Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil Review 3/5 (72)

This post was updated on June 24, 2024

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.

Cabot Australian Timber Oil Review 2026

Cabot Wood and Deck Stains offer three-way protection for exterior wood and decking. They offer 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 has traditionally been one of the leaders in the exterior wood restoration industry.

For the test deck and review, we chose Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil in the Natural tone.

How I Rated Cabot® Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil

My Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.

1. The appearance of Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil after Application
2. Preventing UV Graying after 2 years
3. Peeling or Wearing
4. Cost Per Square Foot Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil
5. Preventing Mold and Mildew
6. How Easy was the Application
7. Color Shifting/Darkening
8. Reapplication Difficulty

8-Step Review of Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil

1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 7

The Natural Tone of the Cabot Stain did a remarkable job of restoring the wood colors in our pine deck. However, the stain did not penetrate into the wood as expected and left shiny spots throughout the flooring.

2. 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 Cabot Australian Timber Oil.

3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7.5

The Cabot Stain was completely gone on 25% of the decking surface after two years. It seemed that the winter substantially damaged the stain as there was heavy wearing.

4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8

We only needed one gallon of Cabot’s to cover the 200 square feet, which equates to $.28 a square foot.

5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 6

After 2 years, a decent amount of mold was growing on about 30% of the deck. In addition, algae growth was observed under the railings and around the house’s perimeter.

6. Ease of Application: 8.5

The Australian Timber Oil did not apply as easily as we would like. The finish spread very well regarding coverage, but we had difficulty getting the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. We used a stain pad applicator and applied it evenly, but the Cabot dried tacky and sticky in several areas.

7. 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.

8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 7

I 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 we tested. We expected more from Cabot when it comes to preventing mold and algae. In addition, the UV resistance scored low. It’s not a bad stain, but it not the best either. It is 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: $55.99 per Gallon, $295.99 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: 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. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

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.

See Full Bio