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 2025
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.
- The appearance of Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil after Application
- Preventing UV Graying after 2 years
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Application
- Color Shifting/Darkening
- 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.
After 2 years Australian Timber oil is flaking on our Pergola & our Cedar Fence. We pay top dollar for this CRAP. Writing to Cabot is nothing more than a BLACK HOLE – no response. Our Pergola shelf is perfect example of NO TRAFFIC yet peeling up…
Terrible product. Gone in 6 months. Expensive. I will be going back to Lowe’s to complain
Never ever again will purchase we put it on our deck after about a year and now it’s peeling up and flaking , looks horrible.
We had the same problem! Now I have to scrape it off and start over. The color also didnt look like the chip either. Worst stain ever!
This review is in regards to the natural tone product ,applied the the product in accordance with the prep and all others requirements. This is a 35 year old front porch victorian out of the elements porch. Used one gallon , it has now been almost two weeks since the application it’s sticky as you walk on it. Called Cabot today 7/11.2019 told them of the issue there recommendation was to go buy a a jug of simple green to clean the deck !WHAT! a joke! OH YEA! call the simple green company and ask how to use it. Not what I expected and to say it didn’t absorb the product what a joke a 35 year old deck cleaned and prep per ther instructions not to mention a deck that has never had a product put on it that was a joke! This is a poor product BUYER BEWARE!
Cabot stain is a terrible product. I applied on my new redwood deck and after 2 years, I had to sand down deck to remove massive peeling. It caused a lot of work. I am a contractor and I will do my best to pass along this information to all customers.
Yes I agree, same thing do not use this product
Agree. Sticky at first even after power washing the deck and allowing it to dry, All it does is seal in moisture and next year it starts rotting. 2 years after application, the whole deck is rotted.
My next deck paint will be no paint. When I can get a home loan will replace with trex. What a disappointment!
I live in Northern, Illinois and have a cedar deck. I replaced all f my decking and let it “weather” for a year before applying a stain. I really shopped around for a good product and was advised by Lowes, that for my area and the finish I wanted, they recommended Cabot Australian Timber Oil. I contacted Cabot and they told me the procedure to follow. Well, I purchased 2 gallons of the product, cleaned deck, per instructions and let dry completely. I applied the stain, and as it dried, it looked like a million bucks. Looks were deceiving. This was May of 2018. Here it is, mid April 2019 and my deck looks terrible (wish I could attach photos). I just contacted cabot and was advised they would send me a refund, with proof of purchase. Now, let me ask you. How many people keep a receipt that long? Then they went on to tell me, that was about the life expectancy of the product. My advice: STEER CLEAR OF THIS TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE PRODUCT!!!
I absolutely agree. I will never touch a Cabot product again. OR a Sherwin Wms (since they now own Cabot) I loved SW for years. Until I suddenly didn’t, when I accidentally encountered their woter-borne semi-trans stain. My FIRST disaster (which ended in replacing the deck) (time had come. 20 yrs old)
New deck I had a shop apply Cabot semi-transparent alkyd stain to my new air dried in a ‘spa-drying’ shop. CVG cedar. It was a disaster that I am still dealing with a year later. Cabot rep came out and just shrugged and said ‘I don ‘t know”. The shop said they followed normal coating procedure -drying green wood for 2 wks at 80º before coating.. long story, Wine Valley Siding (the shop that coated it) told me to take it up with the lumber broker. I knew I was screwed. It appeared that it was a mill-glaze issue. The lumber vender steered me away from sanding,. (Thanks LS Cedar, Vashon Island.)I am happy to have found this site. I have just pressure washed the crap off my deck, what was left. Now trying to determine the next step. Sand? Brighten? G&T seems to be the only way to go. I hope my photos get posted!
Misery loves company. So happy to have found this site!
I just cleaned my deck with pool chlorine, scrubbed, rinsed it off. Let it dry for 2-3 days.
Sanded all the old stuff off, down to the bare boards. I rinsed off all the dust from sanding, and let dry for 2 days. I stained it with Cabot Australian gold. It was 3-4 days before the first rain. I noticed it only beaded up in just a small area. Why did it do that?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-is-my-deck-stain-not-beading-water/
In your review you applied the Cabot Wood and Deck Stain to a deck.
Do you feel it might get better results on cedar garage doors? I am in Ontario, Canada and my doors are south facing.
Vertical wood always does better than a deck floor. Cabot is still not the best brand for Canada. Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
You’re product sucks
It is not our product as we are an independent review site but we do agree that it has gone downhill over the years.
Cabot stain isn’t worth the price. I get 1 year out of it
Bad quality in this product,
I tested in couple deck boards after a week it peels off very easily beautiful color but not good product. What I did is to match the color with super deck semitransparent from sherwin Willimas, one of the best product I use in all my job
Cabot solid and deck correct did not do a good job on my deck it it chipping and coming off I am very upset because I spent a good bit of money I don’t know if I would recommend it I am on a limited income and don’t have the money to buy something else
Cabot semi solid deck stain is an awesome product. I highly recommend it.
Used cabot deck correct and a year later it peeled and looking for a better product. Do not use Cabot deck correct.
Without reading through everyone’s posts, been there with you m, what IS considered the BEST stain/sealers for decks ???
Than you!!
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I just applied the Jarrah Brown. It’s NOT brown, it’s red! Very disappointed.
can you coat with urathane varnish after useing australian oil?
No, it will peel: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/can-you-apply-a-clear-sealer-or-polyurethane-over-a-deck-stain/
Cabot Gold Stain question. Someone noted many of the negative reviews were from users with the Low VOC product. I see some of this product marketed online as Low VOC and some have no mention. Is the Low VOC noted by the number on the can, bottom right of the front label? See pics. I tested a few dry cedar deck boards recently and like the look. Wondering which VOC level I’ve got…Or is the number meaningless and all of the product is Low VOC?. Number on my can is 3471. Comments, pics welcome from those who have used this product beyond the initial “wow” appearance phase.
New red cedar front porch in Pacific NW.
Thank you!
All of it is Low VOC as far as we know.
No, it’s available as regular or low VOC (like the Timber Oil, the low VOC is five digits; the old version is four, starting with a 3). Congrats, you got the non-low-VOC version!
How can i blend new cedar boards with old ones. I’ve always used cedartone twp but it doesn’t have enough pigment to blend in.
You can’t with semi-transparent stains. The new boards are less absorbent so they will be lighter in color.
Do you recommend a semi solid by cabot.
No, it looks like paint and peel.
I put Cabot premium woodcare on my new deck last fall and it looks absolutely terrible 5 months later, what to do? It went on great, it looked amazing when I put it on. I let the deck acclimate for 1 month after it was built as recommended by my contractor before applying the woodcare. Now it looks like the entire deck needs to be sanded and refinished
You will need to remove it and start over. Use this to remove: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
When done, try a better brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I want to apply the solid color oil deck stain (brown) to the exterior of a new Cedar cat house and would like to know if it is lead free and would it be toxic to outdoor pets or people? Please respond ASAP!
There is no lead in paints anymore not should it be toxic.
Tried semi solid and solid stains by Cabot. Glad we bought samples. It didn’t dry evenly but looks even till it starts drying, then to late. Ragging suggested if you use their stain. I personally think its garbage. The Valspar looks great and costs less.
Valspar has issues as well.
I just applied two coats of cabot gold to my tongue and groove pine porch floor. I followed manufacturer’s recommendations for prepping, application, and coverage. It still seems a little “greyish” around the knots. I’m wondering if I can apply a third coat?
it is normal for knots to be lighter in color due to the density of the wood there. Adding more stain is probably not a good idea nor would it darken the knots.
I plan to use product for privacy fence. I bought Cabot at Lowe’s 10 yrs ago; when I went back 3 yrs ago they had switched to another brand, which I didn’t like as well. I don’t a deck but I do own privacy fence; I found no problem with graying or mold. My husband or son painted so I can’t tell you how well it applied;I know that there were 2 spray n go canisters that were used.
Review for Cabot Solid Acrylic Deck Stain. Rebuilt 700 square foot deck with replacing about 3/4 of the boards with new PT and then completely stripping and sanding the older boards in summer of 2018. Uses Cabot new redwood solid color ( water borne). Waited about 60 days for the PYT to dry and stained in July of last year. Its been about a year and the stain is still beautiful. NO PEELING, NO CHALKING. I live in NH and winters are rough here with lots of moisture. I swear some of the bad reviews of this stain are from people that although they said they prepped and stained correctly they actually didn’t…. Put the stain down with a 4 inch brush which took some time on such a large deck but I think that you really need to use a brush. I highly recommend this stain. Also I swear that some of the overly positive reviews from the other brands here are written by their own organization.. Just Saying. Cabot is a great stain.
we used Cabot wood tone deck and siding stain 3000natural and are wondering if we should apply another coat next year. We applied the first one in 2018
If it needs it, yes.
I used TWP to stain my deck. It held the color but not water resistant after the 1st year. What can I put on it to be water resistant?
TWP is not designed to bead water but shed water. That is the proper way and what all high-quality stains do. It is fine and you cannot add a coating on top of a deck stain.
We did our deck 2 years ago, 2 coats with australian timber oil, 1st year water beaded up, was beautiful. 2nd year, not too bad, faded slightly but still beads water. This year going to wash/reapply.
Did not have any pealing, some scratches from furniture, some green mold from rain, but otherwise I think it held up good and is easy to use.
Just wondering, how much prep I need to do before reapply? Just wash or strip???
If using the same brand and color, just clean for the prep.
We used Cabot on our boathouse deck and within 30 days mold started showyup. Our deck looks terrible. All molded. I’m sick about it!!! How can we get this #%%!!! Off??? We have ruined our boathouse. 😥
Strip and brighten for the prep.
I applied 2 coats of Cabot semi solid to my dry boathouse deck 2 months ago Now, I have mold everywhere rain has contacted the deck. What can I do?
Strip it off and use a better brand is probably your best option.
How do we strip it over lake water? We don’t want to harm the fish.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit and pressure washing.
Is Cabot SPF 48 product still available? Any experience putting another product on top of it? We have mostly Golden Tan on redwood decks.
Not available as far as we know. You will have to remove it to apply another brand.
Available at ACE Hardware. Checked 3/2/2019.
can I apply a new coat of Cabot 19400 (water clean up) over the exciting 3400 ( mineral spirits cleanup)?
I do not think so but best to ask Cabot.
I stained my deck with cabot oil based semi transparent stain 4 weeks ago. I wish I had made another choice! Application was difficult. It did NOT apply evenly and I have streaks everywhere. Now white streaks are appearing. I would not use this oil based stain again. Totally disappointed and would not recommend it!
IT IS PURE JUNK!!!
Terrible stuff.
Is Cabot Gold Exterior Stain acrylic based?
No. Oil-based.
Thank you.
I had my all wood deck built in May 2017. The contractor used Cabot Stain. By August, at least 1/2 of the deck stain had faded. Fall 2017, I noticed a powdery mildew/algae on the Perogala beams. It could be brushed off but that’s not the point. I contacted my contractor and they agreed to come back in the future to sand the deck and then apply new stain. By Spring 2018, there was very little of the original stain left after 10 months. My deck has low traffic – just me. Memorial Weekend, my contractor sanded the deck down and applied new stain. Approximately 10 days later, my grandson spilled his Slushee drink on the deck. It stained and discolored it immediately. VERY disappointed with this brand of stain. Most probably by Spring 2019, the deck will need to be sanded and stained again. But I will not be using Cabot Stain. Very disappointed with this brand and would not recommend it to anyone.
did you use the oil based clear ?..I dont trust the hybrid oil water based products from any company. It must clean up with mineral spirits
Everyone seems to have the same opinion….. this is NOT a great product. Peeling, fading, mold/algae, you name it. My deck was built in May 2017. By August, most of the stain had faded or worn through, even with light traffic/wear/deck use of one person…ME. I was not pleased and told the contractor several times. It didn’t weather well through the winter. Update: deck stain sanded off by contractor May 2018. New stain reapplied. It looks nice but I’m skeptical. My grandson spilled his frozen slushee and it lifted the stain color. I now have faded orange splatter on new deck stain. It does not repel water well either. I expect the deck will need to be remanded bin 2019 and restained. I will not buy Cabot again.
We are very up set about our Cabot deck start n. We used the latex and did exactly as we were told. We did it last July and now half of it ha peeled off the floor off the deck. The railings are pretty good as for the rest we are going to have to power wash it and it will peel the rest off.. we don’t know what to do because it’s was very expensive. The deck had never been stained before . We even used the deck cleaner before we ever started . Could you please give us an idea what to do. Thanks Deborah Winland
Hello, you will need to strip and sand to remove. Brighten the wood after. Stain with a better brand that will not peel.
Has any one used this product for an indoor project?
We are using Cabot’s outdoor semi-deck stain on finished birch plywood. We have used a pre-stain and after that dried, we will apply your stain. Do you wiped the stain down after applying it or leave it till it is dried. Also, what kind of a finish would you recommend?
Is Cobot products OK to use on garden planter. I’m concerned of health issues fof the product. thanks
We wouldn’t use it. Try Defy Extreme.
Could you please confirm me if Cabot Serie 7600 is good to apply on a cedar already paint with old generation of Opaque Olympic stain 100% oil base?
Not sure. best to contact Cabot directly for help.
worst deck stain ever . my deck is huge spent hours staining it. Used 5 gallons of stain at least and after the winter it came off and looks horrible. Thought i would try a more expensive brand and this is what i have a mess!!!!!!!
same thing happened to us!!!
same thing happened to us also. I contacted the company and didn’t get anywhere with them. The didn’t even listen.
I’d like to see more pics. Posting mine. There should be a class action.
I’m restaining a deck in New Mexico. 100% sun and very dry. The owners have always used Cabot Solid Acrylic, but it seems to peel within a year or two. What would be the best alternative that won’t peel so quickly? I have sanded off all the old peeling stain and prepped the deck. Thanks for the help!
Mike, you removed the solid stain 100%? If so, use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Screened porch deck, 8 yrs old. Applied Cabot stain 3 months after it was built. That last 4 years, 2 yrs ago put new Cabot stain on after prepping the deck. The new low VOC product failed within 1 yr. Planning on stripping, brightening, and usingTWP this spring. Advice, do not use the Cabot low VOC stain unless you plan on redoing every 6 months to a year!
I bought Cabot oil based stain from my local Menards to stain my deck, railing and lattice work. I looked at the color samples on the brochure and picked Foothills which is a brownish color. I bought it, my painter got 1/4 of the deck started before I looked at it and it was BLUE/GRAY color, no where near brownish. It was too late to stop, take it back and have my painter redo the 1/4 of the deck he completed so I took the can back to Menards, after almost arguing with the floor help that the ONLY way I can pick a color is by the sample color brochure, they decided to refund all 3 gallons of stain. I contacted Cabot explaining the issue and we are now negotiating what they will reimburse me for the labor and power washing to redo the deck in the RIGHT color next spring. Cabot tried to tell me that Menards had “old color brochures” so it wasn’t their fault. I explained that I blame their local REP for not making sure the most up to date brochures were in a store selling that kind of volume, otherwise why have any color samples if what you pick could be the complete opposite of what you get. We WILL NOT be using Cabot Wood Deck stain, we will buy Olympic.
I originally used the old version of this stain on my mahogany deck. It was beautiful. Last year, when we needed to redo /reapply, I could only find the new kind..the water based one. I did put it on over the oil based stain, and it was fine. Now, I want/need to do the deck again. My question now is: Can I put the oil version (which is now available!) OVER the water based which is over the oil?!?!?! Thanks for any help!
No. It will create a buildup and not cure. Strip it and start over.
Can the timber oil application be applied utilizing a spray gun. May application is being applied out door carvings?
Yes, we believe so.
How well does the Cabot Gold stain hold ? We have about 900sqft to stain and we looked the sunlit walnut. My husband likes the satin finish. I don’t know how well the shine will last. We also looked at Olympic Elite advanced in chestnut brown. Help please!
Elite is better between the two brands.
I have used Cabot deck stain for many years but now it appears to be peeling off in sheets. It’s very disappointing that this product is behaving in this way and am wondering what the best way is to remove it and re-stain. All recommendations are welcome. Was seriously thinking of having all of the top boards replaced.
Sand to remove fully or replace the top boards.
I never post bad product reviews, but after just applying my third coat of Cabot’s Acrylic Solid Deck stain in one year, I feel I need to caution other potential customers.I have always thought Cabot was the best stain out there and I didn’t hesitate to buy their “Cape Cod Gray “stain to stain my PT 5/4″ X 6” decking.I wanted solid to cover the imperfections in the decking.After 5 months I had to apply again-it was peeling off in sheets!.And this year I had to stain again.I guess we will have to save up and buy cellular decking !
I switched from Cabot’s to Sherwin Williams for horizontal deck boards. I use only oil based stain and like the semi-transparent to show the wood grain. Acrylic stain has easy brush cleanup but I think the product is inferior to oil stain.
We have streaking on our deck after we rolled it on. We did our deck three days ago with the Australian timber oil in honey teak
Not sure why. Please post a picture.
I am looking to stain some wooden patio furniture I bought from Ikea last year. It came in with a water-based brown stain, and am looking to stain it black. It looks like the Cabot semi-transparent would be a good option, but I wanted to check with others before I go through the trouble of stripping. I also know that some oil-based stains never truly “dry” and are not recommended for furniture. Any help or suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance.
Make sure it is a full curing stain. Try the TWP in 1504 Black Walnut.
I want to put a protection on my Deck and sides but keep the natural colour of the wood. A friend suggested using Cabot 19200 natural as they love it and have been doing theirs every year and are very pleased. Mine is a brand new deck and I want it to look exactly as it does now but protected. Would you suggest this paint?
No. The Cabot has changed formulas and is not the same product it used to be. See this about new decking:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
This stain sucks!! Don’t buy it.
Is the Australian timber oil considered a sealer as well
Yes
I put this product on my proposal because of the name recognition. Product was like water , applied very poorly and looked like crap. I immediately returned to the supplier and went right to Home Depot and bought Behr. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND DISSATISFIED.
Should have bought Sikkens. Sikkens lasted for 5 years on a split rail fence. Behr didn't even last through the summer. Intense sun year round. Heavy wet snow during winter.
I agree. Pours like water, applies poorly, looks awful. So disappointed. Applied this to a deck we had rebuilt last year. It’ll do for this year, but we’ll sure go to another brand next year. This just is not the stain for us. Besides, it was not cheap at $37 a gallon. Do we ever feel like dummies! HATE IT!!!