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Permanent stand materials?

Daver

Daver

PMA Member
Has anyone ever made a permanent stand with the newer perma-wood, the plastic based lumber alternative? I have one tree that is so big around that there is no way to hang a normal stand and I have thought about making a ladder and platform for that place. I could use treated lumber of course, but I wondered if the newer material that is commonly used for decks would be a better choice?

Any opinions or experiences?
 
That manufactured wood does seem like a pretty decent choice for the top, but I dont have much experience with it. It may have less problems with coons and squirrels chewing on it, and probably have less rotting problems. I have only seen it in 1" stuff, can you get heavier stuff, similar to a 2x6?
I have made a few in the last couple years and have been using all 2x6 pressure treat, 30 penny nails and 7" tree spikes (bring a BIG hammer!). I really like permenant stands. You can build them big, comfy, and rock solid if the tree is right.
 
The problem I have always had with permenant stands is the nails, pins or spikes that anchor it to a tree getting loose after a year or two. They are a death trap in the making. Plus, once the stand is abandoned, you will have all that synthetic lumber sitting in the woods NOT rotting. Why not just buy a good quality steel or aluminum ladder stand...even a buddy version for comfort and have a little better piece of mind. Last thing you want to do is take a tumble. Just my 2 cents
 
I'll try and take a picture of this tree, but suffice to say it is one wierd puppy. It is a huge old oak tree that has a trunk a mile around and leans funny and everything. I have a ladder stand in it now, but let's just say it was a cobble job to get that set. I didn't mention this, but I was thinking of screwing some eyebolts into the tree and then using ratchet straps to attach the "permanent" stand to each year and then removing it after the season. I don't like to nail into the trees proper because of growth and them working loose, etc, over time.

All of my other stands are pretty conventional, but this area really offers only this one tree as a viable stand tree so I am trying to come up with a better plan than the semi-dangerous ladder stand I have there now. (Note - once I got the stand set it isn't dangerous, but getting it set with a wierd, out of shape tree, etc, was a pickle that I do not want to repeat.)
 
These new "Artificial Woods" can be extremely slippery when wet. Be very careful.
 
None of the artificial stuff I'm aware of is supposed to be used for structural framing. If you've ever worked with it on a hot, sunny day you know why ... a 16' plank gets floppy as a noodle.

And I'd have to agree about "permanent" blinds. Elements, wind movement, tree growth and gravity all work against it staying firmly attached.

I built a ladder stand from 1X4 cedar. Dadoed in all the steps (with a 1X2 vertical brace under each step) and used screws and polyurethane (Gorilla) glue to fasten it together. Also used stainless bolts and lock nuts. It was fairly lightweight and quiet but strong! It folds up to "packable" size and I still use it occasionally.
 
we made 3x3 platforms and used no nails in the trees. put eye bolts in the middle, hooked a chain around the tree to the eye bolts made an 18' 2x4 ladder to sablize it to front that was 8 years ago and all three of them are in great shape . just have to adjust the chain for growth
 
Treated lumber and 60d pole barn nails are the ticket. The nails can be had in mass quantities at Menards, they're a little spendy but will hold for a long, long time. Hard on a tree, though.
 
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