Chakte-Kok (Red Heart)
Redheart lumber, derived from the Chakte Kok tree (scientifically known as Erythroxylum spp.), is a distinctive hardwood renowned for its vibrant red coloration.
Redheart lumber, derived from the Chakte Kok tree (scientifically known as Erythroxylum spp.), is a distinctive hardwood renowned for its vibrant red coloration.
Redheart lumber, derived from the Chakte Kok tree (scientifically known as Erythroxylum spp.), is a distinctive hardwood renowned for its vibrant red coloration.
Appearance: Redheart lumber is prized for its striking deep red color, which ranges from rich crimson to reddish-orange. The heartwood typically exhibits a uniform hue, though some pieces may showcase darker streaks or variations in color. Its bold coloration makes redheart a standout choice for woodworking projects where visual impact is desired.
Texture: Redheart has a moderately fine texture with a straight to slightly interlocked grain pattern. The wood has a smooth and even surface, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. When polished, redheart exhibits a natural luster that further accentuates its vivid color.
Density and Hardness: Redheart is a dense and hard hardwood, offering excellent durability and resistance to wear. It ranks among the harder exotic hardwoods, making it suitable for applications requiring strength and resilience. Its density contributes to its exceptional stability and longevity.
Workability: Despite its hardness, redheart lumber is relatively easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It cuts, planes, sands, and turns smoothly, allowing for intricate designs and fine detailing. Redheart also glues and finishes well, enabling a wide range of finishing options to enhance its natural beauty.
Stability: Redheart exhibits good stability, with minimal movement in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Proper drying and acclimation are important to minimize the risk of warping, checking, or splitting, ensuring dimensional stability in finished projects.
Durability: Redheart is highly durable and resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Its natural resistance to moisture and pests makes it an excellent choice for flooring, decking, outdoor furniture, and other exterior projects.
Versatility: Redheart lumber is utilized in a wide range of woodworking applications, including furniture making, cabinetry, turnery, veneers, musical instruments, and decorative objects. Its distinctive appearance, hardness, and durability make it a preferred choice for projects where aesthetics and longevity are paramount.
Sustainability: Redheart trees are typically harvested from sustainably managed forests where responsible forestry practices are employed to ensure the long-term health and viability of the species. Certification programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) help promote sustainable harvesting practices.
In summary, redheart lumber offers a unique combination of stunning appearance, exceptional hardness, and durability, making it a prized material for high-end woodworking projects. Its vibrant color, stability, and versatility make it a favorite among artisans, furniture makers, and designers seeking to create distinctive and enduring wood products.