What product for treatment of wooden item?

[Ihaveausername]

Looking for recommendation for product to treat / paint a set of steps made of what I was told was "soft wood" and needs treating. I am a novice with this kind of thing and there are so many products on the shelf! Thank you

You have a choice of using a wood stain or paint. Choose any wood stain that says it’s suitable for sheds, fences etc. There’s a range of colours available.

Alternatively, you could paint the steps using a paint made for outdoor wood.

There are lots of different manufacturers but the products themselves are similar. If you visit a large DIY store, they’ll have their own brand which can be good value.

Soft wood is especially vulnerable to rotting anywhere that water will gather so be sure to seal where the steps of the ladder join with the uprights.

Whichever option you choose, it will need to be stained or painted again in a few years.