Homemade Ladder stand

Over the years I've purchased numerous commercial ladder stands. Longevity and quality are lacking....extremely thin walled tubing bolted together with tiny screws and bolts. After a few years they work loose and creak, just don't hold up.

Liked the concept and basic design of a ladder stand, decided to build one that was sturdy enough to last 15-to-20 years under hard use. Unlike commercial ones that clamp to a tree these would be lag bolted in permanently. Started out with 1" (schedule 40) black pipe, some 5/8" rebar, and sheet of expanded metal. Couple pieces of angle, some 1" solid round stock for splicing joints, and the rest from the scrap pile. Made the ladder and railing in removable sections for transport and ease of installation. Ran tubing through tube bender and then welded it up. Seat is a separate unit and lagged into the tree. Overall height is 18' to the platform, 21' to the hand railing.

If the location doesn't work out, removal of a few lag bolts and can be easily reassembled. No paint necessary, let nature give it a rusty camo look.

Hope the deer appreciate it....

rayatphonix said:

.....How are you attaching it to the tree?

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Two 1/2" X 5" long lag bolts for the platform and two more for the support braces.

DeepSouth said:

just remember trees move in the wind as well as grow, if you go to long that could become problematic.

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They certainly do move, like the positive security bolts add in strong winds. Have several that have been lag bolted in for nearly 30 years. Eventually the tree will grow over the attachment points.

Hugger-4641 said:

I like everything except the the lag bolt idea. As mentioned above, trees grow up and out, and move. I use galvanized chain over a peice of bicycle tire to go around the tree tighten with turnbuckle or ratchet straps.

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Years ago had a stand stolen that was chained in.....should that happen again the lag bolts will make them work for it.

entropy said:

..... as AF said, get something warm to go under your butt, that expanded metal will get cold fast!

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Have tried many different seats from PVC, wood, to covering with rubber roofing. Prefer the expanded metal because moisture and snow go right through it. Low maintenance and critters won't chew on them. Here's some seats from one of the two man stands. Carry a foam cushion when hunting, does make it more comfortable.