Hunting treehouse 8x8x16

bben

Yearling... With promise
Newest tree stand on the farm! Started this one back in the spring and worked on it every other week. Used mostly left over lumber so it is not perfectly squared totally not my fault hahaha.
Next trip I’m bringing carpet and couple office chairs and then bye bye until late October.
Start to finish product:22C10D4D-610A-430D-AA12-8C59E7CBE475.jpeg2AB0BA02-FDFC-46AB-8F08-A625E2C83916.jpeg80A2DCB0-E40A-445E-9F74-6E535CC4FF9E.jpegD36BE22E-B26E-4A60-A700-B00E86541AC9.jpeg01A264BE-1BCE-4230-A6FF-0345DF1F48B0.jpeg
 
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I'd put a lot more cross ties on the legs.

Love the dog helping that's priceless...
 
I agree, the legs look kinda week. But other then that, looks like an awesome shack.
 
I'm not wild about what I see. I doubt I would get into it.

Does the board the ladder rests against connect structurally to it? As the trees move that board, does it move the building?

More cross bracing definitely.
 
I'm not wild about what I see. I doubt I would get into it.

Does the board the ladder rests against connect structurally to it? As the trees move that board, does it move the building?

More cross bracing definitely.
Its actually pretty steady as is but I agree that the legs are weak.
The board under it’s not connected to the stand, only bolted on both trees and running diagonally under for extra support.
I’m planning on adding more crossties and 2x4s to the posts.
Also the legs were straightened after the one picture and they are cemented 24” under ground.
 
couple of things.

1. the tree that is in the window (reference) go to the deck frame. nail a cut 2x6 the appx width of the tree. then do another one. essentially a 4x6. then take a 2x6 on each side of it and nail it to the tree. sandwiching the frame. i would attach it to the blind with 4 inch threaded bolts grade 7. every year loosen and adjust tension. i see you kinda did that on the back side with a directional piece of lumber for bracing but I don't like the looks of that piece.

2. take a 4x4 and run it as a center support to the blind. take a cement paver stone place it on the ground. measure up to the floor of the blind. allow for 2 inches of soak.???? wedge it in place under the floor and center it in the middle of all posts. slowly drive it flush. the cement paver will act as a piling.

3. are those 2x4's for floor support? if so.. sister them with 2x6's

4. use more bolts on the floor attaching them to the legs. looks like one.

just trying to help prevent a loved one from getting hurt. :)
 
For me, I'd not want it connected to the trees. The trees don't all move in the same direction at the same time and they will move a lot more than the building would by itself. As the tree grows, the connection to the tree can fail. Having the platform rest on the piece between the two trees and able to slide is better than having it bolted. We used to use some sliding connections when we built stands up in mulit-trunked trees but we've gone away from those stands to free standing towers or purchased ladder stands.

My biggest concern that I see is buckling of the legs or loosening of the connection between the legs and the platform or the platform itself. More bracing keeps each leg where it should be so it can't buckle and they share the loads. It looks like some of your platform's outside boards are bolted to the uprights but I cam't tell if they all are. If not, bolt each board to the upright at each end. Then I'd go to the hardware store and look at the various metal connectors pieces they have (like Simpson Strong Tie). Nail (not screw) those to tie the various pieces together for extra insurance. https://www.strongtie.com/woodconnectors/landing. Nails are better than screws since the nail can slide out while still carrying load while a screw will shear and fail. If your platform is screwed instead of nailed, all the more reason to add nailed metal hangers, connectors and straps.

You got a nice building started that should give you many years of great memories. Spend a bit more time and effort to be sure it is safe.

Last question, are those ash tree around it?
 
For me, I'd not want it connected to the trees. The trees don't all move in the same direction at the same time and they will move a lot more than the building would by itself. As the tree grows, the connection to the tree can fail. Having the platform rest on the piece between the two trees and able to slide is better than having it bolted. We used to use some sliding connections when we built stands up in mulit-trunked trees but we've gone away from those stands to free standing towers or purchased ladder stands.

My biggest concern that I see is buckling of the legs or loosening of the connection between the legs and the platform or the platform itself. More bracing keeps each leg where it should be so it can't buckle and they share the loads. It looks like some of your platform's outside boards are bolted to the uprights but I cam't tell if they all are. If not, bolt each board to the upright at each end. Then I'd go to the hardware store and look at the various metal connectors pieces they have (like Simpson Strong Tie). Nail (not screw) those to tie the various pieces together for extra insurance. https://www.strongtie.com/woodconnectors/landing. Nails are better than screws since the nail can slide out while still carrying load while a screw will shear and fail. If your platform is screwed instead of nailed, all the more reason to add nailed metal hangers, connectors and straps.

You got a nice building started that should give you many years of great memories. Spend a bit more time and effort to be sure it is safe.

Last question, are those ash tree around it?

agree to an extent in theory on bolting to a tree but this structure warranted it for a couple of reasons.

1. the legs are buried only 24 inches. should be a minimum of 3 feet.
2. legs not in square.

I wouldn't have built it so close to the tree but I really feel that this structure could use a little extra support from the tree. personally... I would cut that tree at the window and you would have a solid support and the worry of having the structure sway would be eliminated.
 
Thanks guys! I’ll use all your advice to improve it. I’d like to get a few years out of it!
 
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