I’m pretty useless with stuff like this so i’m going to say yes. I was given a slatted chair made from untreated timber for my 21st bday two years ago and I bought stain and varnish for it a week after. It’s still sitting unfinished in my wardrobe. I’m a little intimidated about staining and varnishing it, the guy at the hardware made it sound like it’s a big deal with all the sanding and such.
I might dedicate a weekend to it and buy a pair of overalls or something for inspiration.