Hey guys im pretty new here, my names John, anyway
Im looking to build a nice enclosed stand this winter, preferrably big enough for two people, even if its a tight squeeze. I have a perfect tree, a big old oak, with a nice fork in it about 20' up, with about a 3' gap between the split. I would like the stand to go around the outside of the tree, just to give some more room for a heater and gear, i was thinking to lag bolt 2 2X8 on either side connecting the limbs, then using joist hangers frame a floor, and use triangular supports to the trunk. From there enclosing is easy ! Anyways I wanted to see if any of yall have anything similar! I'm open to any ideas but I'd prefer no posts going to the ground! Thanks!

John,
I dont mean to sound discouraging, but IMO, thats a bad idea. One of the biggest problems with a permanent stand is the wind and the weather take a toll. That leads to a dangerous situation for you and possibly a buddy sooner or later. Its true pressure treated lumber will last and is durable. But you can almost buy you a metal ladder stand for the same price as the material needed for what you are talking about. It is almost impossible to anchor boards to the limbs of tree. When the wind whips hard like say in a thunderstorm, something has got to give. It will probably be the boards or the bolts. Some of these guys might know ways to get around all of that so "hang on"

Very understandable, this is of course why i'm asking . Of course im going to use pressure treated, and as far as securing it to the treeI had a few ideas for the main supports. The first would be some longer lag bolts, and fender washers between the bolt head and the boards (2x8's or even 2x12's), the second would be using 1"threaded rod, with similar washers and nuts on both ends, essentially clamping it to the tree. Even after the split these limbs are about 2' thick, and It was fairly windy as I was scouting, and there isnt any major movement in the tree until about ten feet above the split, and if there is any movement, I would imagine both limbs would move together .Pretty much like a traditional tree house is set up actually!

Also as far as supply's go, when im not stuck at school I work at a lumber yard at home, so i have full access to treated lumber, joist hangers, and just about anything framing related you can imagine! (and im majoring in structural engineering if that means anything hahaha)

I appreciate the input though , anyone else?

lag bolts, preasure treated woodand joist hangers are the way to go. Build yourself a fortress up there. Better safe then sorry. I would feel safer in a structure I built, rather then something mass produced in china. They can't even make dog food or baby formula without killing us.

This past Saturday, I moved a 16 foot ladder stand bought from Wally World, one year ago. The entire seating platform and shooting rails had become unattached from all the bolts and brackets rusting apart. Junk stands. Wejust built a tower stand using all the materials you have described, plus some TREX for the decking and a roof oner top. Our tower stand will outlast any store bought stand. With a little primer and paintitshould last a life time of hunting.

Alright good, then im on the right track I was going to use a thick camo tarp taught over a 2x4 frame for a roof, no gable or anything, just sloped away from the main trail so i have some extra clearance for bow! I was thinking of hanging some sort of mesh over the openings, maybe cut it into strands so I could shoot though it but it still provides cover? Any opinions on this?

We placed a roof atop to shelter the stand and occupants from the elements. Completly enclosed all4 sides of the stand for concealmentand safety reasons. Since we will be hunting this stand with our kids. The doorway even has a slideing/locking rail for safety. Corner shelving for your coffee mugs, range finders, binocks, etc. Added a hoist/pully for backpacks and guns. Removable ladder for security reasons. Adding a lower level shooting platform for dog season. Plus, encloseing thebase of the tower stand for additional storage.

You won't find all these features and benefits in a prepackaged ladder stand at the local wally world.

Plus it is made in the USA.

Here'sa pic ofmy 15 year old free-standing stand. I wouldn't attach one to a tree, too many variables. Not the best pic, but its all I have.

^ That thing have a hemi too??


I was thinking about a tower stand, but for where I hunt, a tree stand would be much much much better

When I was younger my dad built me a tower stand similar to the one above. We used twenty foot light poles and built a floor off of them with lag bolts. Boxed it in with plywood and put a sloped roof. Ive killed alot of deers out of it and its always seemed safe to me.