This post was updated on January 30, 2023
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Review 2023
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s number one reference for your deck stain opinions and reviews. Our customers who have used Cabot Australian Timber Oil continue to give mixed reviews about the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used Cabot Australian Timber Oil, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
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.
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Deck Stain Ratings (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
– The Mahogany Flame looks very red but overall very rich and nice looking on the PTP test deck. All grain was visible and not “covered” by the semi-transparent pigment.
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.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
-Some wearing but no peeling. Wear was visible on the exposed areas and under the furniture
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– We used 2 gallons to cover our 300 sq. foot deck.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 5
– After 2 years we found evidence of mold on half of the deck. Mostly in the exposed areas. The mold was imbedded in the Cabot and could not be removed with a light wash. To remove you would need to strip the deck.
Ease of Application: 7
– The Australian Timber Oil is thicker in consistency than is used to be. It is not the easiest 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 into the wood grain.
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.
The Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
– We would suggest a deck stain stripper with pressure washing to remove the Cabot ATO. A Wood Brightener would be needed after to neutralize the stain stripper. This would be the best way to prep for another coat of stain and will remove the mold as well.
Overall Score Cabot Wood Deck Stain at 2 Year Period: 7
– Cabot Australian Timber Oil is not the same as it used to be. Formula changes due to VOC laws have made this stain average based on what is available. We like it but would not choose this product if a better stain brand can be found.
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. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Cabot Deck Stain Photos
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As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
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.
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
Had new cedar deck last year with ATO Honey Teak. Color is starting to fade. Any suggestions on how to slow the fading process? Would a clear sealant/waterproofing product help?
No. You cannot add a sealer over a stain, and that would not do anything anyhow. Your only option is to prep and recoat. A better stain would help as well:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
We installed a new deck last May and do one light partial coat in September with the Cabot Australia Oil. It didn’t take well so we stopped knowing we would stain it this spring. If we want to go with the Armstrong, what do we need to do to transition? And go with semi-transparent?
Strip and brighten to remove the Cabot fully first.
I called the Armstrong dealer and they recommend TWP 1500. Is that good?
AC and TWP 1500 are both excellent stains.
I ordered RAD stripper and brighter but forgot cleaner. I read that I can use a mix of oxi-clean and water. Will that work? I can’t find oxygenated cleaners at the big box stores.
You do not need a Cleaner if you are using a Stripper.
Look ok? Did the 2 steps. Seems like there is a lot of fuzzies. Can I stain over the fuzzies.
Looks good. You can stain over the fuzzies or you can light sand or buff those off first.
Why so many fuzzies? Seems like sanding it might be a lot of work
That is from oxidation removal. Buffing a floor with a sanding pad is very easy and does not take long.
Used the Cabot Australian Oil in Natural. It was not humid and a bit windy so it was quite dry to touch after 8 hour ……. then it rained .
Is this ok ? The water beaded on it for a ling time , but next day it appeared like there was darker spots on it , is this just wet wood ??
Should be fine.
I have a multilevel deck. One section has sunscreen covering it. This section is twenty years old and there are no signs of rot. I live in east Texas. Humid and wet! I recoat every 3-4 years. Other sections are in open and get much more sun. After 12 years did have some rot in these sections. However some of this I attribute to other factors. I have used several other products ( Deckover, Thompson’s, and Superdeck). Cabot ATO is best experience by far. Deckover is horrible BTW.
Still better products out there than Cabot: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-best-deck-stains/
Additional pic to post below.
We have built a screened porch out of new Eastern red cedar. We live in Mississippi and the porch faces west. Wanting to stain with a dark brown stain. I like the look of jarrah brown from Cabot® Australian Timber Oil #19400 Series on my sample boards. Are you as against ATO on siding/porches as you are decks? If so, what do you recommend that would look similar?
Also, I had planned to stain tomorrow and install the screen and trim (which I will also stain tomorrow) the next day. ATO recommences 48 hour drying time. Since this isn’t decking and we won’t be walking on these boards can we go ahead w install 24 hour later or will our hands disrupt the finish?
Thank you,
Shannon
You need to wait to stain this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Try TWP or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Is it ok if Australian timber oil freezes in pail in winter
No.
which is better? Cabot Australian timber oil or PPG paramount satin semi-transparent stains.
Neither is very good but Cabot ATO is better than the PPG.
I just refinished my cedar deck last fall with 2 coats of the mahogany flame and it’s failing miserably with bare wood showing pretty much everywhere. Needs to be done again and if not for matching color, I’d change brands in a heartbeat. Don’t imagine 3 coats would help, maybe a marine varnish over would help???
Never use a Marine varnish on a deck, it will peel. Strip and brighten this for prep and use one of these stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Is Australian Timber Oil only for (or best for) exotic hardwoods? Those are the woods they specifically mention on their site. I am considering this for pressure treated pine.
The ATO can be used on other wood types.
I applied Australian Timber Oil in Natural back in 2013. It is time to re-do. I have cleaned deck boards thoroughly, but have not stripped stain out of the vertical banisters, because I read that you can apply the exact same stain over the previous one. But my question is: since Australian Timber Oil has changed its formula since 2013, if I re-apply it on the verticals over the existing timber oil, is it considered the same stain, or is it so different, that it will not stick.
It will most likely not work. You should strip it all off and go with a better brand.
I am looking for a weathered grey is this possible ?
Use TWP 1500 in Clear after prep. It will gray naturally but protect the wood. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-1500-wood-and-deck-stain-review-2017/
Is this product available in Canada ?
Thank you
No, it is not allowed there.
Would you recommend Australian Timber Oil to treat Garapa hardwood deck?
No. Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Vertical surfaces retain color longer. Have good results re coating. Jarrah brown
Would a second coat of Australian Oil Stain serve in additional purpose? Initial coat covered well. I just wondered if a 2nd coat would add additional protection.
No, more is not better when it comes to deck stains.
Cabot Tiber Oil only lasted 2 years on our deck before we had to reapply.
Why does my deck now look shiny on parts and dull on others? My deck oil is worn off on several parts and it hasn’t even been a year.
You will probably need to strip it off and start over with a better brand of stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Can this product be used on a dock?
Yes.
Worked for me. Water repellency and wood protection are better than others I have used. But it’s pricey.
After applying Cabot oil can you use a deck cleaner and reapply oil in two years or do you have to strip it first?
You should be able to clean and reapply.
What is the difference between using Cabot oil and using Cabot stain on a deck?
How long should you wait before applying second coat of Cabot Australian Timber Oil. Or is a one coat product. Thanks!
Best to follow their directions on if 1 or 2 coats and when to apply. We do not use the Cabot anymore so not sure.
My experience is … ONE COAT ONLY! One coat is all you need, if properly applied. If the first coat is properly dried, the second will not penetrate the wood. Then later it blisters.
Can says one coat only.
I put in mahogany deck and waited until spring to put Cabot Australian timber oil neutral a year ago. It turned my brand new deck brown. Did I put the wrong oil stain on my deck. And how long can I stain it again. My deck looks horrible. Thanks David
You will have to strip it off to change color. Brightener after. Best to try some samples next time. Try Armstrong Clark.
It’s been 2 yrs since I applied the Timber Oil to a cedar deck, used Natural which created a deeper but beautiful tone to the deck. Easy to apply and looked great. However, living in colder northern climate with snow on the deck, after two yrs there are a lot of patches where it has peeled, leaving the lighter natural color cedar showing. I am not sure now how to get the rest off so I can get an even color coat on the entire deck surface. Also, it seems like a lot of work to go through every 2 years. Would have liked to have gotten 3 or 4 yrs wear out of this product.
2-3 is the mos you will get from a deck stain, not 3-4. Use a deck stain stripper and pressure washer to remove. Brightener after.
Can you use a saelant over the Cabot timber oil? We are having some issue with mold and would like the deck to have more protectant .
No. You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain.
I was told the opposite by Rain Guard. Of course, they have a vested interest, but they said–appropriately, per my understanding–that if you apply their water-based sealant a few months after an oil-based sealant–pretty much, after water no longer beads up, it should be fine. This is in line with what Bob Flexner has said, too. ???
You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It is just common sense that the deck stain will repel the sealer. Also, there is no reason to do this as deck stains are sealers as well. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/can-you-apply-a-clear-sealer-or-polyurethane-over-a-deck-stain/
There are now two varieties of this stain and they are actually very different products. The 3400 series is a high VOC/oil product that I found to be very durable. After three years I applied a new coat of what I thought was the same product but was actually the low VOC 19400 product that complies with newer regulations in some states. It was awful – fading and wearing within one summer on two different types of wood. So if you can find the 3400 series, use it. If not…
I applied this oil last year, after a harsh winter there are already some peeling… can I lightly sand to remove the peeling and reapply a new coat without completely removing the previous stain?