How To Build A Hunting Blind Tower with Elevators® Brackets & Anchors

You’ve got the spot. You’ve got the blind—maybe even a Shadow Hunter. Now it’s time to elevate. A lumber tower gives you the flexibility to build to your terrain, your specs, your hunt. The team at Summit Outdoors put together these straightforward, step-by-step instructions to help you get it done right—no noise, no fuss. Just solid guidance from folks who’ve built a few of these before. 

CAUTION: This guide is here to help—not to replace common sense, safety gear, or your local building codes. If something seems questionable, ask a pro. Summit Outdoors isn’t responsible for injuries, accidents, or property damage—take care out there. 

GENERAL SPECS 

• Tower height:  5' to 10' (most common: 5', 8', or 10') 
• Blind compatibility:  Shadow Hunter Blinds or other hunting blind with a pre-built floor 
• Tower supports:  4 x 4 Treated ground contact lumber  
• Anchoring:  Elevators® Universal Anchor System 
• Primary purpose: Elevate pre-built blind for better visibility and scent control 
• Note:  Don’t forget that you’re going to need an entry system! Summit Outdoors’ Elevators® has three options – our USA-Made Stair Platform, an Adjustable Ladder Platform, and Single Angle Brackets and Straight Angle Brackets if you want to build own platform and ladder.

MATERIALS LIST 

Lumber 

• (4) 4 x 4 posts 4’ - 10’ treated ground contact 
• (8) 2 x 4 boards 6’ - 12’ treated deck boards for cross braces 

Hardware & Components Needed 

• (1) E1088 Elevators® Double Angle Brackets (Set of 4)  
• (1) SHUAS Elevators® Universal Anchor System (Set of 4) 
• (4) 5’ pieces of rebar 
• (36) ¼” x 2-1/2” Structural screws 
• (1) Box 3” Heavy-duty deck screws 

Tools 

• Cordless drill 
• Hand saw (crosscut teeth) 
• Shovel 
• Socket wrench 
• Phillips screwdriver 
• Sledgehammer 
• Driver bit to fit structural screws 
• Level 

BUILD INSTRUCTIONS 

Step 1:  Install Elevator Brackets 

1. Lay the shadow hunter blind on its back, door side up. Prop the bottom front of the blind up on a block.  
2. Measure 1-1/2" from each corner and make a line.  

Step 2:  Install Elevators® Double Angle Brackets 

1. Remove any screws from the blind that would keep the Elevator plate from sitting flush against the runner. 
2. Secure the brackets with 2-1/2" structural screws in the bottom four holes to finish mounting the brackets to the blind. 

FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE ELEVATORS® DOUBLE-ANGLE BRACKET INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THE BOX OR DOWNLOAD HERE

Step 3:  Install 4 x 4 Posts  

1. Insert the 4 x 4 legs into the Elevators 
2. Hold the legs in place for the optimum angle when tightening lag screws. 
3. Secure the legs with 2-1/2" structural screws in the front two holes and the outside hole. 
4. Tip up the blind. Ensure you do not tip up from the side. 

Step 4:  Leg Bracing 

1. Screw 2 x 4 cross braces to the outside of the two outside legs on each side. 
2. Screw 2’ x 4’ cross members to the inside of the top and bottom legs 

Step 5:  Level Blind 

1. Use a leveling system to see if you are level  
2. Saw down each of the 4’ x 4’ legs until blind is level 

Step 6:  Install Elevators® Universal Anchor System on 4’ x 4’ Posts 

1. Locate the Elevators® Universal Anchor System bracket (1) and two 3/8-16 x 1” bolts (2). Install the bolts onto the Elevators® Universal Anchor System bracket as shown in Figure 1. Do not tighten the bolts. Make certain the threads DO NOT protrude into the rebar tube as this will interfere with installing the rebar sections and may cause damage to the bolt threads 
2. Measure up 6” from the bottom of the 4’ x 4’ leg and mark a line. Place the bottom of the bracket on the line and install the Summit Universal Anchor System bracket using two 1/4” X 2-1/2” outdoor structural screws (3) with a drill/driver and head bit. 
3. Repeat the above steps for the three remaining Elevators® Universal Anchor System brackets. 

FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE ELEVATORS® UNIVERSAL ANCHOR SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THE BOX OR DOWNLOAD HERE

Step 7:  Rebar Installation  

1. Gather (4) 5’ sections of rebar. 
2. Loosen the carriage bolts on the Universal anchor system. 
3. Insert each rebar section through the tube. 
4. Drive the rebar into the ground until it flushes with the top of the tube. 
5. Securely tighten the carriage bolts. 
6. Repeat the above steps for the three remaining Elevators® Universal Anchor System brackets. 

Step 8: Add Access Ladder or Stair Kit 

• Attach a ladder or stair system designed for hunting blinds. 
• Ensure it is securely fastened to the platform and has handholds or rails for safety. 

FINAL CHECK 

• Test the stability by gently rocking the tower. 
• Confirm all brackets, braces, and bolts are tight.