The organisers of the Wood Awards are allowing contestants another week to get their entries in.

The annual competition for the use of timber and wood products in construction, interiors and furniture has attracted 150-200 entries in recent years. The organisers said they were extending the deadline to June 3 due to “popular request”, to allow architects, designers, manufacturers and their timber suppliers time to get their material together.

To encourage even greater participation, the entry fee has been waived this year. The aim, said the organisers, was to ensure “every type and size of project in construction, furniture and joinery” was represented in the five competition categories: Public Access, Private/Best Small Project, Structural, Conservation/Restoration, and Furniture.

In addition to these category prizes, a Gold Award will be presented to the best overall entry and, at their discretion, the judges will also give Outstanding Design and Craftsmanship prizes.

The Wood Awards shortlist will be announced later in June and the judges will then take a closer look at the selected entries and pick the winners, which will be announced at the inaugural Timber Expo show at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on September 27.

The Wood Awards’ backers include The American Hardwood Export Council, the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, the Forestry Commission, TRADA, Wood for Good, American Softwoods, the British Woodworking Federation, the Malaysian Timber Council and the Québec Wood Export Bureau.

For further information and entry forms go to www.woodawards.com.