Three DIY Deer Blind Reviews, Ideas, & Recommendations

[@212caboose]

1) Glue and screw 3/4 ply on the floor. Eliminates (or significantly cuts down on) squeeking 2) You can absolutely use thin/small material for the walls and roof: 2x2's, 1/4" ply, metal roofing 3) Regardless of what you use to build it, you still have to maintain it. Outdoor paint, silicone the seals, etc 4) outdoor carpet on the floor and the walls (to act as kick panels) to further muffle sound 5) Always anchor the blind. It's cheap insurance. Great vid!

[@theback40]

Great comment, thank you! I never thought about glue, that would help a lot. Where were you when I was building these? All the best to you.

[@time.6890]

We use a flexible hose oil funnel up in the stand, secured in a corner, that goes into an empty fiber cable cover (orange tubing) and run it down one leg of the stand, and bury it about 2 ft into the ground. Perfect pee station without creating a bunch of smell when your living off that coffee early in the AM to stay warm.

[@theback40]

Hey Chris, lol and great idea! Thank you.

[@davidcanady7935]

Your last blind has OSB!!! OSB is a great material if covered properly with outdoor paint or siding. Treated 3/4” plywood is way too expensive for the average guy. Nice work on the blind though. Wish you many years of warm and comfortable hunting.

[@theback40]

Hey David, I agree. You can tell I don't really have builder skills! That last blind with the OSB was built by a real builder, so he did it the right way like you suggest. But the material prices lately are soooo high I don't think most of us can afford even OSB, LOL. All the best to you!

[@keithrhynes1945]

Built my first box blind back in 84, 4’x8’. I’ve always used osb, just get an outside primer, outdoor medium to dark gray paint, back then probaby $16 to $ 20. Black, dark green, tan spray and creat some trees. Asphalt shingles, tar paper for the roof. Ask around if your neighbors have any laying about. Color doesn’t matter. Done.

[@theback40]

Hey Keith, thanks for the feedback. I needed to go one step further instead of just hoping tar paper would be the quick and easy way. All the best to you.

[@bennettwinn4809]

This was super helpful for me thank you for taking the time to show your blinds.

[@theback40]

Sure thinig Bennett. Good luck this season!

[@NatureInspiredSnipsnSnaps]

Thank you for sharing this, I been thinking of one for wildlife and the tube is so smart it suggested this today, perfect timing, great info, thank you.

[@theback40]

Thanks. Sometimes I think those algo's are inside our brains and we don't even know it. All the best to you!

[@timbow50]

lol! I've built two in the last 4 years. Learned a lot. And I'm pretty dang positive #3 will be ALMOST 100%??? Awesome lol.

[@theback40]

Hey Tim, LOL. I need to add another one on our east property line, so like you, I have been thinking through the design, AGAIN. Will we get it 100% this time, lets hope so. All the best to you!

[@finallyfriday.]

Good choice of wood for the steps. Less slippery in snow. I roughed my treated 2x6 steps with a saw to make less slippery.

[@theback40]

Good thinking. After a few years they can get really slippery with just a little dew on them too. All the best to you.

[@johnmcfarland4341]

Blind#2 comment,"I don't wanna work. I don't have time to work!" Love it!!:-)

[@theback40]

Hey John, thanks for the comment. Maybe I should have declared that yes, I'm lazy instead?! ..... Thanks for waching, have a great season.

[@nomansland4811]

Yup had the same experience with painted OSB on the exterior. Got about 12 years out of it.

[@theback40]

Yup, and now it's time for a new one, or a remodel. Have fun! All the best to you.

[@heathalford4721]

How often did you repaint it, and what paint did you use? My dad built two with osb but says he wouldn’t do it again. I don’t like it because we move them around with pallet forks and it may break or chip

[@francemaecamogao9414]

Speedy Delivery just what I needed.

[@theback40]

That's good to hear., and thanks for the update All the best to you.

[@Therapy72]

I love this tutorial and your other on the wood stoves, Brilliant, thank you!

[@theback40]

Thanks Matt, hope it helps.

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Any of my blinds that are fully enclosed on the back side, I put the backs against a tree. Then I take a 1/4" cable, and bolt to the blind, around the tree, then bolted to the blind again. Leaving plenty of slack in the cable to allow the tree to move, and grow without hurting the tree. Also, cut a chunk of old garden hose, and runt the cable through it before attaching it to your blind. This way, it won't rub the bark off the tree.

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Run, not runt*

[@theback40]

Great idea. I could have easily done this with the blind that tipped over, too, because it was up against a huge white pine. Ugh....

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

@@theback40 lol. I seen you have a new fancy blind now. Its nice. So, I guess you won't need my 2 cents anymore. Lol. May not be a bad idea to put some sort of ventilation in your new one. Just to help prevent moisture, during the hot summer months when its not deer season.

[@shady0079]

paint is the secret to using OSB. i have one 15 years old its in great shape. with plenty of paint you can keep weather out.

[@theback40]

It sure is! But, that's where I got behind on the maintenance and once it starts swelling up, it's game over. Glad you have been able to keep it sealed well. Good luck this year!

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

I had to look when this video was made. 3/4” treated plywood to build this blind today would require a second mortgage on my house.

[@theback40]

Right! If you have time to maintain it every year, keep it painted and seal the edges so water doesn't seep in, then skip the treated. Good luck this season.

[@kathleennemeth8412]

Nice blinds!! Good info. What do you think about painting the outside with foundation paint ( tar paint)?

[@theback40]

Thanks! I don't have any experience with tar paint, but seems like it could work pretty well. Does it resist sun exposure since it's made to be underground? If you end up trying it, please let me know how it turns out. All the best to you.

[@finallyfriday.]

3/4" ply just for floor. Metal roof panels for walls and roof. Cheap carpet throughout. Low slope stairs, not ladder, for when you're older.

[@theback40]

Agree on all of that! I finally added another piece of plywood to the floor of the "weak" one a few weeks ago, and it is 100% good now.

[@seeyakidd919]

I had my metal roofing overhanging like you have but I had to cut them down to a 3'' overhang on the sides......... the wind was catching them and making all kinds of noise.

[@theback40]

I am surprised how well ours have held up, thought it was a bit much but wanted to try it to keep the water off the blind as much as possible. I previously built a blind with no overhang, that was a huge mistake. 10 years later, the water did too much damage and I had to scrap it and start over. Guess I overcompensated??

[@seeyakidd919]

@@theback40I put my blind up on top of a big hill where the wind really whips lol! I actually built a new one, it's 7x7. The oddball dimensions are because I got all the wood free that's why it's like that. When I get time I will put it here on KZbin....

[@theback40]

@@seeyakidd919 Free is good, and a 7x7 blind is even better. Plenty of room to be very comfortable. And I like the strategy of putting the blind on top of the ridge, more predictable wind than down in a valley. Let me know when the video is ready!

[@seeyakidd919]

@@theback40 You got it!

[@seeyakidd919]

@@theback40 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF6WaHmYe9uWla8

[@odieaj1213]

I’m trying to decide on whether to buy a redneck buck palace or build a 6x6 with treated plywood and such and I can’t decide what do you think is a better idea? The red neck blind is a good amount more for me

[@theback40]

If it was me, even though it is painful on the wallet, I would buy the blind and be done with it. Invest your time in improving your habitat. BUT, that's mainly because I don't have time, nor the greatest skills, to build one. You can't really go wrong either way, it just matters what is important to you with your time this spring and summer. Tough decision, and I probably didn't make it any easier! Let me know what you decide. All the best to you.

[@williammegow8780]

Are you concerned about any reflection from the Flip windows?Have you scared any Deer when you have flipped open the window?

[@theback40]

Good question William! The answer is no, I do not recall ever spooking deer when flipping up a window. All the best to you.

[@juliefinley5974]

Good info! Where did you get the steps? I like the hand rail and metal material.

[@theback40]

The metal steps were from an old factory warehouse that a friend of mine salvaged.

[@TonyFreeman-LocoTonyF]

I like number three.

[@theback40]

Hey Tony, me too! All the best to you.

[@outdoorbobo]

What size are the wooden studs in blind #3, the one wrapped in metal? Also, before I put metal, whether treated or OSB, I paint the outside, then metal. It seals almost forever. Please advise on stud size, thank you.

[@theback40]

Studs for the inside walls are 2x4's. And great idea on painting the sheeting to seal it before putting the metal on. We didn't do that, but will on the next one. All the best to you.

[@chaddfry5345]

Great video! I'm going to order those windows for my blind build. Thank you for the info!

[@theback40]

Hey Chadd, thanks. I think you'll really like those windows. Enjoy the process of building your blind, and good luck hunting from it!

[@markraposo8076]

What kind and whats the name of them windows?

[@theback40]

@@markraposo8076 Hey Mark, they are "The Original Deer Blind Windows", here's the website: www.thedeerblindwindow.com/

[@markraposo8076]

@@theback40 thank you 👍🏼

[@markraposo8076]

@@theback40 I appreciate the response I just had a question for you I’m looking to build a blind I went on the website and the size of the windows are no longer than 10 inches just wondering if you have shot a compound bow out of that and what do you think about the dimensions of the window to me it probably seems a little too small have you had an experience shooting a bow out of them

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

I have several portable blinds which are good for mobility. Problem here are bears lol. This method would limit mobility but certainly solve the bear issue.

[@theback40]

Hey Todd & Angel, thanks for the comment. We are right on the line of bear country. About every 2-3 years we'll hear of a neighbor who sees a bear. So for us, bears arent' a concern. But go up north from here an hour or more, and then yes, it is bear country and and we have to deal with the same issue you do. All the best to you guys.

[@lenniethompson]

@@theback40 What are the dimensions of the last blind?

[@theback40]

@@lenniethompson 8' x 6' inside, with a 2' porch on the outside.

[@jmac232]

Great ideas, thanks!!!

[@theback40]

Sure thing, thanks for the feedback. All the best to you!

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

The floor systems built with metal joist hangers are not really safe. also the post should be resting under the floor joists' supporting gerder ( beam). Wood resting on wood, is much safer than relying on short-thick-and 1.5 ' nails. Whenever you here on the news about a failed floor system at the beach for instance, the salt rotted (galvanized) hanger nails fail, and/or hanger supported beams-nails- give away from the horizontal supported "relying on nails" building method. The building codes need over all severely.

[@theback40]

Thanks James. I understand your concern and what you are saying here. Guess I'm blindly trusting (no punn intended) the building codes and manufacturers on this one. All the best to you.

[@Baynesters]

Great video, If i build one and it last 10+ years im going to a be a bit happier then you are. LoL

[@theback40]

That's just darn funny!

[@huntinsutton]

Where did you get those windows?

[@theback40]

Windows purchased at www.thedeerblindwindow.com/. Also, here is a video where I review the windows in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXfFpIOpo9Vslbs. All the best to you.

[@kmisercola7180]

Just put another layer of 1/2 plywood over the floor with liquid nails. should tighten it up like you want

[@theback40]

Good idea! Think I might have to give that a try. All the best to you.

[@njgrplr2007]

With the last blind you showed, how did you connect the 4x4s to the corners of the platform?

[@theback40]

I went out and looked at it last night, and it is screwed from the outside of the joist into the 4x4's. I wish I could post pictures here, but there isn't a way to do it on KZbin. The screws look like they have a 'washer' sized head on them to really get a good hold, and a large star bit would be needed to give good driving stability from your drill. I'll ask my contractor buddy what he used next time I see him and try to get you more detail.

[@gregcavender7798]

@@theback40 SPAX T-Star Drive Grade 5 Yellow Zinc Washer Head PowerLag, Lag Screw . Probably something like this, brand doesn't matter so much as strength.

[@theback40]

@@gregcavender7798 Hey Greg, thanks for the info, that exactly what they are. All the best to you.

[@TonyK-vt2wq]

Great blind. What are the dimensions?

[@theback40]

Thanks Tony. 4’ x 8’. I tried to make them work with full sheets of plywood.

[@Therapy72]

@@theback40 Exactly what I was thinking for a 8'x8' build with octagonal corners of around 12-18".

[@theback40]

@@Therapy72 Hey Matt, sounds like you're on the right track. Although octagonal corners sounds like a lot of math to get the angles right, makes my brain hurt, LOL! All the best to you.

[@Phish45]

Built 3 blinds using metal siding. foam insulated one as I use it for main predator hunting and use a buddy heater to stay nice n tasty. Have a very comfortable offie chair so I can hunt 8hrs+.

[@theback40]

Sounds like a great set up! Hope you are having a great season in them. All the best to youj.

[@wahwalker]

your knocking osb while your sitting in a blind surrounded by osb ,funny

[@ericc1599]

I was thinking the exact same thng!! Lol

[@theback40]

That's funny! Didn't even think about it, I should have let everyone know that was the blind with the steel on the outside. Good luck this year!

[@theback40]

@@ericc1599 Hey Eric, good catch, looking back at it now that's pretty damn funny! I never know what I am going to say in these videos, I just turn it on and talk whatever is on my mind about the subject. Good luck this year!!!

[@ericc1599]

@@theback40 Yea I get that and I’d probably be the same way! I’ve bn watching a few of these hunting blind videos to get some ideas…or does and don’ts…I’m tryin to get ready for bow season here in PA. Also just picked up my buck mount from last years rifle season! Thanks and gd luck to you as well!! 🦌

[@theback40]

@@ericc1599 Picking up a buck mount is a great moment, reminds you of all the hard work you put into harvesting a great animal. Congrats. Take your time, and do your blinds right the first time, trust me, you will get much more enjoyment out of them in the long run.

[@smellynelle7562]

my gpas dads blind was built in the 1960s and its been destroyed 3 time rotting tree fall an transportation problems but rebuilt it its history 100s of bucks shoot out of it

[@theback40]

What a great blind that must be with all the history and traditions. Good luck this year, hope you get a few more to add to the total!

[@smellynelle7562]

@@theback40 thanks hope the same for you dont miss them

[@catfishandwhitetails]

Where's the window video? Can't find it

[@theback40]

Hey Ryan, thanks for asking. I am still working on the window video, had a few items missing from my original raw video shoot, so I want to get back out on the property to shoot a few more video clips, but the snow cover has me locked in right now. Give me a few more weeks and I'll get it published.

[@theback40]

Alright Ryan, I finally got the window video done. Let me know what else you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXfFpIOpo9Vslbs

[@catfishandwhitetails]

@@theback40 thank you! I'm actually working on my walls right now under a headlamp. I'll save your video. Thanks a ton!

[@finallyfriday.]

Osb is a favorite porcupine food. FYI. They ate my outhouse.

[@theback40]

LOL! Luckily, no porcupines here, but they start just a little bit north of us. All the best to you.

[@finallyfriday.]

@@theback40 No porcupines? How did you get lucky? I live, as you phrased, just north of you.

[@theback40]

@@finallyfriday. Blind luck for sure! I bet if we go 10 miles north of here we would start getting into them.

[@finallyfriday.]

@@theback40 "blind luck". Good one.

[@theback40]

Ok.....I gotta admit......I didn't even catch that one. Would have been one of my best ever, too.

[@JasonFuller-rt9lq]

You must have time to get under it and add supports seeing how you silent want to build it right the first time.

[@theback40]

Hey Jason, agreed, do it right the first time! I'm still paying the price for shortcutting, ugh. Good luck this season!

[@ccpirogue]

Thanks for sharing!

[@theback40]

Thanks for watching!

[@darian23451]

What was the name of the window weather strip you bought?

[@theback40]

I couldn't find the exact same thing on Amazon (I purchased it a few years ago), but this is very close. Search for "Frost King R338H Self-Stick Rubber Foam Weatherseal, 3/8"W, 3/16"T, Black|Blacks?

[@catfishandwhitetails]

What's the bottom of the window height? What type/height of the seat? Thank you

[@theback40]

I'll get out on the property next weekend and get you this dimension. Snow is melting now and I should be able to get out there soon.

[@catfishandwhitetails]

@@theback40 thank you. Actually fixing to start framing my base today :)

[@theback40]

Hey Ryan, hope you made progress on your blind this past weekend. Windows are 38” to the bottom. I’m 5’10” and a chair with 16” sitting height seem perfect. My wife has to raise the chair to around 18” to work well for her. She is 5’ 4”. Hope this helps. I’ll get the window video out soon.

[@skeeterjoe32]

That was old OSB. the new does not do that.

[@theback40]

Thanks Robert. For sure that was old OSB. I didn't know today's OSB was different, thanks for the info. All the best to you.

[@justinficarra6376]

Vapor barrier.

[@theback40]

Hey Justin, thanks for the idea. All the best to you.

[@RodShotwell]

Never knew that fire had moisture think your a …..well you no lol

[@theback40]

Hey Rod, LOL. All the best to you.

[@pcobra5427]

if you were to see my deer blind you would take them down

[@theback40]

LOL! Hope you're having a great season.