i have several "home made" metal ladder stands that we build. they are about 16' and will hold about ten times the weight that store bought ones will. you just need a welder and plans and buy 1" box steel and 3/4" box steel for steps and some odds and ends for seat and standing platform. cost about 65$ to 70$ but well worth it . ............ one of the guys we hunt with returned his $300 cabellas stand for one of ours go figure just a copy of a ladder stand with heavier steel. pretty simple to build