All participating Entries will be judged on outstanding timber use, appearance, workmanship, structure and innovation. Judges are looking, for context-suitable use of timber. Well-considered design and construction with timber will distinguish an entry. With such a broad range of categories on offer, there is scope for recognition of a variety of applications. Each entry category is judged independently. This is an important feature of the Australian Timber Design Awards: a winning project may excel in a range of distinct areas.

It is important for entries to be comprehensive but concise – judges will refer to written statements, drawings, and detailed photographs, where appropriate, to distinguish a winner (see entry requirements). As such, entrants must consider whether their project is suitable for the categories into which it is entered. Entries should display examples of outstanding design in the relevant areas and include a description of the use of timber in each project.