A lot of our old ladder stands are home jobs and are going almost 20 years strong. They are made of old iron pipe for legs with welded rebarb for steps and scrap or angle iron for the top with a wooden sign for the platform, and large nails welded on the back to go against tree, put on hooks with a chain and a swivel, and you have yourself a durable stand.

Best part was some of my relatives work in construction so the materials and labor were free.