Tried out a new tree stand design this weekend and it seems like it will work out pretty well.

Basically you need 2 7-8' 2x4's for the sides and two 8' deck boards. Two lengths of threaded rod about 2' or so depending on how wide the tree is and washers and bolts for said threaded rod.

Drill 2 holes in each 2x4 for the threaded rod to pass through. You want the threaded rod as close to the tree as possible. Put the washers and bolts on and tighten them down. Use a level to get is as straight as possible. Once level, cut the deck boards to length and screw to the top of the 2x4's for your standing platform. See mad paint skillz below. I forgot to take a picture while we were in the woods.

Only thing holding it to the tree is the pressure from the 2x4's and it seems very sturdy. My buddy was bouncing on the far edge of it and it held tight, it rocked a little but not enough that I would worry about it.

Hopefully, as the year goes on the tree will grow and make it that much more tighter and possibly grow into the threaded rod?

What are you using to get up into the stand?

Around here, if it is a permanent stand, we use old t.v. towers.
They make a great foundation to mount your platform to and are very safe, if properly attached, to climb up.

Around my property we are probably going to be using ladder sticks to get to them. Otherwise it will be tree climbing spikes and a harness. Due to my back issues, I won't be using spikes for a while, so ladder sticks mostly.


At my buddy's hunt club he will only be using climbing spikes. Hopefully to keep others from using his stands.

Fawk that, we used to either nail steps to the tree or use an old section of an extension ladder. :laughing:

Why not just secure the platform to the tree and or use a diagonal brace from the tree to the end of the ledge?

Fawk that, we used to either nail steps to the tree or use an old section of an extension ladder. :laughing:

Why not just secure the platform to the tree and or use a diagonal brace from the tree to the end of the ledge?

We will probably do that on my property but the hunt club my buddy is a part of doesn't allow nails or screws into the trees. Not sure why. We were testing the design and it works good so far without being perm attached to the tree.

If I can get my hands on enough 2x4 I will probably also use those as steps up to them around my place.

Side note: Do you have access to a weedeater with a blade on it? Would make for an easier time clearing paths in a few weeks. Also, if not, want to help clear some paths in the next few weeks? :laughing::laughing:

We have plans to get about 10 stands up this spring and paths cut to them. Once they are up, bring a harness and you are ready to go.

some people use the cab of an old pickup, take out the windshield and you all ready have a seat and a rest for your rifle.

I wouldn't put those any higher than you're willing to fall. I've built and been in a heck of a lot of tree stands and I've also had a lot of "good" ideas that didn't turn out so good. When the wood is new and fresh, It may support your're buddies weight for a while, But after it sits out and weathers for a while, any knots and holes will weaken fast. If you weigh about 140 lbs and use treated lumber, you might get a whole season out of it.

We will probably do that on my property but the hunt club my buddy is a part of doesn't allow nails or screws into the trees. Not sure why. We were testing the design and it works good so far without being perm attached to the tree.

If I can get my hands on enough 2x4 I will probably also use those as steps up to them around my place.

Side note: Do you have access to a weedeater with a blade on it? Would make for an easier time clearing paths in a few weeks. Also, if not, want to help clear some paths in the next few weeks? :laughing::laughing:

We have plans to get about 10 stands up this spring and paths cut to them. Once they are up, bring a harness and you are ready to go.

Mine's the normal string kind, but I think I have my Bro's that will take attachments. As long as I'm free (ha!) I'm down for it. I do thin they'll have longevity issues though. As for the hunt club...they may not own the land and or it's because trees with metal in them will not be cut by loggers and thus = less $$$ when loggin time comes.

Mine's the normal string kind, but I think I have my Bro's that will take attachments. As long as I'm free (ha!) I'm down for it. I do thin they'll have longevity issues though. As for the hunt club...they may not own the land and or it's because trees with metal in them will not be cut by loggers and thus = less $$$ when loggin time comes.

Could be. I am going to be putting supports on mine most likely. Would rather not take the chance. Let me know if your Brothers will take attachments. It would be a real help.

Lot of effort and silliness to avoid hanging a good hang-on stand.

Must have a death wish, or way too much in a health care spending account.

FWIW my fave stand is my US built Ol' Man "Tara".

Not light, but solid/tough and comfy. 10 yrs old and still in great shape, checked every year, never needed any repairs.

They make them in China now, so YMMV.

My cousin runs those Gorilla hang on stands, comfy but I've seen some welds that looked spooky. One left out all year round, for years, on another property was damaged by the growing tree.

Watch what tree you hang a stand in year round, some grow way faster than others, and if you cinch it good at the start, you might have to cut it free later.