Homemade Tree Stand Plans

I'm looking for simple plans to make a homemade tree stand out of 2x4s and plywood. Nothing huge, or extravagant, but something that's about the same size as a quality lock-on. I figure if I put enough time and effort into the project, it may turn out just as good as a tree stand valued at over $200. The whole purpose is to have the quality of a name-brand lock-on, but spend much less money, while also having some pride in what I've made. If anybody has plans, or can direct me to a website that has plans that would be great!

 

I grew up hunting out of 2x4/plywood stands. Its seemed no matter how solid I attempted to build them, something would rot or need replaced yearly. For the price of lumber now, especially pressure treated, I think you could buy a pretty nice hang on for what you would have in materials alone.

 

I agree with BBM. You are better off buying than building these days. The only exception would be a box blind.

 

Count me in with the previous two. You're better off buying.

 

You have to look at the safety factor as well. There is no way a wooden stand left out in the elements all year is going to be as safe as a stand that spends the winter in the garage. In my opinion anyway. I also grew up hunting the home made wooden stands and would much prefer the lock ons that I have now.

 

^^^ Yup, spend the money... it's an investment not only as a hunting tool but also your safety! I have hunted from MANY permanant stands, after falling through the last one I climbed into you will not find me in another. They dont last. No matter how well you try. If ya want to build something take Brads suggestion and build an elevated blind that you can weatherproof. It will last years if done right and will be weatherproof, safer, and more cost effective in the long run. Lots of good deals around on quality hang ons and climbing sticks. Shop around get one and get a harness to go with if you dont already have one! Good luck

 

I agree with everyone that has posted so far. I truly think in the long run you would be better off buying than building. Both in safety and cost aspects.

 

I'm with a lot of the responses posted so far. from my experience, my father was a welder and sheet metal worker..he has scars from his attempts to make tree stands back in the early 80's. its just not worth risking your life over...

there ARE plans aroundon the net for making TOWER BLINDS with 2 x 4's and 4 x 4's.......but for the cost of material and labor, you could just buy a 10' tower blind from the sportsmanguide for 199.99$.....

I suggest checking out there website for low cost hangon treestands.

 

this reminds me of the stuff we used to get away with as kids. My sister nailed 2x2 steps up a big oak, installed a platform a good 30-40' up in the tree, spent tons of time up there. Each year you'd have to nail just a few more nails into those steps, until there was no more wood left to nail.

Safety harness? Hahahaha!!!!

Someone recently noted ****s has good sales on stands. I got a ladder stand from there for $30. Its been in the elements for 5 years now.

 

You can buy cheap hang on and ladder stands way under 100.oo what's your time worth??

 

Have to agree with everyone else. Not worth the risk just to save a few dollars.

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Very well said.

 

Thanks for the advice, I can see the concern for safety. My belief is that if you take the time and effort to build something, it should be able to last and withstand whatever you throw at it, especially if you do it right. That's why you make things yourself. Use it up, wear it out, can't do with, do without. Sometimes you can trust a tree stand you made better than a tree stand assembled in a factory in a far away land, sometimes you can't. I've had tree platforms that have lasted for years and years because they were made in the right fashion. Im just looking for some ideas and maybe a side project if anything. Again, Thanks for the advice guys and keep the posts comin'.

 

yeah you could get a hang on for around the same as lumber. and it is way safer. or build an elevated bow blind

 

I agree with everyone else but if you wanted to make a big tree fort/hunting stand then I could see that but you want to water proof it well.

 

The first three season I ever hunted were out of a wooden elevated blind on my uncle's property. It was kind of like a half blind, half treestand. I'll try to explain how he did this the best I can, I dont have any pictures of it. He found two trees (about 18" in diameter) that forked at the ground. He built a platform about 15 feet up that was nailed to both trees and to the top of two, vertical, 6X6 beams that were the same height as the platform. The 6X6s served as support beams for the front of the platform. Then he nailed two, 2X4s from the front corners of the platform to the tree to make a triangular shaped support below the stand. He was able to build his railings and overhead cover after the platform was complete and supported. He also made a ladder on the back side of the two trees. I don't know if I was able to explain that well enough for you to make a mental image. My uncle uses this stand every season, but he does maintain/rebuild it often. I'd say about every 3-5 years he builds a new one exactly like it in the same spot to avoid rot

 

Gun tower stands- We have them on telephone posts. Labor and material costs= a Shadow hunter prefab

Bow stands- Same treated ladder with a platform to the tree. Tree grows, platform is "self cleaning" on an icy morning.

Buy prefab, safety vest and be hooked up climbing.

 

I would really be surprised if you could build a hang-on stand from 2x4's and plywood that was as sturdy as a manufactured stand. I have seen some nice self-built hang-on's (archerytalk diy) but they are made from metal, not wood. I understand LoneWolf stands are pricey, buy you can buy cheaper stands that are plenty strong and safe.

If you are determined, here's some plans:

Homemade Hang-On Treestand Plans

 

Most old timers will tell you the only time they have ever fallen is from a home made tree stands before stands were commercially readily available. I occasionally come across the remains of old rotten wooden stands in the woods and can't believe guys once used them. I would only consider making stands out of steel unless that is you want to make a box blind.

 

Hey mate, I just built myself a tree stand but used metal instead of wood. Here is the write up I did for it on the Oz bowhunting forum I'm a member of. Any questions please feel free to ask.

http://www.bowhunting-forum.com/showthread.php?p=88909#post88909

I do agree with the others though about buying one. If I lived in the States I would have bought one. As I live in Oz the freight cost doubles the price of the stand if you can get it sent in the first place. However the pride I have of sitting in a stand I built plus the enjoyment I got from building it makes it priceless.
Good luck with it.


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