I once made some portable wooden ladder stands for use at my father in laws camp. They were good as long as you hauled them in with a truck. Commercially made ladders are well worth the money because they come apart for packing and last forever if you take care of them. Sometimes, re-inventing the wheel isn't worth it when all is considered. Buying a quality stand is always worth the money compared to other alternatives. Plus, nothing invites trespassers like a permanent stand saying: "here's a good place to hunt!"