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Against The Grain: A Brand New Woodworking Competition for 2025

We are excited to announce the launch of a new woodworking competition! 

Against The Grain is a competition for makers of all skill levels to come together to celebrate their craft. 

At Timbecon we firmly believe that woodworking is for everyone. Whether you're building functional furniture, creating artistic designs, or turning timber into something extraordinary, this competition will be your stage.

With three categories, two skill levels, six winners, and 12 awards in total, Against The Grain offers every woodworker a chance to shine.

Bring your ideas, your passion, and your tools—we can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Sign up to stay updated on entry details, prize pools, judging criteria, and more - to be announced in the coming weeks!

Register Your Interest

Competition Countdown: Key Dates to Remember

Date Event
February Judging criteria announced
March Prize pool announced
April Judges are announced
1st May Entries open
31st August Entries close
September Judging commences
10th October Winners announced
11th October Short-listed & winning entries displayed at TTT Melbourne

Three Dynamic Categories

Category 1:

Functional & Furniture

This category celebrates practical pieces like tables, chairs, cabinets, and other functional items.

Register Your Interest

Judging Criteria

Functionality and Usability
  • Does the piece effectively serve its intended function (e.g. comfort for seating, storage capacity for cabinets)?
  • Is it practical, ergonomic, and user-friendly?
  • Are there design features that enhance usability (e.g. smooth drawer slides, soft-close hinges)?

Structural Integrity
  • Does the construction demonstrate strength and durability?
  • Is the piece stable and balanced (e.g. does it wobble or tilt)?
  • Do the joinery methods used contribute to long-term durability?

Design and Proportion
  • Does the piece maintain overall balance, symmetry, and proportion?
  • Is there aesthetic harmony between different design elements (e.g. size, scale, and proportion)?

Material Choice
  • Is the wood species chosen appropriate for durability and aesthetics?
  • Are materials used in an innovative or sustainable manner?
  • Does the finish enhance or protect the material effectively?

Category 2:

Artistic & Ornamental

Focus on decorative and creative pieces like carvings, sculptures, instruments and ornamental designs.

Register Your Interest

Judging Criteria

Artistic Expression
  • Does the piece showcase originality and creativity?
  • Does it tell a story or evoke emotion?
  • How effectively does the piece use composition, contrast, or form to create an impact?

Detailing and Precision
  • Are carvings, inlays, or other decorative techniques executed with precision?
  • Is the detailing consistent throughout with no rough or unfinished areas?
  • Are fine details crisp and intentional rather than accidental?

Design Aesthetics
  • Is there harmony between shapes, patterns, and overall visual appeal?
  • Are there innovative or unexpected design elements that enhance the piece?

Material and Finish
  • Does the choice of materials enhance the artistic impact (e.g., grain selection, color contrast)?
  • Is the surface treatment and finishing of high quality, with no streaks, blotches, or inconsistencies?

Impact and Presentation
  • Does the piece create a strong visual and emotional impact (the "wow factor")?
  • How effectively is the piece displayed or mounted?
  • Does the presentation enhance the overall aesthetic or theme?

Category 3:

The Australian Woodturning Competition

A revival of THE classic event, this category is dedicated to any lathe-based creations, including bowls, vases, spindles, and other turned pieces.

Register Your Interest

Judging Criteria

Turning Skill
  • Are curves and transitions smooth and well-executed?
  • Is there precision and control in achieving symmetry or intentional asymmetry?
  • Are there any visible tool marks, catches, or tear-outs?

Form and Proportion
  • Does the piece maintain balance and harmony in its shape?
  • Are the proportions appropriate for the type of piece (e.g. bowl, vase, or spindle)?
  • Does the piece present well from different viewing angles?

Surface Quality
  • Is the surface smooth, with no tool marks or inconsistencies?
  • Has the sanding and polishing been done to a high standard?

Material and Finish
  • Does the wood grain, natural imperfections, or patterns enhance the design?
  • Is the finishing consistent and of high quality (e.g. lacquer, oil, or wax)?

Creativity and Innovation
  • Does the piece incorporate unique or unconventional forms or techniques?
  • Are there additional creative elements, such as segmented turning, inlays, or texturing?