Deerstand Designs

onthejon55 · February 18, 2009, 07:44 PM

Im building a deerstand for an upcoming school project and need some design ideas. I would rather have designs that can be made with wood vs. metal because im a horrible stick welder and thats all i have access to at the moment. Any and all feed back is appreciated!

(I understand that i am liable for all of my actions when building/using treestands)

Rembrandt · February 18, 2009, 07:59 PM

I'd encourage you to go with metal.....we stopped using wood because it deteriorates and is a safety hazard down the road. Besides, building a metal stand will force you to improve your welding skills. Our wood stands lasted maybe 3-4 years, have metal units that have gone nearly 20 years and could easily go another 20.

onthejon55 · February 18, 2009, 08:03 PM

I know that metal is far superior but really just wanted something simple that i can throw together in a few hours after a trip to the hardware store. It doesnt have to last very long

12GaugeShuggoth · February 18, 2009, 08:12 PM

Well, what kind of stand are you looking to build? Ladder stand, platform, climber.....not sure how that would work with wood, box.........? Different people think of different things when they hear the word "deerstand".

davlandrum · February 18, 2009, 08:25 PM

I think you could eyeball Rembrandt's pic and come up with a pretty good idea to do the same thing with wood.

Basically a platform attached to the tree with some support braces underneath.

THIS IS NOT ADVISING TO DO THAT

bclark1 · February 18, 2009, 08:50 PM

If you want to make a hang on - with hang-ons available at Wal-Mart or used for like $50, I would really suggest just buying one. The time you'll spend doing structural analysis to feel safe simply isn't worth it.

Ladder stand is a bit easier to be safe with, but believe me, you will not construct a proper one in a few hours or for $50. I wanted to do that - maybe stuff's way cheaper out by you and you're a serious carpenter but I ended up canning the idea.

pbrktrt · February 18, 2009, 09:38 PM

and i'm thinking an elevated box blind with quickly removeable windows. but i'm old and really enjoy the heater & solid rest this type of blind provides.

armedtotheteeth · February 18, 2009, 10:20 PM

i read the part where this is a school project. You cant buy it for your school project.

Get a few pieces of Cedar Lumber, not pine. Cedar will outlast the tree you put it on,
redesign the abuve pic, using wood, Your all set. Metal would be better though.

publius · February 18, 2009, 10:58 PM

For a box stand, wood works great. If you would like a box stand design, pm me and i'll fax/e-mail one to you.

guntotin_fool · February 20, 2009, 07:08 PM

treated wood will out last steel in the elements unless you way over build it.

Do you want a ladder stand, box stand, hanging stand? I have built all kinds and they are easy and cheap to build.

Legionnaire · February 21, 2009, 03:24 PM

Check out the following link. It has platform designs, plus a lot of other great stuff for ropes course design. I've been using a variation of this platform design for years, built from treated lumber lag screws. They work great.

http://wolfadventures.org/Ropes%20Co...s/technics.htm

And the staples can be used to hang gear, as well as lock in your climbing/safety harness.

Logs · February 21, 2009, 09:26 PM

Sorry re-read the post.

As for a build why not just go with two 16 ft treated 2x4's and build a ladder. Then go up 14 ft and come off with 2x6 for a platform and use treated 2x4's on top of the base. Then you will need two 2x4x10's to come down as angled support. Two eye bolts up top on the 2x6 and then attach with a ratchet strap.

guntotin_fool · February 22, 2009, 02:01 AM

Yes logs, but the OP was about a shop project for school, not which one to buy....

bcarver · February 22, 2009, 06:37 AM

Use pressure treated and several coats of paint.
put it out right before season starts and place out of weather (barn/shed)
during off season and they will last many years.
12 foot ladder/lean style
24" wide
1''x4'' steps inletted into 2''X4" legs
Turnbuckles with eye bolts and swing chain

YARDDOG(1) · February 22, 2009, 11:49 AM

If you have to make it use meatal & good paint

February 18, 2009, 07:44 PM	#1
onthejon55 Junior member Join Date: October 23, 2008 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 411	Deerstand Designs Im building a deerstand for an upcoming school project and need some design ideas. I would rather have designs that can be made with wood vs. metal because im a horrible stick welder and thats all i have access to at the moment. Any and all feed back is appreciated! (I understand that i am liable for all of my actions when building/using treestands) Last edited by onthejon55; February 18, 2009 at 08:01 PM.

February 18, 2009, 08:12 PM	#4
12GaugeShuggoth Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 534	Well, what kind of stand are you looking to build? Ladder stand, platform, climber.....not sure how that would work with wood, box.........? Different people think of different things when they hear the word "deerstand". __________________ ---Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.--- ---Enlightenment is the ability to take infinite pains--- MOLON LABE

February 18, 2009, 08:25 PM	#5
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	I think you could eyeball Rembrandt's pic and come up with a pretty good idea to do the same thing with wood. Basically a platform attached to the tree with some support braces underneath. THIS IS NOT ADVISING TO DO THAT __________________ U.S Army, Retired Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. -Potter Stewart Last edited by davlandrum; February 18, 2009 at 08:26 PM. Reason: disclaimer

February 18, 2009, 10:58 PM	#9
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	For a box stand, wood works great. If you would like a box stand design, pm me and i'll fax/e-mail one to you. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

February 21, 2009, 03:24 PM	#11
Legionnaire Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2000 Location: Central TX Posts: 1,503	Check out the following link. It has platform designs, plus a lot of other great stuff for ropes course design. I've been using a variation of this platform design for years, built from treated lumber lag screws. They work great. http://wolfadventures.org/Ropes%20Co...s/technics.htm And the staples can be used to hang gear, as well as lock in your climbing/safety harness. __________________ Cogito, ergo armatus sum.

February 18, 2009, 07:59 PM	#2
Rembrandt Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2002 Posts: 2,108	I'd encourage you to go with metal.....we stopped using wood because it deteriorates and is a safety hazard down the road. Besides, building a metal stand will force you to improve your welding skills. Our wood stands lasted maybe 3-4 years, have metal units that have gone nearly 20 years and could easily go another 20.

February 18, 2009, 08:03 PM	#3
onthejon55 Junior member Join Date: October 23, 2008 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 411	I know that metal is far superior but really just wanted something simple that i can throw together in a few hours after a trip to the hardware store. It doesnt have to last very long

February 18, 2009, 08:50 PM	#6
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	If you want to make a hang on - with hang-ons available at Wal-Mart or used for like $50, I would really suggest just buying one. The time you'll spend doing structural analysis to feel safe simply isn't worth it. Ladder stand is a bit easier to be safe with, but believe me, you will not construct a proper one in a few hours or for $50. I wanted to do that - maybe stuff's way cheaper out by you and you're a serious carpenter but I ended up canning the idea.

February 18, 2009, 09:38 PM	#7
pbrktrt Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2008 Posts: 313	and i'm thinking an elevated box blind with quickly removeable windows. but i'm old and really enjoy the heater & solid rest this type of blind provides.

February 18, 2009, 10:20 PM	#8
armedtotheteeth Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2005 Location: podunk, Texas Posts: 1,610	i read the part where this is a school project. You cant buy it for your school project. Get a few pieces of Cedar Lumber, not pine. Cedar will outlast the tree you put it on, redesign the abuve pic, using wood, Your all set. Metal would be better though.

February 20, 2009, 07:08 PM	#10
guntotin_fool Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2004 Posts: 1,446	treated wood will out last steel in the elements unless you way over build it. Do you want a ladder stand, box stand, hanging stand? I have built all kinds and they are easy and cheap to build.

February 21, 2009, 09:26 PM	#12
Logs Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 1999 Location: BLUEGRASS STATE KY USA Posts: 1,780	Sorry re-read the post. As for a build why not just go with two 16 ft treated 2x4's and build a ladder. Then go up 14 ft and come off with 2x6 for a platform and use treated 2x4's on top of the base. Then you will need two 2x4x10's to come down as angled support. Two eye bolts up top on the 2x6 and then attach with a ratchet strap. Last edited by Logs; February 22, 2009 at 07:10 AM.

February 22, 2009, 02:01 AM	#13
guntotin_fool Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2004 Posts: 1,446	Yes logs, but the OP was about a shop project for school, not which one to buy....

February 22, 2009, 06:37 AM	#14
bcarver Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2007 Location: Jackson,Mississippi Posts: 838	wood Use pressure treated and several coats of paint. put it out right before season starts and place out of weather (barn/shed) during off season and they will last many years. 12 foot ladder/lean style 24" wide 1''x4'' steps inletted into 2''X4" legs Turnbuckles with eye bolts and swing chain

February 22, 2009, 11:49 AM	#15
YARDDOG(1) Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: GATOR COUNTRY HA HA HA! Posts: 721	If you have to make it use meatal & good paint __________________ There's a GATOR in the bushes & She's Callin my name >Molly Hatchett<