Instead of trying to build a wood tree stand I would highly recommend just buying an aluminum ladder stand. You can get one cheaper than buying the materials to build a wood stand, it is safer, easier to move and if you want a top on it just fashion one out of 1/2 inch PVC and a few fittings and screw a piece of 3 foot by 4 foot aluminum roofing to it. The burlap camo works well, but usually won't last but a couple of years.