TWP 103 Dark Oak is a beautiful Medium to Dark Brown that will really enhance your wood. This color is popular for customers who are looking to get away from the traditional golden/cedar colors.
TWP 100 Series comes in 9 different color choices, 8 of which are semi-transparent. TWP penetrates into the wood grain while “enhancing” the natural color tones of your wood. TWP 103 is an EPA registered wood and deck stain and preservative. Containing unique ingredients which protect wood from damage, TWP 103 stain color has been a leader and respected product for over 25 years.
Final TWP 103 Dark Oak color will vary based on:
Type of Wood
Age of Wood
Prepping of Wood
Application method
TWP 103 Dark Oak Photo Gallery
If you have used the TWP 103 Dark Oak, we would love to see your photos!
Please add them in the comment area below.
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Eve
8 months ago
I am hearing that TWP is discontinuing Deck Stains, is this true?
We are currently building a new deck and will be done this week. Is there a series that has a shorter weathering period? We live in the most northern part of NY so we don’t have 3-4 months to wait to stain. We like the Dark Oak color but will do any similar color. Thanks!
Will 103 Dark Oak blend treated and untreated wood so that they look similar? My contractor accidentally finished a project using treated wood. Started with untreated wood. I really don’t want to use a solid stain which would hid all the grain and I prefer not to swap out the pressure treated wood but may do that if I really have to. Thanks!
No, it is not possible to make two different wood types look the same with a semi-transparent stain. It will be close but not exact.
Mike
1 year ago
I have dark oak stain on my log cabin and just stripped my (unfortunately painted) deck, ready for new stain. I’m thinking about staining the deck lighter than the house, like say with TWP120 Pecan (I still want good UV protection for the Flagstaff, AZ sunshine).
I’m having trouble visualizing that combo, however. Is that a combination that is often done, or is it more common to stain the deck the same as the log cabin?
I’m “color challenged” so any assistance in this decision would be much appreciated!
We sanded down our cupping deck boards to almost bare PT, which had 5 years of 103 Dark Oak. We finished first coat 4 hours ago. When can I recover a few deck boards ?
Author
2 years ago
Reply to
Not sure what you are asking.
Author
2 years ago
Reply to
If you meant recoat, you cannot apply another coat now. If applying two coats it has to be wet on wet. Also, you can spot apply. You would have to recoat all the floors for an even appearance.
2 years ago
Reply to
A few deck boards (3) didn’t get coated enough. Way to light compared to the others
Anna
2 years ago
I’m confused. What is the difference between 103 dark oak and 1503 dark oak?
I know the product lines are different but I am not understanding two things: (1) which product line would be better suited for my application (a cedar deck on the north coast of Oregon) and (2) is there a COLOR difference between 103 dark oak and 1503 dark oak? I’m loving these pics of the 103 dark oak and that’s the color I want for our deck!
thank you ?
The difference is VOC content and what is allowed in certain states. You can use either in OR and they both last the same. Teh 1503 is lightly darker than the 103.
FYI, the color will always vary based on wood type and the age of the wood. Pictures should only be used as a reference as there is no guaranty of the same color.
Anna
2 years ago
Reply to
Yes, I ordered a sample of the 1503 dark oak. I should have ordered the 103 dark oak, too. Oh well. Anyway, I plan to strip a small area on my deck to test the color first. Then if I like the color I will have to decide between the two product lines. Thank you for your assistance I appreciate it
One coat of Dark Oak right out of the can, did not blend with clear.
Lauren
2 years ago
Reply to
Thanks so much, Ruth! We just did the same color and I love it! Our deck is probably 20+ years old, so the color looks a but different—definitely gave the deck some new life! Thanks again for your help! 🙂
It’s beautiful! Is this one or two coats? They are doing ours tomorrow and I’m worried one coat won’t look nice. Our wood is 4 year old treated pine. Thanks!
No, they have a different color and the 300 is shiny while the 100 is not.
3 years ago
Hello. I’m in East Central Florida. Had a pergola built in October from treated wood (HT?). It’s been “drying” for 4 months. If I sand it before applying TWP 100, is it okay to eliminate the Restore a Deck Kit step that you recommend for new wood? I would use an orbital sander, probably 80 grit. Thanks.
Author
3 years ago
Reply to
Do not sand. Use the kit for prep. Sanding makes the wood less porous.
jan
4 years ago
Can you mix stains that are different colors? I have a gallon of california redwood but id like to deepen it with dark oak. Can I mix the two cans?
I stained a deck with cedar tone and it looks ok but then I stained the new rough cedar posts and they are bright ! I put 2 coats on and now I want to tone down the color. How would I accomplish that?
You cannot tone down the color after it is applied. You can remove and start over with a different color.
4 years ago
Had a new pressure treated wood deck built the first week of June of this year…it’s already dropping into the 60’s during the day and some mid-40’s nights here in PA. Feel like I’m kind of caught between a rock and a hard place timing-wise for putting a first coat of stain on. I’d like to go with a dark color but the semi-solids I should be waiting an entire year. What’s the best suggested option?
a) Do a semi-transparent now and then go darker a year or two from now?
b) Leave it untreated through the winter and spring rain and go with a semi-solid next year?
c) Go with a semi-solid now?
d) Some other option?
Two years ago, I stained my Doug-fir deck with a mix of Rustic and Dark Oak. It still came out redder than I like. Now, I’m ready for another coat and I’m considering going straight Dark Oak. How will that look over the top of the mix? I’ll use either cleaner/brightner or stripper/brightner.
Author
5 years ago
Reply to
Hard to say but it will be more brown.
MrWrestlingII
5 years ago
I will be re-staining my deck this year with 103- Dark Oak. It is currently stained in the same product/color and in good shape (The TWP 103 Dark Oak Walkway in your photo gallery is part of the project). What is the best method to apply a thin coat with minimal dripping? I am thinking of trying a very tight nap roller, or maybe a staining pad.
Also, when do expect to be shipping this product again? I’ve got enough currently on hand to get started but will be needing another 5 gallons to finish the project.
Make sure to clean for prep. No way to really stop the dripping. It will run no matter what. We like stain pads better than rollers. Orders should be opening up next week.
JD
5 years ago
If your deck takes a lot of direct sunlight will the dark oak show more noticeable fading faster than one of the lighter colored stains?
Dish soap and warm water with a very soft car wash brush.
Lewis Frazier
5 years ago
I am doing maintenance after one year on a new pine deck that I originally let age 12 months. I put on 1 coat last year and plan on using the same stain color TWP 103 this year. Questions: Do I need to clean and brighten or just clean? Also, should I put on two coats this year, wet on wet?
Clean and brighten is best. Two light coats wet on wet. Post a picture when done!
5 years ago
I stained my ceiling of the covered deck with the dark oak last fall and love it. I am now going to do the decking boards. I am buying the restore a deck and I also have a power washer. Can you please tell me what steps I need to do and the order of them including when to power wash. I plan on applying the cleaner and brightener with a tank sprayer. The deck boards are exactly one year old. Am I better off staining now this fall or waiting till the spring. I live in Nebraska. Lastly I have an aluminum railing, will the restore a deck or the stain affect the railing? Do I need to cover them or will any splatter just wash off? I really want to get all this right the first time. Thanks Jon
Author
5 years ago
Reply to
You can stain now.
1. Apply Cleaner and pressure wash off. Rinse well.
2. Apply the Brighterner and rinse after 20 minutes.
3. Wait 48 hours to apply the stain.
Prep should not harm the railings but always test first. Do not get the stain on them. If you do, wipe clean right away. Saturate any oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
Just finished our cedar front porch. Everything is cedar except the ceiling. It is yellow pine. Turned out great. I used 100 series dark oak and clear. I mixed it 2:1 (2 dark oak gallons to 1 clear). I did this to help lighten up the dark oak because it was pretty dark, almost black on our cedar. Here are some before and after pictures. I talked with TWP and you still get UV protection when mixing the clear with the dark oak.
@Stefanie Hobson U bet! Post some pictures when your done. Unfortunately every bit of my front porch I did last year, was demolished by a tornado. We just rebuilt it and I put the exact same mixture back up. We love it! Highly recommend spraying a lot of viper insecticide on it to help with bees and wasps. It worked great!! Good luck!
I ended up mixing dark oak and clear 1:1 and I love it!
Joe
6 years ago
I plan to create a ground contact walkway similar to twp-103-dark-oak#!TWP_103_Dark_Oak_Walkway — what are the recommendations for staining/sealing the underside of the deck boards? Should I stain the edges and bottom first and let the boards “age” before staining the tops? I would at least like to seal the edges prior to installation (is that advisable)? Do I need to be concerned about the deck board bottoms? Should I have crushed stone under the boards, a “small” air space, or does it matter? FWIW – deck will be located in Maine and will be cleared with a snowblower. Thanks!
No need to stain the sides and only stain the exposed wood after install, natural weathering, and prep. You should create some airspace of some kind to avoid rotting.
Lewis
6 years ago
I just stained a newer pine deck for the first time after letting it age for about 14 months with TWP 120 Pecan but I want re-stain it with something less orange and darker. How would I go about removing it and applying TWP 103 dark oak? Thank you!
Much easier to remove in the Spring as opposed to stripping a stain that was just applied. You will need to strip and brighten in the Spring.
Lewis Frazier
5 years ago
Reply to
I have some marks on the deck from moving furniture before staining. Now that I have stained they are still there. Should I light sand those areas and restrain?
Those are dents in the floor. You cannot spot sand and then reapply. It will still stand out.
john
6 years ago
I have stripped restore-a-deck cedartone with restore-a-deck stripper and pressure washer, then applied brightener. Some was left so I also did moderate to heavy sanding to remove the remainder. I plan to pressure wash the dust off completely. Do you recommend 1) repeating the stripper, then pressure wash, then brightener; 2) apply the cleaner, then pressure wash, then brightener; 3) pressure wash, then brighten; or 4) just pressure wash only? I plan to use TWP115.
Clean, pressure wash, and brighten would have the best results.
John
6 years ago
I like twp103 dark oak but would like a lighter shade of brown for a two tone application. Can I mix 103 with 100 clear for a lighter shade of brown? And if I can mix, will it still provide some uv protection? If the uv protection is inadequate then I may still mix to get desired color if the two will mix properly.
TWP 103 Dark Oak is a beautiful Medium to Dark Brown that will really enhance your wood. This color is popular for customers who are looking to get away from the traditional golden/cedar colors.
I am hearing that TWP is discontinuing Deck Stains, is this true?
No, that is not true.
Can I get a qt
Of rustic to show customer
Sorry but we do not sell or offer quarts. We do have small 1-2 oz samples here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
We are currently building a new deck and will be done this week. Is there a series that has a shorter weathering period? We live in the most northern part of NY so we don’t have 3-4 months to wait to stain. We like the Dark Oak color but will do any similar color. Thanks!
No, you have to wait 4-12 months and then prep. In your case, this would be Spring and the wood will be fine through the Winter.
I have 15 gal of the 120 pecan pro series that I would like to darken. What can I add to darken my stain
You can add the dark oak color into the pecan to darken the pecan color.
We will be building a redwood porch and looking for a darker stain that will NOT show the natural red color of the wood. What stain would you suggest?
See this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for colors, they vary based on wood type and age of the wood. Best to test samples when ready:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Will 103 Dark Oak blend treated and untreated wood so that they look similar? My contractor accidentally finished a project using treated wood. Started with untreated wood. I really don’t want to use a solid stain which would hid all the grain and I prefer not to swap out the pressure treated wood but may do that if I really have to. Thanks!
No, it is not possible to make two different wood types look the same with a semi-transparent stain. It will be close but not exact.
I have dark oak stain on my log cabin and just stripped my (unfortunately painted) deck, ready for new stain. I’m thinking about staining the deck lighter than the house, like say with TWP120 Pecan (I still want good UV protection for the Flagstaff, AZ sunshine).
I’m having trouble visualizing that combo, however. Is that a combination that is often done, or is it more common to stain the deck the same as the log cabin?
I’m “color challenged” so any assistance in this decision would be much appreciated!
This is all “aesthetic” as to what you want. The same color or contrast will both equally work well.
How long will unused TP103 last? Years?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
We sanded down our cupping deck boards to almost bare PT, which had 5 years of 103 Dark Oak. We finished first coat 4 hours ago. When can I recover a few deck boards ?
Not sure what you are asking.
If you meant recoat, you cannot apply another coat now. If applying two coats it has to be wet on wet. Also, you can spot apply. You would have to recoat all the floors for an even appearance.
A few deck boards (3) didn’t get coated enough. Way to light compared to the others
I’m confused. What is the difference between 103 dark oak and 1503 dark oak?
I know the product lines are different but I am not understanding two things: (1) which product line would be better suited for my application (a cedar deck on the north coast of Oregon) and (2) is there a COLOR difference between 103 dark oak and 1503 dark oak? I’m loving these pics of the 103 dark oak and that’s the color I want for our deck!
thank you ?
The difference is VOC content and what is allowed in certain states. You can use either in OR and they both last the same. Teh 1503 is lightly darker than the 103.
FYI, the color will always vary based on wood type and the age of the wood. Pictures should only be used as a reference as there is no guaranty of the same color.
Yes, I ordered a sample of the 1503 dark oak. I should have ordered the 103 dark oak, too. Oh well. Anyway, I plan to strip a small area on my deck to test the color first. Then if I like the color I will have to decide between the two product lines. Thank you for your assistance I appreciate it
I guess it will not ship to Ohio?!?
Use the 1503 Dark Oak
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Can i use a sprayer to apply?
also Looking for anyone that used 103 on treated pine decking. Would love to see photos!
You can spray and then back brush to ensure even application. Lots of pics in the photo album above.
This is 8 month old treated pine one coat. Very happy with results. Also did our porch, pictures are in this feed below.
And beautifully styled, as well!
Just finished staining our new porch (7 mos old) with 1 coat of 103 Dark Oak. Love how it turned out.
Looks great!
So beautiful!! Did you do strictly the dark oak or did you do a blend with the clear?
One coat of Dark Oak right out of the can, did not blend with clear.
Thanks so much, Ruth! We just did the same color and I love it! Our deck is probably 20+ years old, so the color looks a but different—definitely gave the deck some new life! Thanks again for your help! 🙂
It’s beautiful! Is this one or two coats? They are doing ours tomorrow and I’m worried one coat won’t look nice. Our wood is 4 year old treated pine. Thanks!
Hello! Just one coat. However, our deck is quite old I believe. I’m not sure how old, but at least 15 years or so.
Thank you for the quick reply! I hope mine looks as good as yours!
Post some pics when done!
I have a can of TWP 303 Dark Oak, is that equivalent to TWP 103 Dark Oak, if not, what would be the difference?
No, they are completely different products. They cannot be used together.
Sorry, I was not asking if they could be mixed together, but rather if they were similar in color and appearance, i.e. to finish a project.
No, they have a different color and the 300 is shiny while the 100 is not.
Hello. I’m in East Central Florida. Had a pergola built in October from treated wood (HT?). It’s been “drying” for 4 months. If I sand it before applying TWP 100, is it okay to eliminate the Restore a Deck Kit step that you recommend for new wood? I would use an orbital sander, probably 80 grit. Thanks.
Do not sand. Use the kit for prep. Sanding makes the wood less porous.
Can you mix stains that are different colors? I have a gallon of california redwood but id like to deepen it with dark oak. Can I mix the two cans?
Yes, you can.
I stained a deck with cedar tone and it looks ok but then I stained the new rough cedar posts and they are bright ! I put 2 coats on and now I want to tone down the color. How would I accomplish that?
You cannot tone down the color after it is applied. You can remove and start over with a different color.
Had a new pressure treated wood deck built the first week of June of this year…it’s already dropping into the 60’s during the day and some mid-40’s nights here in PA. Feel like I’m kind of caught between a rock and a hard place timing-wise for putting a first coat of stain on. I’d like to go with a dark color but the semi-solids I should be waiting an entire year. What’s the best suggested option?
a) Do a semi-transparent now and then go darker a year or two from now?
b) Leave it untreated through the winter and spring rain and go with a semi-solid next year?
c) Go with a semi-solid now?
d) Some other option?
TWP does not come in a semi-solid currently. See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Does treated pine have to age if so how long
See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Two years ago, I stained my Doug-fir deck with a mix of Rustic and Dark Oak. It still came out redder than I like. Now, I’m ready for another coat and I’m considering going straight Dark Oak. How will that look over the top of the mix? I’ll use either cleaner/brightner or stripper/brightner.
Hard to say but it will be more brown.
I will be re-staining my deck this year with 103- Dark Oak. It is currently stained in the same product/color and in good shape (The TWP 103 Dark Oak Walkway in your photo gallery is part of the project). What is the best method to apply a thin coat with minimal dripping? I am thinking of trying a very tight nap roller, or maybe a staining pad.
Also, when do expect to be shipping this product again? I’ve got enough currently on hand to get started but will be needing another 5 gallons to finish the project.
Make sure to clean for prep. No way to really stop the dripping. It will run no matter what. We like stain pads better than rollers. Orders should be opening up next week.
If your deck takes a lot of direct sunlight will the dark oak show more noticeable fading faster than one of the lighter colored stains?
No. They fade about the same rate but darker colors, in general, take longer to fade.
I have the dark oak stain which I love but it shows dirt a little more. What should I used to clean it?
Dish soap and warm water with a very soft car wash brush.
I am doing maintenance after one year on a new pine deck that I originally let age 12 months. I put on 1 coat last year and plan on using the same stain color TWP 103 this year. Questions: Do I need to clean and brighten or just clean? Also, should I put on two coats this year, wet on wet?
Clean and brighten is best. Two light coats wet on wet. Post a picture when done!
I stained my ceiling of the covered deck with the dark oak last fall and love it. I am now going to do the decking boards. I am buying the restore a deck and I also have a power washer. Can you please tell me what steps I need to do and the order of them including when to power wash. I plan on applying the cleaner and brightener with a tank sprayer. The deck boards are exactly one year old. Am I better off staining now this fall or waiting till the spring. I live in Nebraska. Lastly I have an aluminum railing, will the restore a deck or the stain affect the railing? Do I need to cover them or will any splatter just wash off? I really want to get all this right the first time. Thanks Jon
You can stain now.
1. Apply Cleaner and pressure wash off. Rinse well.
2. Apply the Brighterner and rinse after 20 minutes.
3. Wait 48 hours to apply the stain.
Prep should not harm the railings but always test first. Do not get the stain on them. If you do, wipe clean right away. Saturate any oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
What is the coverage for a gallon can
About 150-200 sq feet per gallon.
Just finished our cedar front porch. Everything is cedar except the ceiling. It is yellow pine. Turned out great. I used 100 series dark oak and clear. I mixed it 2:1 (2 dark oak gallons to 1 clear). I did this to help lighten up the dark oak because it was pretty dark, almost black on our cedar. Here are some before and after pictures. I talked with TWP and you still get UV protection when mixing the clear with the dark oak.
Looks great!
Thank you for posting! This was the mixture I was planning and have searched for an example!
@Stefanie Hobson U bet! Post some pictures when your done. Unfortunately every bit of my front porch I did last year, was demolished by a tornado. We just rebuilt it and I put the exact same mixture back up. We love it! Highly recommend spraying a lot of viper insecticide on it to help with bees and wasps. It worked great!! Good luck!
I ended up mixing dark oak and clear 1:1 and I love it!
I plan to create a ground contact walkway similar to twp-103-dark-oak#!TWP_103_Dark_Oak_Walkway — what are the recommendations for staining/sealing the underside of the deck boards? Should I stain the edges and bottom first and let the boards “age” before staining the tops? I would at least like to seal the edges prior to installation (is that advisable)? Do I need to be concerned about the deck board bottoms? Should I have crushed stone under the boards, a “small” air space, or does it matter? FWIW – deck will be located in Maine and will be cleared with a snowblower. Thanks!
No need to stain the sides and only stain the exposed wood after install, natural weathering, and prep. You should create some airspace of some kind to avoid rotting.
I just stained a newer pine deck for the first time after letting it age for about 14 months with TWP 120 Pecan but I want re-stain it with something less orange and darker. How would I go about removing it and applying TWP 103 dark oak? Thank you!
In the Spring.
So I should wait to let it dry more? I cannot restrain immediately? Then would I strip and brighten?
Much easier to remove in the Spring as opposed to stripping a stain that was just applied. You will need to strip and brighten in the Spring.
I have some marks on the deck from moving furniture before staining. Now that I have stained they are still there. Should I light sand those areas and restrain?
Those are dents in the floor. You cannot spot sand and then reapply. It will still stand out.
I have stripped restore-a-deck cedartone with restore-a-deck stripper and pressure washer, then applied brightener. Some was left so I also did moderate to heavy sanding to remove the remainder. I plan to pressure wash the dust off completely. Do you recommend 1) repeating the stripper, then pressure wash, then brightener; 2) apply the cleaner, then pressure wash, then brightener; 3) pressure wash, then brighten; or 4) just pressure wash only? I plan to use TWP115.
Clean, pressure wash, and brighten would have the best results.
I like twp103 dark oak but would like a lighter shade of brown for a two tone application. Can I mix 103 with 100 clear for a lighter shade of brown? And if I can mix, will it still provide some uv protection? If the uv protection is inadequate then I may still mix to get desired color if the two will mix properly.
Yes, you can mix TWP colors of the same series. You will still have UV protection.
I’m thinking of mixing TWP103 dark oak with either 120 Pecan or 100 clear. Do you have any pics to share?
We do not.