Exterior stain brand, Cabot, recently announced Acorn as its 2026 color of the year. 

“Acorn reflects wood in its most natural state,” says Sue Kim, Cabot’s director of color marketing. “Its earthy brown tone offers a rich look in both sunlit and shaded outdoor settings. Designed to be both durable and refined, Acorn highlights wood’s natural beauty while supporting outdoor spaces meant to be lived in, cared for and shared over time.”

Acorn, a stain with a natural warmth enhancing the character of wood, is available in solid, semi-solid and semi-transparent finishes. The stain is ideal for gathering spaces, like pergolas, beams and built-in seating; fences, trellises and raised beds; and patios and decks.

“Homeowners are longing for meaningful, lasting surroundings that give them a sense of nostalgia while also providing modern functionality,” Kim says. “Acorn speaks to that desire for permanence—environments meant for gathering, sharing and making memories. In a fast-paced world, familiar tones and timeless materials help foster spaces of belonging, reflection and ease.”