Pittsburgh Paints Co. Reveals Oxford Brown as 2025 Stain Color of the Year

Versatile hue is driving wood trends as homeowners prep for exterior stain season

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pittsburgh Paints Company (“Pittsburgh Paints Co.”) today announced that popular woodcare brands, OLYMPIC^® Stains, PITTSBURGH PAINTS & STAINS^™ coatings and FLOOD^® wood finishes have named Oxford Brown as the 2025 Stain Color of the Year. A warm, earthy hue with subtle hints of amber and russet, Oxford Brown evokes a rustic, vintage charm that adds depth and character to both futurist-inspired and classic designs. Its timeless and adaptable properties harmonize with all environments, making it a truly versatile choice for anyone looking to level up their exterior.

“For years, minimalist blacks and subtle white oaks have dominated the stain space,” said Ashley McCollum, Pittsburgh Paints Co. global color expert. “We opted for a warmer, more invigorating direction with Oxford Brown that transcends design styles. Whether you’re in your modern, minimalist era or are wanting to embrace earthy, rustic tones, Oxford Brown is a timeless treasure that complements any space.”

Oxford Brown’s unique blend of hues offers a captivating visual appeal while maintaining upscale elegance. Ideal for wood that has lost its luster over time, its design versatility makes it well suited for exterior spaces. DIYers can choose to make a stylish backdrop for stained pieces, such as tables and chairs, or create a more modern exterior with a swing, deck, or deck chairs for the upcoming spring season.

“Oxford Brown has proven itself with consumers as one of our top five tinted stain colors in 2024,” said McCollum. “Moving into 2025 stain season, this fail-proof color empowers our homeowners to design their spaces around it with ease.”

Pittsburgh Paints Co. woodcare experts recommend Oxford Brown in Olympic MAXIMUM® Semi-Transparent stain and sealant to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and longevity of wood. They also recommend semi-transparent Oxford Brown in Pittsburgh Paints & Stains PARAMOUNT™ Exterior stain and sealant in one, for the ideal blend of cutting-edge stain, color technology, and style expertise. The Flood Pro Series Semi-Transparent stain and sealant in Oxford Brown adds a rich and beautiful color that enhances the wood grain. Oxford Brown is also available in solid-color stain for a deeper, alternative look that better suits older or more weathered wood and provides longer lasting protection.

“Wood details can help add character and dimension to a home,” said Bryce Nelson, Pittsburgh Paint Co. associate marketing manager, woodcare brands. “Whether you’re going for a modern, rustic look or an aged, historic style, it’s important that you use the right product and color to preserve the beauty of your home and achieve your desired finish.”

Olympic Maximum Semi-Transparent stain and sealant enables DIYers to clean and stain their decks on the same day, regardless of the temperature. Olympic stain products are available at THE HOME DEPOT^® stores nationwide, select Pittsburgh Paints Co. dealers, Walmart, and online at homedepot.com/olympic.

Pittsburgh Paints and Stains Paramount exterior stain and sealant offers advanced protection* that consumers can get in one coat application with exceptional adhesion and UV protection. Pittsburgh Paints & Stains products are sold exclusively through MENARDS^® stores. Visit menards.com to find a list of Menards store locations.

Flood wood finishes protect, preserve and beautify any wood project. To find Flood products at independent retailers and national retailers across the U.S., visit Flood.com.

About The Pittsburgh Paints Company

With 125 years of product innovation, Pittsburgh Paints Co.’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most iconic and respected brands: GLIDDEN®, OLYMPIC®, PITTSBURGH PAINTS & STAINS™, LIQUID NAILS®, Manor Hall™, HOMAX®, TRUEFINISH™, MULCO™, FLOOD®, DULUX® (in Canada), and SICO™. Products are available at THE HOME DEPOT®, WALMART®, MENARDS®, LOWE’S®, independent retailers, and 750+ PITTSBURGH PAINTS CO. company stores. Pittsburgh Paints Co.’s headquarters is in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, located 20 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Learn more at pittsburghpaintsco.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

*Composed of hide, low-temperature application, blister resistance, surfactant leaching, dirt pickup, and adhesion

Flood, Glidden, Homax, Liquid Nails, and Olympic are registered trademarks and Manor Hall, Pittsburgh paints & Stains, Sico, and Truefinish are trademarks of The Pittsburgh Paints Co.
Dulux is a registered trademark of AkzoNobel and is licensed to The Pittsburgh Paints Co. for use in Canada only.
Mulco is a registered trademark of AkzoNobel.
The Home Depot is a registered trademark of Home Depot Product Authority, LLC.
Walmart is a registered trademark of Walmart Apollo, LLC.
Menards is a registered trademark of Menard, Inc.
Lowe's is a registered trademark of Lowe's, Inc.
© 2025 The Pittsburgh Paints Co. All Rights Reserved.