We went a 3" drywall screw on the top and each side of each 2X4 step and a 3-1/2" galv nail on the bottoms. Each step was seperated 14" and a 2X2 was nailed in place between each 2X4 step for "sheer" reinforcement.

Just the 16-foot ladder piece was HEAVY when done. We beefed up the pallet's "header" with 2X4s and used 8-inch steel 90-degree angle brackets galv lagged to the pallet "deck" end and into the tree with (4) 3/8 X 4" galv lags.

The support braces were angled down with 4-foot 2X4 and each got a 3/8" lag. I will finish off the angle brackets to the tree witheither a 2-inch trucker's ratchet strap or steel strap down banding from my shop.

I'm telling ya this stand is in a sweet spot. It took alot longer than we anticipated today and out lag count was off which required a run to the hardware store we hadn't accounted for. But me and the nephew hit the woods with all the equipment and a cooler of ice tea and GOT ER DONE.

We have another ladder already constructed and a nother pallet set up to tie together. Final selection of a tree and install (next weekend?) is awaiting.