We've got some rotting wooden outside steps that I want to replace. They're just seven 1 metre-long planks screwed to a metal framework from the underside.
I'd planned to use scaffold boards as once cut to length the size is good, and I figured they'd take a lot of abuse. Also there quite rough so no need to add chicken wire or gripper pads for traction in the wet, maybe.
Lining up in the shop to buy them though I realise that they're not treated, like a lot of external wood tends to be.
How long would they last if I used them in their natural untreated state? I live in the UK so we have plenty of rain!
Alternatively I could treat/paint them with something? What products would be recommended? I'd like them to have a dark stain, rather than paint, if possible.
Or should I be looking at different wood completely?
Part of the appeal of scaffold boards is that they're relatively cheap, of course.