What is EWP Timber / Engineered Wood Product?
What is EWP Timber / Engineered Wood Product?

EWP or "engineered wood product" is real timber! It is made by stacking and gluing together multiple thin layers (or veneers) of solid timber on top of one another, usually with the grain running in the same direction. These layers are then compressed and glued together to form a strong, stable, and uniform piece of timber that can be used in visible, finished applications, such as stair treads, handrails, and wall panelling.
Unlike structural LVL, which is a visually similar product typically used for framing and hidden construction work, EWP timber is designed to be seen. It's made using carefully selected veneers that are better colour-matched and aligned to give an appearance similar to a solid block of timber.

Benefits of Engineered Wood Product / EWP Timber
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Looks like solid timber - because it is: This isn’t a veneer or an MDF core. It’s real timber through and through. Once sanded and finished, EWP has a natural timber appearance. From one angle, it looks similar to a single piece of wood. From the other, you’ll see multiple thinly stacked layers—an intentional feature that gives it a modern, architectural aesthetic.
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Available in Blackbutt & Spotted Gum: These iconic Australian hardwoods don’t usually play well with traditional lamination techniques, especially in large sizes. However, due to a special (patented) gluing and layering process, we are now able to offer treads in Blackbutt and Spotted Gum to match our designer rail range.
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Australian Made: The product is made right here in Australia by Crafted Hardwoods!
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Stronger and more durable than traditional timber: EWP timber is heavier, denser, and more stable than most solid timber. You also don’t need to worry about splitting, cracking, defects, or gum vein!
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Sustainable: Engineered Wood Product makes smart use of timber pulp, and offcuts (that would have otherwise been discarded) by turning thinner slices into full-sized, usable products—helping reduce waste and maximise yield from each log.
Frequently asked questions about EWP / Engineered Wood Product

What is EWP timber made from?
EWP (Engineered Wood Product) is made from thin layers of real hardwood that are rotary-peeled, colour-matched, and glued together into large, uniform blocks. It's 100% timber—no MDF, particleboard, or artificial cores
Does it require finishing?
Yes. Some sanding or filling may be required, particularly if the quartersawn edge (the side showing the laminated layers) is left exposed, such as in stair treads. This is normal and part of the finishing process to achieve a flawless result.
Does it look like real timber?
Yes—because it is real timber.
Can you stain or oil EWP (Engineered Wood Product)?
Absolutely. EWP can be finished just like traditional solid timber. You can sand it, oil it, stain it, or coat it with a clear finish to bring out the natural grain and colour.
Can you use EWP (Engineered Wood Product) outdoors?
Yes absolutely!