For wood alternatives, we test individual product lines from brands ... particularly important if you’re installing a deck near a pool. We also drop weights of various sizes on the surface ...

To test wood stains, CR’s engineers apply two coats ... One year of testing tells you how a stain will do after a year on your deck or about three years of weathering on vertical surfaces ...

which will help with the deck's lifespan. How do you know that you have waited long enough? After your 30 days are up, try a simple test by pouring some water on the wood. If the water beads up ...