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 2024
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 put on my first coat of cabot gold and then the weather got cold. What if I can't get my second coat on before winter. Is my deck gonna be ok or will I have to start over next summer?
Just lightly clean and apply the 2nd coat in the Spring.
Do not apply if temperatures drop below 50 degrees within 48 hours after applying. I have been a painting contractor since 1985 and still all I know is, you must read the lable.
Australian Oil is the best stain I have ever used in the past 30 years by far ! Not the water base…I have not tried that
Applied in the spring a nice thick coat. Four months later it looks like it needs another coat. For the money I spent I am very dissatisfied. This a is brand-new deck with brand-new wood
What kind of wood? And location?
I agree,mine didnt last either , will NEVER buy this Cabots brand ever again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111 Usually buy Woodsman but they were out of my color……….Lasttime my Woodsman lasted 5 yrs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the Cabot Oil Mahogany Flame on my deck turn out amazing when applied correctly.It's been 1 yr and the deck looks like the first day I stain it.
I use this product on Brazilian Mahogany. Well, I used to use it. The original formula before the VOC formula was fantastic.
The product would last 2+ years up here in the Northeast. The new formula is absolutely horrible. I stained the deck in April 2016 and it is now July 2016 and it needs to be done again.
Do now buy this new formula. Stay clear it is garbage!
I used Honey Teak formula last winter on one yr old.deck. half of the deck peeled off over the winter. This summer I sanded, cleaned, brightened. I just applied the Honey Teak again. It looks aweful. I will never use this product again. I wish I had read this site before using it again. I thought of every reason why it didn't take last year, i.e., the weather, proper prepping before staining etc. Now I know it's the product. I just spent a ton of time & money, and it looks aweful.
Read your labels, do not apply if temperatures drop below 50° as in degrees Fahrenheit or with in "/(48 hours)of application. You didn't get penetration because it was to cold at some point during the curing process, or the wood was to damp because of dew. Also it should be applied with a lambs wool pad, this meters the amount applied because the product is thin and the wool is very absorbent.
As I read these comments it appears that people do not understand why these formulas change. Cabot Mahogany flame is hands down the best stain I have ever used in it's original formula. Unfortunately in the Northeast with the exception of Vermont all the way down to Virginia, that formula was outlawed around 2014. The new formula which is called low VOC (volatile organic compounds) is what many people are complaining about. This new formula looks milky when you open the cab as to oily like the old formula. I personally still use the old formula by buying it in other states and bringing it in. However, you have to call Cabot if you do that because some stores such as Ace hardware only sell the low VOC formula in all of their stores regardless of their location. Anyway, just my two cents.
Thanks for your input its worth more than two cents
expensive, but that was not a problem, liked when first put on, but disappointed after the first winter. had to reapply, last time for cabot. liked the product, wished we were happier. thanks
The stain was applied using the directions on the cleaner and stain, during the summer my deck looked fine. We had a mild winter, little snow fall, when the snow melted the stain was bubbled and when the spring rain came the stain began bubbling, Now I am forced to sand over 300 square feet of deck and use a better product.
I HIGH RECOMMEND USING ANOTHER PRODUCT
Went to Home Depot and after long conversation about what look I wanted they talked me into Cabot stain. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED with the results. It looks more like brown paint then stain. We had sanded the old stain off and used a pad to put the stain on as recommended. I really wanted the wood to show through and not cover it completely. NOT HAPPY!!
I would never buy this product again. after one year it started peeling. I had rent a floor sander ($100) and spend an entire day sanding.
I just purchased Cabot Acrylic solid color stain to better match my house. I have completely sanded all paint off of my deck, and it is very clean. Is this a good product to use for this application? Also do I need to seal this when I am done? If so, what kind of sealant would you prefer?
You cannot seal over a stain. It a decent solid stain.
I applied the Australian timber oil 2 years ago. I applied stripper and it took a layer off but there is still some on it that I can't even get off with a power washer. I want to use a more solid style stain to cover up and not such a transparent one like the timber oil. If I strip and brighten can I apply a more solid stain even if there is residual on the deck? I've tried twice and it's as clean as it's going to get it seems like anyway.
Yes you should be able to apply a solid stain over this.
I finally got our 2 decks ready to be restained. The problem is is that it is finally turning colder, after a very mild Fall. What will happen if I put the Cabot Australian Timber Oil on when the highs for the days are 50-60 degrees and the nights are anywhere between 30-40? Also, can I use a sprayer in order to apply this stain?
It will probably dry and cure okay as long as it does not rain or drop below the freezing mark for the first night after applying. I would read their directions on spraying or not.
I just finished re-doing our Cedar house with Cabot Timber Oil (not the low VoC) in Natural color. It came out just fantastic. We live in a 5 state border area and only one state sells the original oil anymore.
I am worried that the stain will only last 2-3 years. Has anyone tried to seal a Cabot timber oil stain? I called Cabot and they said not to do it as the sealer will peel since the Timber Oil has its own sealer. But I want to try this as an experiment on some extra boards. Anyone have an idea of what sealer to try?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. You will ruin it.
I have used Cabot SPF Deck and Fence Finish 3855 Sunray for a number of years. I am now being told that it is no longer available. What is its direct replacement? If you don't have one then you have screwed up as I know a number of people who have used this product and like it and have a number of pieces of outdoor furniture or decks in this color. They have no intention of changing. If you don't have a direct replacement then start making it again. If you do not then I for one will never buy another Cabot product as I can have no confidence that I can continue to use it. I understand that products can and are improved constantly, but if you can't offer a continuation of the line, DON'T CHANGE IT!!!!!
Hi I’m in the same boat with the SPF 3855 Sunray. Have you been able to rectify this problem?
If so, please advise. Thank you
About to purchase a large amount of stain for my cedar sided timber frame home. I really like TWP and AC products but the semi-solid color options are limited as TWP doesn't even have semi-soild. So I am left with the other products listed on this site. Cabot Semi-Solid Siding stain is easily accessible from local stores and has a lot of colors to choose from. I know the reviews here are not that great for Cabot but how is it for cedar siding in semi-solid? I live in IL where low VOC is available. If I should stay away from Cabot what are the best products that offer semi-solid colors? BM or SW? Any advice would be great. Stain company starts in a week and I need to make a decision. Thanks!!
I would not limit yourself with a semi-solid when dealing with a vertical house. You always get 2-3 times the longevity on a vertical over a horizontal. For example AC and TWP 1500 will give you 4-8 years on most verticals depending on UV exposure. I would stay away from the Cabot and BM astheir products in a semi-solid will be water based and will film like a solid stain does while AC and TWP are true oil based products.
Thanks for the quick reply. This site is great! Longevity of stain is my concern for how much it costs to have home stained. If I can get 6-7 years out of TWP or AC on vertical siding I'd be happy. Just don't want to have to apply maintenance coats before then.
I used Cabot Stains Timber oil (now the low VOC) on my 15 year old cedar side house. We turned all the boards over, sanded them, then applied ONE coat of the oil. The results were gorgeous. We experimented with the Cabot semi transparent but it hides all the grain. The trade-off is the semi transparent will last longer, but the Natural transparent on red cedar is unbelievable.
I asked Cabot if I can /should seal the Natural siding with some kind of sealant but they said not to since Timber Oil has a sealant in it. I may experiment since I'd really like to get more than two years out of all the money I spent on the natural.
I used you siding paint on my deck. Now what should I do? PLEASE educate your customers's employees so this doesn't happen again. I ask for the top seller and was directed to your paint/stain. The employee showed me colors available and I picked one. She gets to mixing the paint/stain sets it on the counter and I noticed it said siding but thought she needed the neutral to make the color. Only after second coat do I take time to look at the can and read NOT FOR DECKS. Any suggestions?
This is not our product. Please contact Cabot directly for help.
RTFM before using any product.
Better yet, read it BEFORE you BUY IT.
I do not recommend this product. It is impossible to avoid lap marks on large decks, the wood darkens dramatically, and after one month, there are white spots everywhere on the wood!
I wish I had read this before yesterday, when we put on the Cabot Semi-transparent stain, on our ceader deck. Looking at it this morning, It seems to be absorbing quite uneavenly. There are significant white patches around knotted areas, and although we applied as evenly as we could, it looks like you can see brush strokes. I feel like I should apply a second coat, but the can says one coat only. Help what should I do?
Knots are almost always lighter in color and that is normal when using a semi-trans stain. Brush strokes means the stain did not penetrate into the wood and is laying on top of the wood. Is this new wood?
It is new wood. We wanted to wait but the 100lbs dog and 2 little boys were destroying it. So in talking to the stain guy at Lowes he told us to use the Cabot problem solver – wood brighter to strip the deck of the oils, and then stain. It worked perfectly on the planter boxes we did as a test. What should we do now?
Wood brightener does not strip. You will need to strip and start over. Might want to read this as well about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Put this on a pergola I built out of cedar 2 years ago and only now have slight greying on the top. I live in the humid climate that is Houston and have been very happy with how this has performed in the 100 degree heat, humidity and massive rains we've had this last year.
Going to put a second coat on during this dry spell we are having because it has worked great here.
I do have to add that another bonus is that I was able to apply it with my Wagner spray painter as well.
I used Cabot stain purchased thru Fleet Farm. I used a mold and mildew primer suggested by the Paint man, he told me the stain would last much longer than just using the stain only. Well it is peeling off after just several months. It made it thru the winter and as soon as the weather warmed up it is all coming off everywhere. I would not recommend it for anything.
I purchased this stain because I heard it was amazing. Then I found your website and read the above review. At our HD in Iowa they sell the 3400 series and i bought 3459, mahogany flame. Is this still a good product? It's the oil-based and not the water based stain which I think most do not like. Is the 19400 series the garbage one or are both not very good?
Thanks for the help
It is a decent stain but would not call it \”amazing\”.
The formula for this product has changed over the last couple years and it is NOT compatible with the old product. If you previously applied the old formula of Australian Timber oil, it will be a disaster. This product is useless. My advice to all consumers – avoid at all costs!!
I had purchased a 1 gallon can of Cabot Semi-transparent deck stain 2 years ago from Lowe's. I coated my deck this year (2015) using that gallon with no problems. My dilemma is I need another gallon to finish my project. I now have trouble finding a dealer who could mix me another gallon. The color that I need from the color chart is Chestnut Brown ST (101-16,107-30,109-4,113-1Y36). Your help in this matter would be very helpful.
Thank you,
Bill
you should be able to do this by using base 0306 (neutral) and add B 12 shots, C 1 oz and 8 shots, F 10 shots. Hope this helps
what a mistake. After 1 year Australian timber oil on my porch floor is flaking and pealing. I do not recommend this product. My daughter had the same results on her deck.
the stain comes off too.
Well doesn't this just suck…Didn't think I would need to read reviews. Cabot was always said to be the best. Then on top of that, I bought their "premium stain" said the salesperson at the Do-it Center. Australian Timber oil. Just spent this entire weekend applying 9 gallons to my fence, deck railings, and Rainbow play structure. (TREX Flooring!) Sounds like I need to read reviews no matter how far beyond average I believe that I am purchasing.
Hopefully it will be fine and not have any issues. Let us know down the road.
Im so upset! Our home is Bord and Batton and we used Cabot. It lasted 8 yrs befor we had to redo the South wall only. We were so happy with the product that we ran out and purchased This new Cabot austrailian timber oil for our very large deck. I did everything correct and followed the can directions to the letter. My 2 nabours came over a few days later and fell in love with the new look of our deck. They ended up doing their decks a week later and they are 2 times the size of ours. After a long winter and a bit of snow shoveling all our deck are a mess, not to mention the marks left from the summer furniture. I cant beleive this product did not saturate the wood. I even put a second coat on the following year. This was a lot of work and now i dont know what to do. Any how, its too late now and the damage is done. SAVE YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE!
Writing (or can you hear the screams) from Canada.
We have a 320 sq. ft treated pine deck professionally installed. Waited for 2 years to apply a coating, as per lumber yard's instructions. First used an Olympic oil penetrating stain then bought a 'touch-up' can and only after application did we realize that Olympic changed the formula. Went back to Lowes to register a complaint only to learn that Dalton McGuinty, Taxario's answer to the Fabian Society, 'ordered' the original oil based stains off the shelf from ALL retailers–even the paint girls at Lowes were inundated with the massive volumes of ticked-off customers.
Olympic came through with a cheque to reimburse our stain costs and threw in a gallon of their Deck Cleaner.
Glad we came across this Cabot Stain complaint board as we were just about to crack the lid on Cabot Semi-transparent mahogany flame stuff. Best not contribute anymore to our Liberal deck: McGuinty stain, Wynne kinky hose, made in China, duped by a deceptive 'Made in Canada' sticker; some type of Toronto urban type moss growing that we have to beat down with a stick. Hope the screws are homemade or we'll be living in saw-dust by year's end.
Thanks Folks–you saved us money and time. Seems Cabot sucummbed to the polticos.
Great discussion board, keep up the good work!.
PS: Any of our US cousins know of a NFL franchise re-doing their astro-turf?
How many of these reviews are regarding the new low-VOC formula with the blue label on the lid? The old formula was one of the best stains on the market for many years. The new formula is so bad that Lowe's had to drop the entire line in my region due to complaints and returns.
Love the higher VOC ATO, would rate at least 9/10.
I agree the the old formula was much better! Unfortunately the new formula is garbage.
i'm not going to comment on the new ATO vs the old ATO. I will, however go on record saying it is a great replacement the high VOC Cabot Clear Solutions or CS stain. It's a scary stain to work with. It seems all wrong when you apply it. Do NOT apply it with a brush if you can avoid it, use an applicator and do not do it on a hot day. But it does work and it works well. It holds up longer than the old CS stains, looks great, and if you live in a woody area like I do, it doesn't get black mold. High VOC stains have a problem which is that mold loves the oil that they rely on. A year after application high VOC stains inevitably got black mold where I live. This stuff just doesn't.
Writing from Canada. I bought two gallons of Cabot semi-transparent deck stain for my deck which is two years old. I stripped the wood and was left with a beautiful finish, close to the original look of the the wood when the deck was first built. I stained the upper part of the deck with the first can of stain and it looked amazing. I was quite happy with the result, bright and shiny, very good coverage after two coats. I started the second half of the deck with the second can of stain and noticed a remarkable difference in the quality of the stain compared to the first gallon. The stain was runny, I could not get rid of the brush strokes after two coats, it was dull and that portion to the deck looked as if it was stained a year or more ago. I stopped staining and went to Lowes to voice my displeasure; however, was told they could not to anything and someone from Cabot will come to my home to view the deck. I am still waiting for a phone call and that visit. Not sure what to do. My deck cost me $4800 and was ruined by a $40 can of stain. Shame of Cabot.
If it stays tacky too long what do I do? Apply another coat or strip & start over? I used water based.
Apply another coat will make it worse. Hopefully it will dry fully. If not you will probably need to strip.
My deck is tree years old pressure treated with no finish. The 650 sq.ft. deck was pressure washed 3 days before staining with Jarrah Brown Timber oil and it sucked up 5 gal. like crazy and after 2 days drying the finish is very uneven. Can I put a second coat on yet?
Mike, probably but I would confirm with Cabot.
I bought Cabot Oak Brown Semi-transparent stain. I had someone apply it to our porch and they did a terrible job, it looks not even and a lot of brush marks. I just hired someone else to do a second coat and hope they can fix it and make it look better. However, after reading so many bad reviews, I am afraid of applying the product to the fence and re-applying it to the porch. I keep reading that after a few months the products start to peel or look bad. Should I just remove the stain and start over with another brand? Is CAbot a terrible stain? The local stores only have SW, Bher, Olympia and Cabot. Please advice?
Ari, applying more will probably not fix the issue and could make it worse. If it is done correctly, Cabot is a slightly better then average stain for decking and will work fine with no issues on the fence.
deck built last year. waited for it to dry. Coated with Cabots natural oil base. This year purchased natural oil base but it was a different number. Lowes salesperson said it was the same. Vertical railing and post stained as advertised but top of railing and deck surfaced turned black. Underside of railing and surface is still sticky. Railing was done 2 wks before the deck surface was done,sill sticky.Natural number is 379501, last year was different. Surface did not last but one year before it was pale and water absosrbant . recommended to friend, wished I hadent.
Need to seal my PT deck. Its new and now dry. We're I Maine and the weather is starting to turn colder at night so time is running out. Everything I see says it needs to be above 50 degree for 48 hours for drying. After spending all this $$ for a new deck, I'd like to make sure I protect it. Not sure I have the time to order and wait for a TWP shipment. Looked like Cabot had good scores based on the evaluation but after reading everyone's experiences here yikes! I'm stuck with a decision. What to use… I have basically big box stores and Sheman Williams locally Ideas? Or do I forgo sealing the deck for winter?
John, when was it built? Many manufacturers want you tow wait 3 or more months before applying stain to new wood.
about 8 weeks ago. I did the water test on it and no water beaded up.. According to the things I've read it's ready for sealing. The installer told us to make sure we go it done before the snow flies. I'm going to try for Flood sealer – natural – as see how it goes. The reviews both here and elsewhere look good and I can get the product locally. Today is warm as is tonight it should be above 50. I'll let everyone know how it goes…
Amazing to see so many consistent reviews. Lowe's recommended Cabots Timber Oil to me, but a friend who builds a lot of decks sent me a picture of his deck a year after applying the same…totally worn off of the walk area's – looks terrible. The paint salesman at Lowe's just used it to protect his deck, I wonder what he will say next year. I went with Olympic Maximum penetrating oil forumula. After reading the reviews here, I think I will consider TWP next year.
I have used cabots timber oil on my ipe decks and have found that if you wipe and buff the stain just before it dries and is still tacky, it looks great and lasts for 2 years. I have not re-done my decks in the last 2 years. but when I read these reviews, and comments about the formula being changed, I am certainly concerned. Should I consider switching to another product when i re-stain? I had great results with the color Mag. flame color. also had 2 gallons left over and just finished daughters cedar deck and it looks great, but need to get another gallon for the rails and again Im concerned about the formula change, any suggestions would be great.
Mike, if it worked for you and you can get the same formula than stick with it. If the formula is different than try the Armstrong Clark in the Mahogany.
How do you know what formula you have?? What do you look for on the can to tell? I purchased a house that's approx 11 years old. It appears by the cans left behind they used Cabot Aust. Oil, Mahogany Flame. It has held up pretty well, not sure when the deck was done or re-done, but know I haven't done anything since I have owned the home, 4 years. Deck has faded, especially in traffic and protected areas, but still has a weak reddish color. I was planning to apply another coat of same product, but after reading comments, getting very concerned. I have used a deck wash product (w/bleach) and have done a low pressure power wash. What would you advise at this point. In Springfield, MO, deck on east side of house partially covered.
You can check the can for the product code and then contact Cabot to see what version you have and if you can get the same or not. If you cannot then switch to TWP or the Armstrong Clark.
HI I used Cabot`s semi solid deck stain.It is now showing white spots all over the deck…Why would this happen ?It cost a lot of monwey to have this done.$250. dollars for the stain and I payed $1064.to get it done I am so upset .
Theresa, are you sure it is not just mineral deposits from water that dried on the deck? This can be wiped off with a rag.
We used Cabot's Semitransparent stain on our rough wood siding. It seems to fade out quickly, They suggested it at Menards. The planks run up and down and this is something we could sand to redo. We use to use Olympics but Ace had suggested this as a better paint 10 years ago
Kris, strip of the Cabot\’s stain then try the TWP 1500 Series for this.
Thanks for the reviews. I have had great coverage with Super Deck. Lasts a long time for me in cold winter and hot dry summer Canada.
I have a new, small deck made from pressure treated deck boards. How long should I wait to stain it, and what stain would you recommend, and how many coats? What prep will it need first? I would like it as natural a tone as possible (right now, after one month, if has the tone of a light, yellowish cedar, which looks good). But I would also, of course, like it to be protected from UV, etc, with as little maintenance as possible. If you say Armstrong Clark, which one, and should I then refinish it with the same, or should I then go to TWP? How soon will I have to re-do it, and how difficult will it be?
Ricard, please read this article: Staining a New Deck
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.
Diana, I'm in Las Vegas. Let me know what product works for you down there. I need to switch off of Cabot, too.
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.
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.
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
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.
Armstrong Clark Stain for hardwoods ruined my Ipe deck. I followed the instructions and we had rain after 3 days dry time turning the stain into a nasty orange sludge, had to strip and sand the deck, as well as repaint my siding, deck trim and doors..pitiful product!
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.
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.