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DIY 4’ x 6’ Custom Blind
You’ve built a sturdy platform with the E-Z Bracket system, a 4’ x 6’ custom blind will finish the project nicely. There are many ways to make a blind, from a simple box with a roof and windows, to insulated walls, solar-powered LED lighting, carpeting and sliding windows.
The safest method of blind construction when dealing with platforms is pre-fabricating the blind on the platform before installingn the legs. Once the basic structure is ready, it is disassembled in sections. The platform is completed and hauled out to the site. Once the platform is in position and anchored, the blind is reassembled on site.
These directions will make a simple slanted box blind with a roof, door and windows, using the built-in corner slots on the E-Z Brackets. Additional customizing is up to you and your budget. This blind was made for about $125 to $150.
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Materials
- (12) 2” x 4” x 8’ framing lumber
- (3) 1” x 2” x 8’ furring strips
- (2) 4’ x 8’ corrugated roofing panels
- (1) box 1 ¾” washer roof nails
- (1) box 3” framing nails or screws
- (4) 4’ x 8’ x ½” plywood sheets
- (8) 3/8”-16 x 3” carriage bolts with 8 washers
- (8) 3/8”-16 hex nuts
- (2) 3½” door hinges
- (1) hook and eye door latch
- (1) door handle
Since the tallest member of our club is about six-feet tall, the back end of the blind was made to accommodate that height and shortened about 6 inches toward the front of the blind, which allows rain to flow off the roof.
Here are the general directions on creating a 4’ x 6’ box blind, using the EZ-Brackets built-in framing pockets:
- Install the vertical supports of the blind using four framing pockets built in the EZ-Brackets. Bolt the corner framing lumber into EZ-Brackets using carriage bolts, washers and hex nuts. In our blind, we cut 78” rear boards and 72” front boards for 6" of headspace. We also added two vertical supports to create the rear doorframe and front support frame for roof/window frames. Attach using framing nails or screws.
- Mark angle of roof line using chalk line from back corners of rear framing boards through back corners of front framing boards. It will be a shallow angle about 7-10 degrees. Cut angles with circular saw or jigsaw.
- Frame horizontal supports of the blind to create shooting rails, window openings, door opening and roof support. Hint: Use a chair and measure comfortable shooting heights for shortest hunters to tallest to set rail heights.
- Cut plywood panels to cover sides, front, back and back door. Attach using framing nails or screws.
- Add roof support by attaching three 1” x 2” x 8’ furring strips to roof frame. Center supports to square roofing panels over blind. Attach using framing nails or screws.
- Attach roofing with panels overlapping over center support. The channels should be oriented so water will run off the front of the blind. Use washer roof nails to attach to roof framing.
- Install hinges, door panel, door handle and hook and eye latch to blind.
- Disassemble blind in sections, i.e. front and panels, left and right panels and roof.
- Transport to site and reassemble on platform.
Once installed, check the structure every season and repair/replace any wood or worn hardware. Make sure the platform is anchored solidly. Enjoy your elevated blind and don’t forget to introduce someone new to our hunting heritage. — P.J. Perea