I have 6 homemade ladder stands. They were built about 5 years ago and they are still as sturdy today as they were then. We used treated everything, and like timbercruiser said we used galvanized nails. Our stands were 16' 4x4 for the legs. 2x4 for the steps and the platform base and 3/4" plywood for the platform itself. Then we used 2x4 for a railing. The railings were built after the stand was up, because it depends how the stand sits against the tree how you build a railing. The platform was 33"x30". This is plenty big, I know, but it makes it more comfortable and safer. You can get up and strech and move around a little bit without worrying about falling. They are tricky to get in a tree. You almost need a crotch that the platform area will lean in to. Sorry for all the description, but I can't find any pics of them on my computer to attach. As far as price, I think they cost us about $75-$80 a piece to build. It could be a little more today. They definately have pros and cons, but if you can get a good deal on the lumber and you have a couple of buddies to help you put them up they aren't a bad way to go.

I will try to find some pics.

Dan