Many of the people who work with wood – from carpenters and builders to joiners, cabinetmakers, boat builders, musical instrument makers, hobby woodworkers and those in the forestry and timber processing industries – share a love of its natural beauty and ageless appeal.
On this page you’ll find an introduction to some of these areas - If you would like to see a site listed here, please contact us, including the URL and the reasons why you think it should be included.
Careers in the wood industry
From forestry to carpentry, there are a wide range of careers working with wood. A substantial contributor to the Australian economy, the industry directly and indirectly employs hundreds of thousands of people.
If you are interested in working in the wood industry, the following links may be useful places to start:
www.timber.org,au
a range of educational and training resources
www.nafi.com.au
Australia’s National Association of Forest Industries
www.australia.gov.au/forestry
An Australian Government site with links to many forestry related sites
www.daff.gov.au/forestry
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has links to many sites.
www.tabma.com.au/apprentices-nsw.php
An accredited group training employer in NSW providing services for employers and employees.
www.growingcareers.com.au
Information and links about working in the forest and wood products industry.
Construction and general information
Design information and issues:
www.timber.org.au
A national timber industry website, this contains technical reports, information and literature relating to timber, timber products and its various applications.
Major sections include:
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Design & Construction
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Information relating to the design, construction and use of timber products in building.
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Sustainability
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Information relating to the sustainable use of timber building products.
www.timber.net.au
The Timber Development Association’s large site with a wide range of information. Click on the links below to go directly to the relevant section.
- Acoustics
- Coatings & Finishes
- DIY
- Environmental Design
- Fire Safety
- Fixings & Connectors
- Flatline Timber Cladding
- Flooring
- Forest Management
- Furniture, Specialty & Craft
- Interior Timber
- Long Span Timber Beams
- Outdoor Timber
- Span Tables
- Species
- Structural Timber
- Termite Management
- Timber Framing (AS1684)
- Treated Timber
- Timber & Wood Products
- Timber in Architecture
- Timber in Bushfire Prone Areas
Making wooden items
The Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA)
The Furnishing Industry of Australia (FIAA), is an industry association representing the interests of both residential and commercial members of the furnishing industry. FIAA members include many workers in wood, such as joiners and cabinet makers, wood turners and woodworkers.
More information: www.fiaa.com.au
The Wooden Boat Association
The Wooden Boat Association comprises groups from throughout Australia, open to all owners, builders, restorers and lovers of boats made of wood, including old, new, carvel, clinker, ply and composite construction.
Set your course for more information at www.woodenboat.org.au
Musical instruments
A national association of professional and amateur musical instrument makers whose members build and repair a wide variety of traditional, folk and modern instruments.
Tune in to: www.aamim.org.au

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