This post was updated on August 27, 2025
Hi, I’m Scott Paul. I’m a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience specializing in exterior wood decking. My review of Cabot Australian Timber Oil is based on decades of hands-on testing and real-world experience as a wood restoration contractor.
My goal is to provide you with expert insights and help you choose the top deck stain options for your projects. Let me guide you toward the best choice for protecting and enhancing your wood surfaces. See here for more info about me.
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain 2025 Ratings and Reviews
At DeckStainHelp.com, we’re proud to be the Internet’s leading resource for deck stain opinions and reviews. Over the years, Cabot Australian Timber Oil has received mixed reviews from customers regarding its appearance and longevity on deck projects.
If you’ve used Cabot Australian Timber Oil, we’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to leave a comment below and share pictures of your completed projects. Your feedback helps others make informed decisions for their deck staining needs.
Containing a precise blend of superb-grade linseed oil for maximum penetration, long-oil alkyds for durability, and pure South American tung oil for color depth and water repellency, Cabot Australian Timber Oil delivers three-way oil protection and a beautiful hardwood stain. In addition, complex translucent iron oxide pigments are added to ensure a lasting U.V.-absorbing surface rich with color and dimension. The result, after years of development, is an advanced-technology treatment of unrivaled performance designed to protect your wood surfaces like never before.
Rating Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain After Testing
My Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain after Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Application
- Color Shifting
- Ease of Reapplication
- Cabot Australian Timber Oil Final Score
8-Step Review of Cabot Timber Oil Wood Stain and Dry Time
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
The Mahogany Flame looks very red but is overall very rich and nice-looking on the PTP test deck. All grain was visible and not “covered” by the semi-transparent pigment.
2. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
The Australian Timber Oil performed decently at the 2-year mark. It had retained about 60% of the original color.
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
Some wearing but no peeling. Wear was visible on the exposed areas and under the furniture
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
We used 2 gallons to cover our 300 sq. foot deck.
5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 5
After 2 years, we found evidence of mold on half of the deck. Mainly in the exposed areas. The mold was embedded in the Cabot and could not be removed with a light wash. To remove, you would need to strip the deck.
6. Ease of Application: 7
The Australian Timber Oil is thicker in consistency than it used to be. It is not the most straightforward oil-based stain to apply, but still easier than applying most water-based stains. We back-wiped the deck after 20 minutes to remove any excess stain that did not penetrate the wood grain.
7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 7
Darkening of the stain had occurred where the stain was still attached to the wood. Mostly due to dirt and mold.
8. The Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
We suggest a deck stain stripper with pressure washing to remove the Cabot ATO. A wood brightener would be needed after neutralizing the stain stripper. This would be the best way to prep for another coat of stain and will remove the mold as well.
Is Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil Good For Decks? Overall Score After 2 Years: 7
Over the years, Cabot Australian Timber Oil has undergone formula changes due to evolving VOC laws, and unfortunately, it’s not the same product it once was. These changes have affected its overall performance, making it an average option compared to other stains available on the market today.
While we still like the product, it’s not our top choice. If better stain brands are available, we recommend considering those for improved durability, appearance, and overall performance.
Have you used Cabot Australian Timber Oil recently? Share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it performed for you!
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Select Hardware Stores or Online
Cost: $49.99 per Gallon, $245.99 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:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 300
UV Exposure: Mostly Sun, half of the deck had a covered roof.
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Mahogany Flame
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Cabot Deck Stain Photos and Real Application Results
Stained our deck back in mid-March with Cabot Jarrah Brown after replacing a few boards as previous owners neglected the maintenance. A couple of days later it started to look cloudy and muddy. We had scrubbed the deck and cleaned prior to staining. It looks terrible and we can’t figure out how to clean off the cloudiness. I really am hoping not to strip/sand and start over. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
You cannot fix this outside of removing all or covering it with a solid stain.
Can you elaborate on how/why this happens so I don’t get into the same issue again? Was there too much product used? or is it that the cleaning process prior to staining didn’t work? I am at a loss for how to prevent this from happening.
Thank you for your feedback
Not sure why it happened but Cabot is not a very good brand anymore. They sold the company years ago and then they changed all the formulas. Now it has lots of issues.
If you want to prevent, then remove all and switch to a better brand like TWP or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Hi – I too am interested in the “why”s of things… I am trying to learn myself – but I do have some thoughts as to what may cause your clouding – 1) moisture, 2) over-working the product 3) maybe residue from the cleaner was still on and reacted with the product, 4) and “too much product” – too thick – could be something, 5) can the product go bad on the shelf? – maybe call the company and ask them. I received great customer service from Behr when I stained my concrete patio (and may not have done it right), they sent me another 10 gallons of the stain (my deck is 45′ x 25′) as well as a case of the sealer – no charge – and answered my questions and advised. Most of these companies want you to be happy and are there to help.
So we can use solid stain over a newly stain ATO deck? We had similar issue and do not like the results with just ATO.
No, you should strip and brighten for prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I bought this product because I assumed something named Australian Timber Oil was an oil-based stain. It’s not. I realized that after applying it to new wood—a bench seat that I had built and sanded down. This water-containing formula absolutely raised the grain on the wood that I had sanded to a smooth finish. I called Cabot’s help line and was told that, yes, the product sold in my state is the water-added version. I told him it was stupid to call something “Oil” when it’s a water based product. He said he’s heard that before. No kidding. I’d never buy it again—just based on the intentionally deceptive label on the can.
Cabot used to be a great product but then they sold out to Valspar years ago and they modified all the formulas. It is not the same and we stopped using it.
Now I understand that in my state, California, the low VOC formula is what is sold by Cabot. What’s unacceptable is that the can I buy here doesn’t tell you that. When I talked to the Cabot customer help guy to complain about raising the grain, he asked me what product I was using. I said Australian Timber Oil”. He said that I needed to find the product number on the can. When I found it, he said I had the water-added formula. Otherwise, the can and name are exactly the same for the oil-based or water-based formula. That’s just deceptive. The only reason I bought it is that I assumed it was an oil stain.
I wasn’t very happy with the result—and I don’t mean the part about raising the grain. The stain doesn’t have great depth of color, and of course, you can’t really intensify the color with a second coat. Disappointing waste of fifty bucks.
Yes, we agree. Waste of money.
Applied the Cbot Australian timber oil 48 hrs ago, When you walk on it, it is leaving shoe prints. What may be wrong?
Most likely over-application and or improper prep. If it does not cure on its own in the next week or so, you may need to remove and start over.
Why does my Australian Timber Oil, Mahogany Flame, appear more like orange paint on a 6 month old new deck?
This is normal and is based on your wood type and the age of the wood.
What stain companies would you recommend for a cedar patio/screen room?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Hi Scott! We recently had an old (about 10 years old) deck re-finished. They sanded it flat and then put Honey Teak Australian Timber Oil. The deck looks awful after a month. . It’s looks worse than before we had it re-finished. We also noticed that when it rains, water doesn’t bead on the deck with the exception of some more recently replaced boards; water just seems to be absorbed. All of the exposed parts of the deck have swollen boards. They charged me $6k for the work. When I asked them to come look at it, they said that is just what wood does and that Cabot is the best. I don’t know anything about this stuff, but I can’t imagine what they left us with is quality work. Can you give me any additional information that either supports or doesn’t support my claim that they did not do quality work? Thank you so much!
Pictures?
I’ve tried to take pictures that really show, but they don’t seem to represent the reality. One of these is a screenshot from a video that I took of me pressing into one of the rotten boards. There are multiple boards like the rotten one. Very soft and you can poke holes through. This work was done 5 weeks ago.
In the pics, it looks correct as far as the stain application and prep. If they said they would replace ALL the rotting boards and they did not, I would ask them to fix that part.
I have tried to post pictures, but it doesn’t seem to want to accept them. 😔
We remodeled our two decks with Western Red Cedar. We used one coat of Australian timber oil Natural. Looks amazing. After 4 to 6 weeks it began to fade and grey. The deck is full sun in Indiana. So before the lower deck began to grey and fade we put a second coat on and seems to be doing well. Love the look, thinking it may just need a couple coats. Temp on feet is way better too.
I live in the Florida Keys with very strong sunlight and a heavy salt air environment. My front door railings are mahogany wood and are 25 years old. When first installed, I finished them with the best marine varnish available. They began peeling within a year. A local wood restorer suggested stripping them down and finish with Cabot’s Australian Timber oil. They no longer peel, and I recoat every two years after a light sanding with a 3M green scrubby pad. This is a superior product!
Just wanted to add a picture. I am very happy with the result. One coat of Natural Australian Timber Oil.
I took the advice given here and cleaned. stripped and brightened our large cedar deck.
I let it dry for several months thanks to a great Spring and Summer here in the PNW. I power washed the deck a week ago, and after it dried applied Cabot Australian Timber Oil Natural. The result was far better more uniform and just dang good looking. Prep is everything, Have used the Timber Oil and it wore very well on a deck which gets a lot of rain during the fall and winter.
I have sanded and reapplied Cabot Australian 4 times in about 20 years. I really like it. Sands good amd applies nice
Watch your lap areas.
Looks nice. ..mops clean good
I live up in Sun Valley Idaho, and as you know, we get quite a bit of snow up here and I haven’t found any deck stain that will last more than 2 years out here. We recommend doing a maintenance cote every year and after 5 years, we just floor Sand the whole thing down and redo it again.
Try TWP Semi-solid colors or Armstrong Clark Semi-solid colors.
why is ramp by the pool slippery when we tfeet.
I have just finished sanding all the peeling stain (1year old) off my deck. I am looking for the best option to finish the wood. I would prefer a transparent gloss or high gloss finish (I like the wet wood look). Is Australian Oil a stain and sealer in one?
You cannot use a shiny finish on a deck. It will peel if you do. You want a penetrating wood stain so it does not peel.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
What is the best and longest lasting deck protector? I want a clear natural, no stain color. KS heat and some snow. I heard Penafin?
Clear with no colors = zero UV protection from graying:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Must be tinted for UV protection. Use one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I live in Vancouver, BC Canada and your top rated stains: Armstrong Clark, Defy and TWP do not appear to be available from any local retailers. I would rather not purchase online. Do you have a recommended oil based product for a brand new cedar deck that I can purchase in Canada? We get a lot of rain and the deck is completely exposed to the elements. Thanks!
Nope. Due to VOC changes in Canada, there are not any decent oil-based stains that we know of that you can get locally.
Can you paint over wood that has been stained with Australian Timber oil ?
Strip it first with this kit:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Can the natural timber oil be stained
No, it is not tintable.
What is the best product to use to thin down cabots Australian timber oil to apply with an electric spray gun….and what’s the best product to use to clean my spray gun after each use?
We would never thin a deck stain, it would reduce the stain’s ability to actually perform properly. Cleanup is typically mineral spirits.
Hy i have a question
I have 2 gallons of australian timber oil amberwood
How can i do for darkness this teint like mahogany flame or nearest
What product can we put for this
Thank you
Not sure what you are asking exactly but if it is about tinting it, it cannot be done.
After 1 year the “Natural” ATO has turned light grey in places. Any clues why? It was professionally done. Thanks
UV fading. Probably needs to be recoated.
Australian Timber oil is so amazing
On wood. Could I use it on a concrete back porch?
No.
I just applied this to our outdoor benches. They are rough cut fir, and have been fairly neglected the past few years so they are very porous and the grain has opened up. I was not looking for a perfect finish. They were heavily greyed, so I gave them a quick sand to help the stain penetrate. I did not use a brighter or fully strip them (although I think I would next time) so that’s why in the photos you see inconsistency in colour (from the sanding due to the very rough grain).
My question is—I was planning on a 2nd coat, due to how porous the wood is but from what I’ve now read, less is more? But does that still apply in this case with such open porous wood? Or Should I just wait and brush on another coat next summer, if so what do I need to do for prep at that point?
Thanks in advance.
More is not always better so leave them as is. In 1-2 years you can clean and recoat.
I have used Sikkens previously for decks and wooden frames; a great product. Last year I couldn’t get that product and bought Cabot Australian Oil instead, which has been awful – irregular fading, flaking and looks terrible. I wasted a lot of my time and money so I will not buy this product again, it’s just not suitable for Canadian climate.
Sikkens changed their formulas, like Cabot did so it is not as good as it used to be.
Thanks for the heads up! I better do some research…
Can I put timber oil over the original timber oil a year later
As long as you prep correctly first.
Use Cabot ATO Honey Teak, apply it every 2 or 3 years for the last 15. Stuff is great
Used to be and then they changed the formula. Not so good anymore.
I prepped cedar deck and then used transparent stain three months ago. Every since when we walk on the deck and come into the house with hard wood floors it turns slippery. Seems to be oil coming from the deck.
I am using australian timber oil – oil based for my front door. I have been using this every 4 years for 15 years. I bought this product 4 years ago. mixed it well lightly sanded and cleaned the door. Its now 48 hours and still tacky. how long will it take to cure? our daily temps are 60-62 degrees.
We do not use it anymore since they changed formulas so not sure who long or if it will fully cure.
Hi – Is one able to apply a clear poly, lacquer or varnish over top of an oil-based transparent or semi stain/sealer product to add an extra layer of durability and preserving the look and features (nourishing, coloring, UV/mildew/mold remediation and preventative, greying resistance, etc.) provided by the preservative product?
No, this will peel and create a nightmare to fix.
I have an issue with a few places on my deck where the ATO is not stnding up. The deck was thoroughly cleaned and then cleaned with a cleaner with oxalic acid which I understand opens the pores of the wood. Most of the deck looks good but a few of these patched appear that the stain did not penetrate or I did something wrong??
The stain is wearing off there. You will have to prep and redo. Might want to try a better brand as well.
I use Cabot oil stain on a hardwood deck but is scratches very easy with out door furniture, what can I do to resolve this problem
You will have to remove it fully and then use a better hardwood stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
After drying, does Cabot Australian Timber Oil leave a slippery finish
(like Thompsons)?
Not if it fully penetrated into the wood grain.
I’m doing a brand new mahogany deck. The Australian timber oil I use is water-based so what should I use water base or oil
Do not use the Cabot. Try one of these brands for hardwoods:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
can cabot australia wood oil be good after can stay over winter
Hello, we stained our deck with ato honey teak yesterday. There are some overlap marks resulting in darker and lighter areas. What do you suggest. I know it’s supposed to be one coat but not happy with appearance.
The only way to fix is to remove it down to the bare wood and start over. Sorry…
We have a cedar fence we built last July. We had a clear stain that we sprayed on it to begin with hoping that it might retain some of its color but the color faded quickly. So, I went and purchased 5 gallons of Cabot pre-tinted Brickstone Semi-transparent exterior wood stain and sealer. We put a little on the wood we would be using with fingers covering it and it seemed to look fine. Our carpenter sprayed it on though and instead of looking transparent at all, it looks like a solid paint color. We are unhappy with the results. We really wanted to try to add a tone while possibly still seeing a change of tones in the wood. Our cedar had a lot of white and pink to it. I was wondering if there was something like paint thinner that could be used to thin out the stain already painted and dried on the fence. I don’t want to have to sand the entire fence. My husband took such care when he built the fence planing every single board multiple times. I hate that we had such beautiful wood only to cover it up. We’ve done it an injustice.
No, you cannot “thin” out this. Only way to fix is to remove it and that will require power sanding it all off. It cannot be stripped either.
Hello, yesterday we used Australian Timber Oil in natural on our cedar deck. We prepped the deck by cleaning it then we used a brightener and let it dry for 48 hours. We applied Timber Oil and now our deck is shiny/glossy looking. What do we do? Thank you for any suggestions
Post some pictures.
My recently stained deck looks glossy too. Real surprised by this. Will it dull down some? Can I help the process along?
No, it does not just dull down. You would have to sand it off fully to fix the issue.
Thanks