce natural darkening.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when cutting, sanding, or machining.
Common Uses
Chakte Viga is commonly used in:
- Furniture
- Turned objects
- Decorative millwork
- Veneer
- Accent panels
- Interior trim
Its vivid coloration makes it particularly desirable for statement pieces and contrast work.
Sustainability & Notes
Chakte Viga is not currently listed under CITES, but responsible sourcing is recommended to ensure sustainable forest management practices.
Availability can vary depending on harvest region and export controls.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bubinga – A well-known species in the Guibourtia genus valued for its rich reddish color and dramatic figuring, commonly used in fine furniture and veneers.
African Rosewood – Another Guibourtia species known for its durability and attractive grain, often used in cabinetry and decorative woodworking.
Ovangkol – A dense African hardwood with somewhat similar coloration and grain contrast, frequently used in furniture and musical instruments.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood
Understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood species, including structure, growth, and common uses.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of dense hardwood species.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors preserve hardwood samples to study grain patterns, color variation, and long-term aging characteristics.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Chakte Viga is valued for its intense fresh coloration. Collectors often seek boards with uniform orange-red tone and minimal sapwood.
Because the color naturally deepens with age, some collectors prefer freshly milled stock to capture its brightest appearance.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer for flattening and straightening wood edges and faces
https://amzn.to/41NWYEu
• TARIST 3-Piece 8″ Wood Rasp File Set for shaping, smoothing, and refining wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/4sQEkXm
• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand Height Adjustable for supporting long boards during cutting and milling
https://amzn.to/41OB587
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