This post was updated on March 24, 2022
Not to be confused with Cabot Australian Timber Oil
Timber Oil Brand is a deep penetrating paraffin oil-based wood and deck stain. This stain dives deep into all exterior wood to condition the wood cells while preventing UV fading and water damage.
TimberOil Brand is strongly suggested by the manufacturer for all new wood. Many wood and deck stains have difficulty with penetrating new exterior wood such as cedar, redwood, and especially pressure-treated pine. Timber Oil Brand promises ease of application and proper penetration into new decking.
Note: We tested the TimberOil Brand on a new cedar deck three weeks after installation. Only prepping was a light cleaning to remove the dirt.
TimberOil Brand Stain Rating (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
– The Timber Oil Brand looked even on our new cedar test deck. No overlapping or issues were apparent. The Honey Gold color was a rich “wet look”. The railings did not have any drips or runs. Penetration into the wood was 100% with no surface film or oily residue.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 5
– About 50% of the original color was left after 2 years. Wood looked more “natural”.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
– Timber Oil Brand had a slight amount of wearing on the railings otherwise, there were no issues.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– We used 6 gallons of the Timber Oil Brand for our cedar deck. The cost was decent per gallon but square footage was a little on the low side. Not bad but average. About $.31 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 8
– Paraffin oils do not “feed” mold or mildew growth like other oil-based stains that contain linseed oil. Little to no mold was noticeable on the cedar. A small amount of algae around the railings.
Ease of Application: 10
– Very very nice to apply! We were surprised at the ease of application on the new cedar. We applied the Timber Oil Brand with a garden sprayer then back wiped the excess with a pad applicator. At the time of application, there was puddling under the railings from overspray but this went away once dried.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– No darkening for the Timber Oil Brand. Fades lightly while looking more natural.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– Light cleaning to remove dirt and grime. No need to strip or sand.
Overall Score TimberOil Brand Stain at 2 Year Period: 7.875
– If you have a new deck then Timber Oil Brand would be our top choice. Fades faster than some of the top stains but still lasts the normal benchmark of two years. The ease of application is a plus.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Click to Find on Google
Cost: $59 per Gallon, $259 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Paraffin Oil Based
Available Colors: Warm Honey Gold, Western Cedar, Brown Sugar, Amaretto
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 1-2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 150 sq. ft per gallon as tested
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-24 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Extreme Solutions
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: 1-month-old Western Red Cedar Deck
Deck Square Footage: 800
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Warm Honey Gold
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take in consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
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.
Are all these companies that you review owned by the same corporation?
I noticed on the restore a deck site they link to …and sell…several of the other products you recommend!
What gives? And are the reviews here on your site completely independent?
Thanks!
No, they are not owned by the same corporation, all independent. The very first article on the home page explains all.
I accidentally bought and painted half my deck with the stain for hardwood- and I have treated pine. Do I need to buy another 5 gal for softwood and start over?
No, just finish it with what you have. It will be fine.
can it be used on wooden fences
Yes.
Is there a difference between the Cabot and Woodrich brands of timber oil? I have cedar deck that has not been previously sealed or stained.
Completely different products and manufacturers.
I have a new redwood deck that I am planning on using Woodrich TimberOil to stain. Will this stain make the deck more slippery when wet than it would be otherwise? Thank you!
No, it will not.
Are skid resistant additives appropriate for this type of wood finish on stairs; would you recommend their use?
You cannot apply an anti-skid additive to a penetrating deck stain like this.
Thank you.
Are Skid resistance additives Helpful to reduce slipping and falls; do you recommend this type of product ??
Hi,
I live in Melbourne, Australia,. We have a varied weather from very dry hot summer (46 Degree C to frosty and wet winter 2 Degree C. We have recently installed new merbau decking and my preference is to have oil based stain. Could you please suggest me the best quality oil based satin. Unless you suggest other than oil based.
Thank you in Advance
Not sure what brands are sold there and if any good. The states have different stain options.
Just put down new pressure treated pine deck boards. Live in South Carolina with lots of heat and humidity. Deck also gets hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon. I am waiting until fall to stain when thing cool off about 4 to 7 months to stain. Stuck between TWP 100, Armstrong and Woodrich Timber Oil. Which one?
Also have post older posts and and facial boards that did not need replacing that I am gong to sand and stain. Same deck board stain ok? or a different brand for those? Thanks.
Same stain for all. Try the Armstrong Clark or TWP 100 series.
I’m in similar situation as Keith except I’m in NC. In the next couple weeks, I’m having new pressure treated pine floorboards and railings put in (but not posts and fascia). Unlike Keith, my deck doesn’t get much direct sun, though we do have heat and humidity.
By the time my deck weathers 2-3 months, it could get chilly here overnight. I had originally been thinking Armstrong Clark and taking my chances with temperature. In this Woodrich review, it sounds like I could get just as good results without the wait of AC and get deck stained before risk of low temps. Given Keith was asking about new wood too, I’m curious as to why you suggest AC/TWP rather than Woodrich.
Same or different recommendation for me?
Also, do Woodrich and AC require the same prep/prep time? If one would require less time/materials, it would be helpful to know. Since I’m planning to have the contractor do the staining, more time = more $.
Thx!
AC and TWP will last longer. Prep and materials use are about the same.
What are your thoughts on Defy brand for a dock?
Use the Defy Marine Sain for a dock. Works great.
Love the reviews but live in Canada. I was wondering if you are able to ship to us up here . Thanks Kevin
We do not ship products. Best to check online for dealers.
I live in Canada (Alberta) – long cold winters, nice summers. My deck faces west so I get hot intense sun afternoon till evening. I put on a grey stain from behr 2 years ago.. deck had seasoned for 2 years. This grey stain did not even last a winter and it was peeling by the following spring. I have now sanded all that peeling paint/stain off and I want to now go with the Timberoil stain – natural. Is that the best for my deck now…. I NEVER want to sand again! The wood on the stairs attached to the deck is treated wood about 8 years old. I’m only doing the deck and stairs…railings re not wood. thank you
Try Armstrong Clark Deck stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/armstrong-clark-deck-stains/
used Thompsons Timber Oil on new pressure treated spruce decking last year. TTOil was so highly recommended. Applied it as directed and deck looked beautiful, was so proud. This spring deck was, in most places, as black as coal with mildew. I live in a relatively dry, very sandy soil area surrounded by agricultural fields. Not in a damp, swampy area at all, as mentioned, dry and well drained. Will have to pressure wash deck and restain but it will not be with TTOil. Very disappointed.
This review is not for Thompsons Timber Oil. In general, all Thompson deck stains and sealers are useless. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/?s=thompson
I have a very large redwood deck which was in need of some love. It had been 3 years since last refreshed. I previously used a product called Super Deck, was not impressed by the product. Through lots of research I decided to try Woodrich deep penetrating oil. I picked Brown Sugar and couldn’t be happier. The product is so easy to use, leaves no marks where you left off. Drys quickly and the results are stunning. Just ordered another 5 gallons for my new fence. Thank you Woodrich for such a wonderful product and excellent customer service. Happy Customer
We have large deck, lots of sun, lots of rain and humidity down south, pressure treated pine, dried for one year. Now we are ready to apply a seal. I like the woodrich option because I can reapply with out sanding. wondering how well it can handle the rain?
You always have to prep when reapplying. Use a deck cleaner and wood brightener. There are better options for a year old deck than the TimberOil and can be cleaned and they can be recoated with the need for sanding. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
“If you have a new deck then Timber Oil Brand would be our top choice.” Guess I get confused easily…is there that much difference between brand new and 1 year old? Many stain reviewers call up to one year new. Also, file under “picky picky” but think there’s a typo…do you mean withOUT the need for sanding? If you could expand on what a 1 year old deck needs compared to brand new that would be really helpful.
1 year old is not new anymore so not treated the same. 12 months old is substantially more absorbent compared to a brand new deck. Do not sand for prep.
Thanks so much for this site. It has been the most helpful and unbiased. It’s so hard to find a site that’s not actually an infomercial for one particular btand.
You are welcome!
I have a small year old deck made of pretreated pine. Which has never been sealed or painted. What should I use that would be better than Timber Oil? Looking for a Golden Honey with good UV protection and zero chance of peeling and black marks. Live in rainy Washington State. Thanks in advance for your help. Single mom, first time homeowner. Researched my brain is dead. Lol.
Try TWP 115 Honeytone. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep.
Would you consider this the best for pressure treated pine also?
It will work for pressure-treated pine as well.
Hi there! Thanks so much for this website, I have learned so much!! I wanted to ask your opinion on something, I changed out all my deck boards from april to August with pressure treated pine in new York state. It’s been 2 months since the last deck board was put down and I wanted to ask if you would recommend I stain this weekend or wait until the spring. Water still beads on the deck boards, so I suspect they are not done weathering yet. I’m worried that the harsh winter will damage my deck.
Thanks again!
Just wait until Spring. One Winter will not harm the wood.
Got it! Thanks for the fast reply!!
My husband built our small 14′ x 9′ deck three months ago, using kiln-dried Alaskan yellow cedar. I checked with the wood supplier, and they said we can stain it immediately since kiln dried. The deck is under a tree and in constant shade. We are planning to use a cleaner and brightener and then apply one coat of the TimberOil. Is this a good idea? Or should we wait until next Spring and use a different product?
You can do it now since it has been 3 months.
Thanks so much for response! Would you recommend applying the TimberOil now, or waiting until Spring and using a different stain/brand?
Either would be fine.
I recently had a worn out PT deck resurfaced and re-railed using Selkirk KD cedar. It’s got SE exposure here in Minnesota, so lots of sun in summer and lots of snow in winter. I ordered the Timber Oil sample kit, but have not tried any yet. I’m contemplating between deciding on a Timber Oil stain and applying in a month or so, or waiting til late next spring/early summer (gotta let the snow melt), and going with something like TWP 100. Color preference is something dark golden, darker than honey but not all the way to brown. Would you recommend the former, to get something on before the onslaught of winter, or the latter, and wait to use a better product?
We would wait until Spring.
The boards on my deck are about eight years old. The semi stain that was used is almost all off now. I’ll be trying to remove the rest with the pressure washer and a remover. The wood has sort of grayed from age and being bare. Will this oil be suitable for it? If so, what shade should be used to get a brown tone?
Go with Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown instead: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/armstrong-clark-deck-stains/
I applied penofin oil to an IPE deck about a year ago and not happy with the results. I’ve heard good things about the Woodrich brand Timber Oil. What do I need to do to switch products on the ipe wood? Thanks!!!
This stain is not going to work well for IPE. Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Strip and brighten for prep.
The TimberOil (Woodsman) stain has been great on our ipe deck. The color has been long lasting, up to three years. The reapplication is relatively easy … does require wiping but it looks great
Is Austrarian Oil stain avalible in quart size ?
Sorry but no idea.
Does it come in a clear formula? My wife is allergic to the off-gassing of the red cedar in our sauna. Will this product seal the wood? If not, can you recommend something else?
It does not come in a clear. Try Defy Extreme Clear.
I have used the Cabot Timber Oil semi transparent Natural. My question is the stairs did not stain well, how can I redo these ? or should I wait until next year and clean and then stain again. From what I read I only have to clean with no sanding and then stain with the same stain. I just stained yesterday, so I guess I am wondering what my options are without ruining it.
Try leaving alone and clean and recoat in the Spring.
We have a new deck installed about a month ago using cedar wood. I am not aware that we are not supposed to sand it before applying stain as it will not penetrate into the wood. What should we do to fix it? Should we wait until spring to stain it? What brand and type of stain should you recommend us to use?
How fine if a grit did you sand?
have a 12 yr old mahogany deck just power washed has had 3 seperate coats over the yrs it is very blotchy used mahogany flame bfore will the blotchy areas show thruanother round of mahogany flame love the look no time to sand down any recommendation would be appreciated . should i do a solid color?
Strip it and brighten the wood. Apply Armstrong Clark in one of their hardwood colors. Do not use a solid stain on Mahogany wood.
strip it meaning sanding it?uestion or Post a Review…
Strip and or sand.
any particular stripper you recommend?Ask a Question or Post a Review…
Restore A Deck Stripper.
Just had a new cedar deck installed. Plan on waiting a month (NY) then staining. I’m guessing I will need to use a cleaner first? Is it ok to,use a regular brush and then a rag to apply or should I use a foam brush and then a rag?
The deck is about 700 square feet with about 40 linear feet of railing. Any guesstimate as to,how much stain I will need? If i get 10 gallons is there any chance the leftover will be good for a reapplication?
Use a cleaner and a wood brightener for the prep. Use a deck stain pad, not a foam pad. Better than a brush. No need for a rag. Only need one coat and 5-7 gallons should work.
I have a brand new cedar deck. Looks like you recommend Timberoil. Can I switch to TWP 1500 in a year or so. If so qwhat prepwork is needed
Yes. Strip and brighten for the prep when you switch.
I recently had my deck added-on to, the decking is Trex but the railings are cedar. I now have a combination of 8 year old cedar (previously stained with Cabot transparent) and new wood. If I strip and brighten the old wood can I stain with Timber oil or will the color difference between old and new be too glaring and I should instead use a solid stain?
We would go with the semi-transparent or semi-solid. It may be slightly off in color between new and old but will eventually blend.
I have new cedar for a new deck. The wood has been sitting, not installed, for several months. I want a penetrating semitransparent oil stain, but I want a medium grey/charcoal color, and that seems to somehow be a hard thing to find in a quality oil based and semitransparent stain. The best stains don’t come in grey shades. Does anyone know the best oil based stain that does come in a semitransparent oil stain, medium grey? I obviously don’t mind if it fades to grey, but I do want a richness to it, good protection, and expect to have to reapply, but I had heard of a stain that really—stained, that is to say, people actually complain led that the color wouldn’t come out. I’d consider that to be ideal. Why would you want the cooor to come out? Now I can’t find the name.
Thanks to anyone who has some input here.
Try Amrstorng Clark in Driftwood Gray or TWP 200 Series in Slate Gary.
Thank you! I appreciate the quick answer:)
I also noticed they appear to be the same company, AC and TWP, they have the same phone number. Again, thanks for the quick answer:)
No, they are not the same companies. You are looking at retailers sites, not the manufacturer.
Very informative site. Thank you! I have a new cedar topped deck structurally built for a spa to sit on it. My plan is to wait a month, apply the Timber Oil, then place the tub. Any particular issues or advice on this? Reapplication will obviously be around and not under the tub. Thanks.
Sounds good.
I would like to maintain the color of this rustic western red cedar sauna. I need UV protection. I do not want to change the color. Transparent penetrating stain with UV for this new wood would TimberOil be a good choice? We built it about 1 week ago. How long should I wait to protect the color? I don’t want it to gray. Also, I’m hoping to not have to use a deck clean product etc to prepare if at all possible.
Thanks!
It is not possible to protect from graying without changing the color. You MUST have tint in your staiu
Replacing rotted front porch ballasters and railing with PT pine. In SC, with high heat and humidity. The HOA requires a white finish. Could I use a stain or is it best to paint? If paint, then what primer?
Also, replacing deck boards on porch not white, natural, where the railing was rotted. So I have a mix of old and new decking. I would prefer leaving natural but getting a stain to a consistent look will be difficult. Is a colored stain best for a uniform look?
For a white, you will need a solid color stain, not a paint. Try Flood Solid Stains.
For the decking, see this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-blend-new-and-old-deck-boards/
We are currently installing a new deck and I am really worried because after only 4 days the first part of the deck that has been installed is already showing splitting on the top. The name of the wood is AC2 CedarTone Premium from Menards. We used screws to install but the splitting is all along the length of the boards. Should we stain it as soon as possible to stop the cracking or still wait. Please advise what product would be best. I do like the idea of a natural looking stain but splitting is why we got rid of the previous deck! We live in the Upper peninsula of Michigan deck gets afternoon sun, very humid and a ton of winter snow.
You have to wait and splitting is normal in wood. Staining will not prevent this. Nothing will. Part of having a deck.
I assume from everything I have read that a new deck should not be stained at least for a month or more depending on the satin ?
Yes, that is correct.
I have a new pressured treated deck and fence before I stain with Timber Oil stain what deck cleaner and wood brightner product should I use ? My contractor is wanting to stain soon and the fence has been up since February however the deck has just been completed a week ago.
Restore A Deck Wood Cleaner and Brightener.
Hello, we are finishing a deck renovation in Georgia. The decking has been down since late September. Painters are telling me it should be fine to stain now. I like everything I’ve read on your website about the timber oil. I just want to clarify that since this is a brand new deck we should only put one coat of stain on it at this point? Everyone keeps telling me two coats but that does not seem to be the best solution for a new deck. Can you please just confirm this? And, is it OK to use a brush to apply?
Just one coat this time. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Brush or stain pad applicator.
Thank you for your response. I was rereading your article again and now I’m debating whether the woodrich timber oil would be better or the Armstrong clark brand mentioned? The deck is new in the sense that it has not been treated with any stain yet, however the deck boards have been down for 5 months now. Would the timber oil still be your top pick or the Armstrong?
Thanks so much….your website is very informative!
Hi Megan, either would work well at this point. The AC will give slightly better UV protection if you use a semi-transparent color.
Hello, I am new here and have been reading articles and reviews, a little confused. I am installing a new Redwood Deck (as I type it is being constructed), I live in Central Point, OR. We have a good amount of rain and cooler temps, average highs 40-50 and lows can be 30’s or colder. We have a dry couple of weeks coming up but colder temps, I get good morning sun on deck till about noon, wanted to take advantage of dry wearther.
I was recommended and sold “SuperDeck transparent Natural” by the lumber store and no mention of any waiting period. Only instructions I have on the bucket say 40-95 degree install temps. But reading the reviews, SuperDeck doesn’t seem to be a great overall choice? I am wondering if I should return and get something else??? From what I read I do need to use a brightener prior to staining whether now or later.
I had planned on applying ASAP, but again reading articles I am rethinking, but would like to do something to protect (if needed) from our wet winter, not wanting to add color just preserve. I saw that the timber oil didn’t require as long of a waiting time, but details on using on new wood (Redwood) were not clear.
Thank you for your help, in my overall shopping experiences reviews can be as confusing as they can be helpful.
Shanda
Yes, you should return it. Best to wait for a period of time for the new wood to season. For the prep, you need both a deck cleaner and a wood brightener. Timber Oil can be applied about 1 month after the weathering and prep. It is tinted (not clear). You must have tint in your deck stain if you want to prevent UV graying.
I’m building two Adirondack chairs from Douglas Fir. Can I use Woodrich Timber Oil on furniture; sitting surfaces?
Thanks!
Yes, you should be fine.
We’ve just installed a new 400 sq ft cedar deck in central Vermont. Would we be better served by trying to finish with TO now, or wait through the fall, winter, and chilly spring until next year to apply TWP or AC?
This is a great site and super service. Thank you for all it takes to keep it running!
Either way would be fine. TO now after prep or wait and do it in the Spring.
I have a new deck made of 2×6 douglas fir spruce in Washington State. It is roughly 1800 sq. ft. And has full sun. The wood is non pressure treated. I want a natural finish. I understand the prep work but am unsure of the best stain to use for this application. Your advice would be appreciated. I am being told Sikkens, or Cabot. I understand this is an every 2 yr maintenance. Money is not an issue. I just want a beautiful deck when its all done. Thank you Mike
Using the TimberOil on new decks is a good idea. It is what we personally use on all new decks.
I am replacing deck boards with Siberian Larch decking. Can I use this stain right away? Live in Rhode Island and deck gets partial sun and mostly shade.
Wait about a month and prep with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
Can you use this on old wood?
Yes you can.
Hi,
I have a 4 year old western red cedar deck that was previously finished with Penofin. The covered area of deck still looks great minus normal wear. The portion that is not covered has an almost black appearance.
Im going to pressure wash and then sand all deck surfaces and rails and posts.
Will Timber Oil Brand work better than Penofin? We live in the PNW and I’m looking for a penetrator that will hold up for a longer period of time than Penofin and that won’t lose its color.
Thanks,
BC
Use a deck stain stripper will pressure wash and a wood brightener after. The Penofin “black” will come off much easier this way. Restore A Deck Stripper Kits work very well for this. TO Brand will not turn black like the Penofin does. Lasts about 2-3 years with minor fading.
No thanks on the stripper. As I said I’m sanding all surfaces. So that tells me that who ever answered my first question likely wants me to spend more money, unneccesaliy.
Waiting for sample of Timber oil.
Stripping is much easier then sanding and is the better way to prep. Opens the wood pores when stripping as opposed to clsoing the wood pores when sanding. Not trying to make you spend “more” money.
Just giving the proper advice based on many 1000s of deck restoration jobs over 20+ years.
I have a brand new Alaskan Cedar deck going down, I live in Portland, Oregon, so we have months of rain and damp conditions.
I just tried a Behr product from Home Depot, it did not absorb consistently, pooling in some areas, so I’m just using this for the underneath. Granted I have not used a cleaner on the wood, and it has not weathered any, so do not know if this would have made a difference or not.
What is the recommended stain to use? I’m reading this article and looking at the Wood-Rich Timber oil. The company who sold me the wood are recommending Penofin.
Anyone experience with new Alaskan Cedar in a wet climate?
The Penofin has a tendency to turn black. We would not suggest it. There are reviews on this website about the issues with Penofin. The Woodrich Timber Oil will work. You do have to prep the wood.
We have installed pine boards on the deck floor. The deck has a covering roof, but the 2 ends are open. We are thinking of using SuperDeck stain on the deck. What do you think?
Super Deck has a tendency to turn black on decks. We are not fans of the brand.
How does Timberoil work on older decks?
It works well for both new and older decks.
HAVE DECK SEVERAL YEARS….ORIGINAL STAIN PEELED VERY BADLY…..JUST FLIPPED BOARDS
AND SCREWED DOWN. SOME OF THE BOARDS HAD A BAD CASE OF MOLD ON SURFACE. WILL A
CLEANER REMOVE THE MOLD?
The Restore A Deck Kits and pressure washing will work.
Just applied 2nd coat in 3 &1/2 years. Very easy to apply. Cedar was allowed to weather for 1 year prior to first application. Cleaned and brightened and then applied stain. 2nd coat going on just after cleaning. Plan on repeating every 2-3 years. Very happy with results!
Looks really good!
Looks very sharp! Please tell me what color stain you selected.
That looks like Warm Honey Gold.