Started with a 12' aluminum ladder that was left here at the house when we purchased it. I constructed a platform using 2x6 boards and 1x10 for the flooring, with sufficient bracing in the floor. I found a metal bracket in the building (not sure what it is from, maybe a riding mower deck) and attached it to the back, this worked great for the ratchet strap to connect. We went out and set it up today, it is rock solid in the tree. I placed it next to an old wooden stand that I hunted out of as a kid, thats what the black burlap is. Wish the pics would have turned out better but they were with my phone.