What is the AS 1684 Standard?

Related standards to the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules PDF are:

• 1684.2: Standard non-cyclonic areas
• 1684.3: Higher wind loads and cyclonic areas

The AS 1684 standard, also known as the AS 1684 Timber Framing Code, is Australia’s primary set of rules and specifications for designing and building residential timber frames. 

It is a ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy’ solution under the National Construction Code (NCC), making it essential for builders, designers and certifiers. The Australian standard 1684 is important because it provides the structural design rules, installation requirements and specific table details needed to build compliant timber-framed houses safely.

AS 1684 is widely used by builders, engineers and designers, which offers a complete framework. This makes the standard essential for any project that relies on timber framing.

In this article, we explain why the AS 1684 standard is so important, its multi-section scope, how to apply or get the standard and how organisations can implement it in the workplace.

AS 1684 is not just optional, it’s a critical industry standard that every professional building timer-based framing must follow. 

Although timber-framed housing has been around for multiple decades, the practice has no sign of slowing down. Approximately 91% of house approvals in Victoria and more broadly, 73%of detached houses built in Australia used timber framing. With such a large demand for timber-based frames, it’s incredibly important for builders to have the AS 1684 standard.

Specially, the standard is important for four key reasons:

1. Compliance: It is recognised as a “deemed-to-satisfy’ solution—compliance demonstrates that your timber framing meets the performance obligations of the NCC. This is important because failing to do so could result in legal issues due to failure to comply with the industry best practices.
   
2. Safety & Quality: Guarantees structural integrity for residential timber frames across the life of its design. By following the standard, it ensures high quality, consistency and saves potential issues due to factual or incorrect designs.
   
3. Efficiency: Provides pre-calculated span tables and designs that save valuable time on engineering. This helps improve workflow efficiency, reduces approval times, and results in fewer bottlenecks.
   
4. Industry Standard: AS 1684 is the gold standard and a daily required reference for builders, designers, architects, and certifiers. Users or organisations building timber-based projects will encounter the standard consistency—so it’s better to get up to speed rather than waiting.

The AS 1684 standard is relevant to almost every professional involved in residential building or who works with timber-based materials. The most important users who should have a sound understanding and accreditation include:

• Builders & Carpenters: To construct frames, determine spans and ensure compliance on-site.
• Structural Engineers: To verify designs, calculate loads and confirm frame performance.
• Building Designers & Architects: To incorporate compliant structural designs into building plans.
• Building Certifiers & Surveyors: To assess compliance during design reviews and inspections 
• Students & TAFE Apprentices: To learn the fundamentals of Australian timber framing practices.

If your role involves building, inspecting, designing or approving or working with timber-framed structures, AS 1684 is an essential reference and standard you need to have.

AS 1684 is split into four distinct parts, with each covering specific details for the development, design and best building practices for residential timber framed construction in a variety of different environments.

Understanding each part is important to meet ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ requirements as outlined in the Building Code of Australia. It covers important topics such as:

Part 1: Design Criteria (AS 1684.1)

• Sets out the engineering basics, such as forces, loads and calculations for timber sizes to be resisted by tie-down and bracing. 
• It defines the structural principles and is a reference for designers and manufacturers.

Part 2: Non-Cyclonic Areas (AS 1684.2)

• Covers design and construction details for non-cyclonic areas. 
• It outlines four wind classifications covered: N1, N2, N3 and N4.
• Includes framing details and bracing or tie-down requirements.

Part 3: Cyclonic Areas (AS 1684.3)

• Covers design and construction details for cyclonic regions. 
• It outlines four wind classifications covered: C1, C2, and C3. Importantly, C4 is not covered by AS 1684.3.
• Contains material requirements suitable for cyclonic conditions, wind considerations, bracing agreements and enhanced tie-down systems

Part 4: Simplified/Non-Cyclonic Areas (AS 1684.4) (N1/N2)

• Provides simpler design procedures and covers a smaller range of applications.
• Used in projects in N1 and N2 wind regions
• Contains simplified span tables, reduced design pathways and clear guidance for simpler low-risk structures.

Each of the three parts of the AS 1684 series has been reviewed and revised to clarify and provide additional details. Part 4 has undergone a major revision to align with the changes made to Part 2:2021, primarily focusing on bracing and tie-down requirements, specifically the joint group transition from JD4 to JD5.

• Inclusion of additional normative references specifically defines how these products are to be graded or manufactured. 
• Clarification that trimmers, solid blocking and noggings are not required to be stress-graded 
• Clarification that diagonal braces may terminate on either side of the galvanised metal trap looped over plates. 
• Tie-down straps – studs to plates: Minimum strap length and number of nails at each end of the strap are defined in tables 
• Engineered wood products terminology and alignment with the various design and product Standards 
• Inclusion of normative references to timber product Standards 
• Change also to wind classification

AS 1684.4:2024 has been significantly updated to align with AS 1684.2:2021, including the addition of new terms and definitions. Major changes have been made to bracing and tie-down capacities, though there are no changes to the member span tables.

Please also note that you can find more detailed information on the major changes for 1684.4 in the Preface of the document. Often (but not always), the major changes will be detailed in the Preface of the revised Standard. Screenshot below from the Preface of 1684.4:

AS 1684 ensures structural safety and building code compliance for timber-based frames. This is important because timber-based frames remain the most popular frame choice for homeowners and project builders, making compliance even more important. 

Following the standard helps to indirectly support safer and more supportive homes and workplaces. It does this by reducing defects and ‘bad builds’ so homeowners and builders can be confident their home will stand the test of time.

Getting up to code means legal compliance, smoother building inspections and risk mitigation that makes life easier for organisations. Following 1684 also results in fewer workplace accidents or claims, helps meet insurance requirements and creates a more efficient workplace by specifying correct materials and fixings.

Ultimately, by being AS 1684 compliant, builders, engineers, and project managers can get on with what they do best—building.

Not yet compliant? The latest editions—AS 1684.2:2021, AS 1684.3:2021 and AS 1684.4:2024—are available for purchase at Intertek Inform.

The latest official edition of the AS 1684 Timber Framing Code is available directly from Intertek Inform.

Intertek Inform is a trusted source for official standards and technical publications across many industries. We provide reliable, genuine and updated access to the important standards to get you and your employees safe and compliant.

Pricing for AS 1684 parts starts at $160 for a single-user PDF, with a hard copy starting at $178. Prices change depending on the number of users, with higher savings for multi-user PDFs.

When you purchase AS 1684 through Intertek Inform, users will benefit from:

• Genuine Standards: A trusted and authentic copy direct from Standards Australia
• Immediate Access: Instant PDF downloads with verified licensing
• Multiple Formats: Choose from PDFs, hard copies, or discounted bundles.
• Expert Support: Access to Intertek’s global network of quality and compliance specialists who help you stay compliant

Shop the AS 1684 Collection now at Intertek Inform.