Buy versus Build a Tree Stand

The reason hunters consider building rather than buying a tree stand is usually cost. They want to build a tree stand for less than what it costs to buy one. 

The 2 factors to consider when making this decision are: 

•  Cost to build
•   Safety 

Cost 

When reviewing modern design tree stands, the frame is almost always welded aluminum or aluminum/steel. This is done for safety, strength and noise reduction [no or minimum nuts, bolts, and washers to wear, work loose and squeak]. 

With this in mind, if you have welding skills, or know someone who does, then that is a cost advantage. If you have to pay someone to do the welding for you, the cost involved, added to the materials, can make it the same or in some cases, more expensive than a purchased one. 

You can make one that has a frame without welding, and is held together with nuts and bolts. These stands are not as good as welded ones, and require more maintenance to ensure the nuts and bolts remain tight and lubricated to minimize noise from squeaking. 

The stands that lend themselves to being homebuilt are hang-ons and ladder stands. Hang-ons are generally the cheapest to make, however there are commercially made models that are designed to be cheaper than trying to make one yourself! 

Two examples of low priced hang-ons [at the time of writing] are:

•  Big Dog Boxer Fixed Chain-On Tree stand. This stand is made from steel and has an 18 inch by 22 inch platform from heavy duty expanded steel and a 13 inch by 8 inch camo padded seat. It weights 15-1/2 lbs, has a rated load limit of 300 pounds, and the price includes a fall arrest system. The price is $34-99
•  Hunter’s View Razorback Stand. This stand is made from steel and has a 24 inch by 30 inch platform from durable steel mesh and a 13-1/2 inch by 8 inch padded seat. It weighs 21 lbs, has backpack straps and the price includes a TMA-certified Body Safety Harness. The price is $39-97.

If you had to buy the materials and pay for the welding and buy the fall arrest system, it is unlikely you could do it cheaper than the examples above.

Safety  

The key issue is ensuring that your tree stand is safe! 

Homebuilt tree stands account for a disproportionate number of falls. They range from one study where 2/3 of all tree stand falls involved homebuilt stands, to another in Maryland where a quarter of all tree stand accidents were caused by homebuilt stands that rotted or broke. What is clear is that generally, homebuilt tree stands are not as safe as commercially made ones.  

In general, homebuilt stands are either not designed or made safely, or the ongoing maintenance is neglected. 

Advantages and disadvantages 

When considering the advantages and disadvantages, what follows are generalizations, however, there will always be exceptions. Some homebuilt stands are made by hunters with engineering skills, so they are structurally sound and safe, so where a lot of homebuilt stands suffer from poor design – not all of them do! 

Homebuilt 

          Advantages

• Usually cheaper but not always

Disadvantages

• May end up more expensive than a commercially made one
• Structurally, not usually as strong as commercially made ones
• Usually more maintenance required
• Materials often inferior
• Design often inferior

Commercially made 

          Advantages

•  Usually superior structural design
•  Usually superior materials
•  Usually less maintenance
•  Depending on brand, TMA certified

Disadvantages

•  Majority of models more expensive

So the decision to buy or build will depend on cost and safety. If you can get the materials at a good price and know someone who can do the welding, you should be able to build a stand cheaper than you can buy. If you need to buy a fall arrest system as well, some of the special deals will make it a tough call. 

The real issue should be safety. How confident are you that the stand you are making is soundly designed, sturdy, and can take your weight safely?

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