I use muddy stagger steps, they already stick out from the tree to form a 6x6 platform, then I bolted on a 12x 12 piece of ply to the top enlarging the platform 6 in, both ways. I did however, find it hard to get over the top platform so cut it down to 8 deep, in the center of the platform and left it full size on the outside so I kind of step up through the middle. the muddys are square tubing, and made it easy to mount. I do believe, I could just cut off the wings on the outside, and they would be fine