Viga is the Spanish word for beam, and is used to denote the round timbers or poles used as supports and architectural accents common in Southwestern style adobe structures. To bear the snow-load in the winter, vigas are used to span roofs and also provide vertical supports. Entire logs are hand-planed to remove the bark and cambium. Ponderosa pine, Englemann spruce and Douglas fir are the most popular species used for vigas, although other species can be used. Vigas can also be carved to provide a more decorative look.