Fresh Wood Student Furniture Competition to Open in Vegas
Students may submit their sports-themed designs for the 2027 competition until the April 15 deadline.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Scholarships
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Students in woodworking programs across the country can now apply for the 2027 Fresh Wood competition, which brings its showcase to Las Vegas this summer. Hosted by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers, the contest features a new sports and games theme for the event taking place July 13-15, 2027.
Why it matters
This competition offers emerging woodworkers a platform to gain professional recognition and showcase their work to industry leaders. The addition of new categories for musical instruments and digital fabrication aims to better reflect the evolving tools and techniques currently used in school workshops.
The contest is open to student woodworkers aged 16 to 35, competing across seven distinct categories. Organizers are accepting entries until April 15, 2027, with the association covering project shipping and the majority of travel costs for selected student finalists.
The players
Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers
The professional trade organization hosting the 2027 Fresh Wood furniture competition.
The details
Applicants must submit their designs for the 2027 sports and games theme via the official portal for evaluation by a panel of industry experts. The 2027 event marks a shift in focus by replacing the former Design for Production category with digital fabrication to match modern fabrication standards. Finalists will have their work on display in Las Vegas from July 13-15, 2027.
Timeline
April 15, 2027 is the deadline for all student competition applications.
July 13-15, 2027 marks the display of finalists at the AWFS Fair.
Beyond the Strip
This competition continues the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers' tradition of hosting a premier student showcase at their recurring industry fair. The 2027 update shifts the focus to modern fabrication, expanding on previous years' mandates to include new digital craft techniques.
Local students enrolled in accredited woodworking programs are eligible to apply for this national competition at no cost. If selected as a finalist, the association will cover your project shipping and most travel expenses to attend the July 2027 fair in Las Vegas.
The takeaway
Aspiring woodworkers should begin planning their sports and games themed projects now to meet the mid-April submission window. Watch the official website for announcements regarding the finalists selected for the three-day July display.
What happens next
Students must submit their applications by the April 15, 2027 deadline to be considered by the judges for the upcoming July showcase.
Further reading
Find more opportunities for local students on the Scholarships page.
More information
Submit your project designs through the Fresh Wood competition entry portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Woodworking Network.
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