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Post by Freeborn on Sept 2, 2019 7:09:43 GMT -6
I recently built a wood stand that I put my Redneck blind on and now I need to build stairs from the ground to the blind. The land behind the blind slopes downward away from the blind which is making me question what length of steps I want and at what slope. I want to build something that has a step rather than a ladder rung. I'm thinking 2x6 construction with a reasonable slope but with the uneven ground the length of the stairs gets long if you use 45 degrees.
I was hoping to prefab or a least partially build the ladder in my barn and then haul it to the blind for finishing and installation but I'm starting to wonder if I should just build it on site.
From the ground to the blind is 12' and 6' behind the blind it's probably 1 to 1-1/2 feet lower.
How would you guys approach building these stairs and what steps should I use to get a reasonable slope. I can't use 45 degrees as the length of the ladder gets to long and without using 45 degrees prebuilding the stair steps gets complicated.
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Post by nhmountains on Sept 2, 2019 7:42:59 GMT -6
Could you bring in a tractor bucket load of gravel to level out the ground where the ladder will settle on the ground?
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Post by badbrad on Sept 2, 2019 7:58:29 GMT -6
Could you bury two posts and set the so the tops are level. Then lay a board across them to set the stairs on top of and that would be your first step? Just thinking out loud.
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 8:07:37 GMT -6
I recently built some steps for my rebuilt box blind. I used 2x6 for the stringers....and that allows 2 pcs of 2x4 for the steps. BUT I wish I had used th 5/4 for the steps.....as the 2x4's get pretty heavy. I made my treads about 16" wide which seems wide enough.
$5 degrees is unesseaasly "flat". I looked at my Redneck tower and used an angle about like that......but do not remember the approximate angle. I suppose it's more like 30 degrees. Could have been steeper.
After determining 2x6" length.....get yourself some treated 2x3" material for the tread supports. Cut all at an appropriate angle and they will line up with the stringers and steps. Make a template to allow you to attach all the supports in the garage.....and a few of the treads (or you can put them all on if you don't mind lifting some pretty heavy weights).
I assembled mine will all 2x4 treads and tread supports.....and it got pretty heavy. You could go look at mine today if you feel like a drive. I think you could make good decisions from looking at my model. I think it's 12 feet high or so.....and located right along my "rifle range plot". I wish I had a pic. Nice railing set up too.
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 8:11:41 GMT -6
^ I do have some pics of mine on page 68 of foggy land tour. Heres one.....and the steps are not steep enough on this stand....IMO.  |
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 8:15:36 GMT -6
 Found another pic on page 68 (?). These are nice....but unessessarly heavy. Maybe not too bad if you install most of the treads on site? But I would use that treated 5/4 for the treads and 2x3's for the step supports. |
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Post by Catscratch on Sept 2, 2019 8:30:53 GMT -6
What about building on site, run your stringers from the blind to the ground, then just put steps on with a level to guide you. No angles to measure, no math, no thinking or anything like that. Just build to your site.
I'm looking at Foggys pic and wondering about a handrail. Did you put a handrail up? I think I would rather go up a ladder than those steps.
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Post by nhmountains on Sept 2, 2019 8:38:40 GMT -6
Could you bury two posts and set the so the tops are level. Then lay a board across them to set the stairs on top of and that would be your first step? Just thinking out loud. I like your idea better than mine. The posts at the bottom could be used for handrails too. |
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 9:07:20 GMT -6
What about building on site, run your stringers from the blind to the ground, then just put steps on with a level to guide you. No angles to measure, no math, no thinking or anything like that. Just build to your site. I'm looking at Foggys pic and wondering about a handrail. Did you put a handrail up? I think I would rather go up a ladder than those steps. Yep.....added a handrail later. No pics. They really could be a little less angle....but not too shabby. Feels safe for an old guy - especially with the hand rail. The handrail starts about 1/2 way up the steps.....and is all that is needed. Personally.....I would rather have the bottom end floating.....and not have anything built there. Too many variables in the field. Just get the angle right at the top....and your golden. Use some good fasteners to attach to the top platform. I used the new stlyle hardened screws with a washer top.....kinda expensive.....but they really work nice and don't split wood....hold like a bolt. |
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Post by Freeborn on Sept 2, 2019 9:13:34 GMT -6
Could you bring in a tractor bucket load of gravel to level out the ground where the ladder will settle on the ground? I can, I can also put down 24"x24" patio pavers. I don't know if I would build up the area to be even with the bottom of the stand but leveling should be straight forward. |
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 9:19:25 GMT -6
^ One thing I learned.....is to keep it simple and versatile. I have moved nearly all my box blinds oner time due to changes in logging and food plots, etc. Nice when you don't have to re-do it all each time.  . The other thing I learned is that the old ways of building ladders are no good when you get older. Now I seem to need railings and really like a platform at the top to make the entry and exit ALLOT safer. Seems I now spend allot more time to get a level "pad" to set my stands now.....and dont have to do too much shovel work later. Far better to do the pad up-front than to deal with the variables of side-hills, etc. |
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Post by Freeborn on Sept 2, 2019 9:21:36 GMT -6
I recently built some steps for my rebuilt box blind. I used 2x6 for the stringers....and that allows 2 pcs of 2x4 for the steps. BUT I wish I had used th 5/4 for the steps.....as the 2x4's get pretty heavy. I made my treads about 16" wide which seems wide enough. $5 degrees is unesseaasly "flat". I looked at my Redneck tower and used an angle about like that......but do not remember the approximate angle. I suppose it's more like 30 degrees. Could have been steeper. After determining 2x6" length.....get yourself some treated 2x3" material for the tread supports. Cut all at an appropriate angle and they will line up with the stringers and steps. Make a template to allow you to attach all the supports in the garage.....and a few of the treads (or you can put them all on if you don't mind lifting some pretty heavy weights). I assembled mine will all 2x4 treads and tread supports.....and it got pretty heavy. You could go look at mine today if you feel like a drive. I think you could make good decisions from looking at my model. I think it's 12 feet high or so.....and located right along my "rifle range plot". I wish I had a pic. Nice railing set up too. I have tomorrow off so I think I'll do that, I'll stop out and see what you've constructed. It's good to see things so I can figure out how you built it. A template is a good idea. |
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Post by Foggy on Sept 2, 2019 9:26:35 GMT -6
^. I will send you a PM with the combo to my gate lock. Drive right to the stand if you want.....no problems. Also, call me and I can tell you where my other Red Neck steel stand is located (quite near by to this one just follow the trail around to the other side of the swamp - just drive past the shooting bench and continue for about 200 yards along the north side of the swamp to the red neck stand) and you can check those steps. Nearly ideal....IMO.
I'll be playing golf at Bemidji tomorrow.....or I'd meet you up there. FORE!
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Post by Freeborn on Sept 2, 2019 9:34:45 GMT -6
What about building on site, run your stringers from the blind to the ground, then just put steps on with a level to guide you. No angles to measure, no math, no thinking or anything like that. Just build to your site. I'm looking at Foggys pic and wondering about a handrail. Did you put a handrail up? I think I would rather go up a ladder than those steps. After spending time on the math I was coming to this decision. I can load up my trailer, generator, equipment and wood and drive to the site. It's not as handy a prebuilt but I don't have to hurt my head thinking about it. Once I got the two primary 2x6 lengths placed I could build a temple like Foggy mentioned and attach the steps fairly quickly. A hand rail is a deffinate requirement. |
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Post by nhmountains on Sept 2, 2019 11:51:20 GMT -6
So how do you figure the angle to cut and length of the stringers for a 10’, 12’ tower?
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