Cabot Wood Deck Stain Review
Cabot Wood Deck Stains
Cabot Deck Stains offers 3 way protection for exterior wood and decking. This offers maximum durability from water damage while penetrating deep into the wood. Containing linseed oil and Trans-oxides, Cabot Stains will reflect UV damage giving long lasting protection. Cabot traditionally has been one of the leaders in the exterior wood restoration industry.
For the test deck and review we choose to use Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil in the Natural tone.
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 7
- The Natural Tone of the Cabot Stain did a remarkable job at restoring the wood colors in our pine deck. The stain did not penetrate into the wood as expected and had shiny spots throughout the flooring.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
-The Cabot Deck Stain showed 60% color retention after 2 years. The Natural tint faded in color significantly on the flooring. We expected better results from the Cabot Australian Timber Oil.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7.5
-On 25% of the decking surface the Cabot Stain was completely gone after two years. It seemed that the winter did substantial damage to the stain as there was heavy wearing.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
- We only needed one gallon of the Cabot’s to cover the 200 square feet. This equates to $.23 a square foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 7
- After 2 years there was a decent amount of mold growing on about 30% of the deck. In addition there was algae growth under the railings and around the perimeter of the house.
Ease of Application: 7.5
- The Australian Timber Oil did not apply as easy as we would like. The finish spread very well as far as coverage but we had difficulty with getting the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. We used a stain pad applicator and applied evenly but the Cabot dried tacky and sticky in several areas.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 7.5
- Darkening of the stain had occurred where the stain was still attached to the wood. Mostly due to dirt and mold.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
- We would suggest a heavy stripping followed by a wood brightening to restore the Cabot Stain. We suggest stain removal since the stain had worn in places and there was mold/algae. This would be the best way to prep for another coat of stain.
Overall Score Cabot Wood Deck Stain at 2 Year Period: 7.19
- The Cabot Australian Timber Oil had an average score compared to other stains that we tested. We expected more from Cabot when it comes to preventing mold and algae. In addition the UV resistance scored low. Not a bad stain but not the best either. A good option if you are limited to buying from a big box store. There are better decking stains online.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Select Hardware Stores or Online
Cost: $45.99 per Gallon, $225.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent
Available Colors: Amberwood, Honey Teak, Mahogany Flame, Natural
Application Temperature: 45-90 F
Coats Required: 1-2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-300 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Cabot
Test Deck Stats:
Location of Deck: Boston, MA
When Tested: June 2008
Deck Wood Type: Pine
Deck Square Footage: 200
UV Exposure: Mostly Sun with southern exposure
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Natural
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take inconsideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Ive tried many stains with all the decks I have built, this one is the worst I've ever used. It looked great when it was applied but not for long. Here in Texas a good stain and seal will last about two years, I got 9 months out of this product. Don't waste your money and time for this overpriced underperforming product. I even tried to contact Cabot with no response.
I agree. Cabot is not for texas. I have a large deck , six chairs, two tables and a swing I have to redo because the Cabot lasted less than a year. IN THE SHADE!!
It's also not for Florida. The wood on my 88' dock is all dried out after less than a year.
Cabot's product provide such a nice look.
Here in Canada I'm using Cabot Australian Timber Oil Natural Transparent Exterior Stain on top of my Red Cedar and I need to apply 2 coats (withinh 2 days) every year. If I go beyond 1 year then I need to strip the deck back to bare wood and it's such a painful job to do.
My advice if you want to use this Cabot product: apply 2 coats at fall time before temperature gets cold. It will help protect the deck against snow (I know.. not inTexas LOL)
Now the bad news: it seems that they have changed the chemical content to meet some environment regulations. The replacement mixture is NOT looking at all like the old one ! It's really bad because my only option now is to strip the deck AGAIN and use either that new formula OR to chose a complete new product (which I think is what I'm gonna do)
Any suggestion for a good looking / long lasting replacement to Cabot Timber Oil ?
Sylvain, I would look at Armstrong Clark Stains.
We used cabot stain on our newly built deck in Michigan. It was rated #1 at the time. Within 3 months the stain was peeling. We contacted cabot and they said it was old wood. We purchased the treated lumber from 3 separte lumber companies. Several pieces of the wood was sent and again they would not stand behind their product. We had and upper and lower wrap around deck. The deck had to be sanded to get the existing stain removed. I will never buy anything with cabot's name on it
This is the worst stain ever. I had professional painter paint my T-1 11 walls and ceiling with this crap (ATO) resulting in uneven, blotchy, etc. walls and ceiling. ( 2 season ventilated room).
I contacted Cabot and their recommendation is to sand the 900 plus square feet of T-1-11 boards to remove this stain. They do not stand by their product. Plus this stain was recommended by Lowes. Thinking I was getting the best stain. All I can recommend is to stay away from this product. It should not be on the market.
Deck Location: Tucson, AZ_
Exposure: Full Sun _
Wood Type: Raw Pine _
Mold or Mildew Issues: No _
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Faded did not absorb.
Previously used: Sherwin Williams brand stain
Lowes sells Cabot but I'm not seeing good reviews. We are looking at ordering TWP.
Diana, Make sure to remove any remnants of the SW stain prior to applying a new stain. TWP 1500 would be a good choice. It penetrates well into the wood and can be cleaned and reapplied without difficulty in the future.
Diana, I'm in Las Vegas. Let me know what product works for you down there. I need to switch off of Cabot, too.
Its not for ohio either. Only applied one coat, but it was in the fall and its already disappearing from the north facing covered porch. Will probably try TWC on the back deck that gets full sun. I like Cabot, but not for outside applications I guess. Maybe Ill try a couple more coats before I sand the crap off.
I used this when my deck was put in and the first year it proved to be wonderful. Two years later, I wanted to do another coat for the floor and railing tops due to the deterioration of the finish. That was last year, and it is clear that there has been a formula change. Even with prepping exactly as outlined, the finish was pretty much gone before the end of the season. I didn't have time to redo before winter set in here in MN, and the deterioration from the lack of protection with the Cabot is incredible. As soon as the weather warms, I'll be redoing the entire deck with something very much better.