Homemade treestands...

[horatio1226]

Been thinking about building a homemade treestand lately. I have a lot of good trees to do it in. Trees where there are 2,3 and 4 trunks from 1 tree. I'm talking nice big sturdy trunks.
Can these be built safely? I should mention that I have carpentry skills that will enable me to build these solid. My concerns are the trees moving and the framework loosening. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Plans, pictures of stands that you have built would also be helpful. Thanks!

[Looper]

Sure you can. Use treated lumber and through bolts with large washers. Don't use nails for anything structural. Design them so that they will stay in place with gravity. You also want to add a non-slip surface. Wood will get incredibly slippery over time. Any wood stand is going to need a lot of maintenance, too. Moving trees will inevitably loosen or break something. A good wind storm could totally wreck one in a matter of seconds.

Personally, I think that it would probably be cheaper to buy a good lock on stand and install some tree steps. You could get something like a Chippewa Wedge-Loc, and put in some screw in steps and the cable on several different trees.

Even if you only spent $100 per stand on wood, not counting the time you put in, you're realistically looking at spending that at least every other year, maybe yearly.

[Rick Butler]

I've built them in the past but never nailed, screwed or bolted anything to the tree.  I basically built ladder stands out of pressure tx. lumber with a platform attached to the top.  They were then set against the tree and attached with chains and turnbolts.  Heavy as all get out but very solid and comfortable.

[reddogge]

With the advent of cheap and easy to install stands these days and the cost of treated lumber and plywood homemade stands are a loosing proposition. We do them in the marshes of MD but for rifle hunting and they are big enclosed and covered stands, not suitable for bowhunting out of.

[lpcjon2]

Is this on private land,on most(All I think) public land you can not build permanent stands.
 And 2x4's and 3/4 plywood make a great condo in the sky.Best done in the off season

[David Yukon]

What you can do, regarding tree movement, is to attache the the under cariage of you platforme, to one tree and to have the rest, of the lag bolts going thrue orizontal slots in the 2x6, so that in the wind, all the trunks can move freely. If you have a chance, go to a library, and look for boks on tree house building, tones of ideas!!
Good luck and post pictures!

[randy grider]

cheaper top buy a hangon stand. you can often get them for $40

[horatio1226]

yep, private land. The reason I want to build instead of buy is just for the room. I want to bring my son with me. I also think it would be a great project for us.

[ron w]

Brian, get one of those big double ladder stands, it will better in the long run and you can move it if you have to!

[horatio1226]

Ain't crazy about those things Ron. A buddy of mine almost killed himself trying to put one up a couple weeks ago.Those things are heavy as hell. I hate relying on others to get my stands up. Looking for something a little bigger.

[LongStick64]

In my opinion would never even attempt it, my bones mean more to me than my wallet..

[Bud B.]

I have a friend who built one on the ground so that it could be disassembled. After building he disassembled it and then put the platform elevated on planted 4x6s. then attached the sides and roof. His son shot a button buck (I think it was a button buck) early on in the bow season. It's also big enough for a stretched out nap if need be. Basically a small hut on stilts.

I built a ladder stand out of treated 2x4s and the platform supports are 2x6s. It sways with the sweet gum tree but is not built for two. Lumber and deck screws cost me about $40 last year.

[ron w]

Best of luck with whatever you come up with!!  

[horatio1226]

Has nothing to do with money...it would actually be cheaper to buy 2 ladder stands and put them on the same tree.

[dnovo]

You don"t ever want to build a stand that is attached to more than one tree. Wind movement will tear it apart in a short time. I don't believe in building stands like that myself but have hunted property where people did it and I saw several attached to triple trunk tree collapse before they were ever used.

[elk nailer]

Don't do it! By a manufactured one and enjoy life with your wife and kids.

[Guru]

Originally posted by horatio1226:
Has nothing to do with money...it would actually be cheaper to buy 2 ladder stands and put them on the same tree.

There ya have it!  Ladders are very comfortable and roomy if you buy the right one's. Used together for both of ya. And, you can always seperate as needed.

[DEATHMASTER]

I build ladder stands. I predrill all holes and have some that are 15+ years old. Trees grow and move. I use one lag bolt in back to tree and can adjust as needed.  
Anytime you attach to multi. Trees you are asking for trouble.

[Autumnarcher]

Home made, permanent style wooden stands account for more accidents than those manufactured stands.

They are exposed to all nature has to offer year round. Trees moving and swaying, moisture, heat and cold all take thier toll on the integrity.

They can look perfectly safe, when in fact the wood is significantly weakened. Attachment points, nails, screws, drilled holes all allow moisture to enter the wood, starting the decay process.

Steps and railing are prone to failure, rsulting in falls.

Like mentioned before, for the cost, buy a stand built to TMA specs.

Old decaying stands are eyesores in the woods, and even if you dont use it anymore, someone else could come along and assume it safe, and be seriously injured or killed.

[Steve Kendrot]

Check out the platform designs used by some of the tree canopy ropes courses. Cool stuff. Platforms are built around single bole trees and held in place by friction wedges. Not a single nail or bolt in the tree. They are large and sturdy and can hold several people at once. They wrap entirely around the tree so you cam walk around 360 degrees. For hunting you'd need a ladder to get into them. Unless you want a zip line!!

 http://www.sandyspringadventurepark.org/