I only use store bought climbers if I'm going up a tree. The only wooden stands I'll get in are shooting houses built on 4x4's. When I was younger and more foolish I built many a wooden stand hanging off of or between trees. They are mostly unsafe and only last a couple of years before they rot becoming completely unsafe. I've had a couple collapse with me, it's a miracle I wasn't seriously hurt. I know a couple of guys that are now paralyzed because wooden stands collapsed on them. It ain't worth it.