Box blind size; one adult up to two kids?

[1_pointer]

The title really says most of what I'm curious about. I'd like to build a box blind for me and the boys (9yo and 6yo currently) to use. It would not be uncommon for all 3 of us to be in the blind together. At first I was thinking of making it 4X8 for convenience sake. After a bit more thought and reading, I'm wondering if that would not be deep enough. What size would you suggest?

FWIW, currently the 3 of us hunt out of a pop up ground blind. Space really isn't too bad and would be better with a change of chairs.

 

[Steiny]

I've built five on my place. Have kind of settled on 5' x 6' x 6' inside height (more if you are taller).
Two people can sit comfortably in these in swivel office chairs. If you are wanting three in the blind, I'd step up to 5' x 8' length.

The biggest challenge I've had building these blinds, is coming up with good door and window designs that open easily and quietly.

 

[jabber]

I build mine 4'x8'x7' tall inside. Use an 8' 2x4 or 4x4 and that puts the bottom a foot or so off the ground. There is plenty of room for three inside. Yes a 5' width would be more comfortable, but you are increasing the work and expense considerably.

 

[Crumb]

We have three of them two of which are 4 by six and one is 5 by 5, I would go 5 by 6, 8 feet wide is a little two wide for me if you are by yourself. Just my opnion

 

[npaden]

It doesn't make very good use of standard lumber sizes but I built my hilltop blind 7x7 and I'm pretty sure if I built another it would be the same dimensions.

As mentioned 8' is too wide for one person to sit in the middle of it and see out both sides effectively. I actually have a cot that I keep in the blind and have spent the night in it 5 or 6 times and any less than 7' exterior dimensions wouldn't be long enough for the cot.

I've had as many as 4 people in the blind before, that was tight, but I've had 3 people in it several times and it works out pretty well. I can still hunt it by myself as well. My blind sits up on a hill with 360 degree view. If you are just looking straight out at a food plot or something you might be fine with a wider blind.

 

[LCH]

I'd go at least 5x8. I have a 4x6 and it's a bit small for 2, especially for archery hunting.

 

[PAhunter]

I have a 6' x 4' and a 6' x 6' (outside dimensions, with 2x4 framing). You can gun hunt three out of the 4x6, but it's really tight. I'd suggest 6' wide x 5' deep, or 6x6 if you want a narrow bench inside the front window like I have.

 

[1_pointer]

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions!

One thing that makes this a bit interesting is that it really only has to be designed to see/shoot out of one side. It'll sit at the bottom of a powerline ROW with everything going on in front of us. Might put a few, very small windows on the side but nothing is needed on the backside. It'll be on the far left side of the bottom most cleared area.

 

[Speeddmn]

one suggestion on size, is to put the three chairs you plan to use and any bags/gear you plan to have with you, lay it all out on the garage floor and then measure it out...

i would think 5 or 6 by 8 would be plenty. I like plenty of storage/shelves. also I rigged up a simple 12v battery and light to help in the mornings/late evenings.

 

[Elkoholic]

First one I built is a 4x6, its really tight for archery. 2nd one I built was 6x8, it's great for archery and holding 2 guys. The 3rd one I built this year is 8x8, it's sweet, like a high rise condo, although as mentioned your view can get obstructed in that size. One thing to consider, I ran pvc pipe through the floor and 3ft in the ground with a funnel attached screwed to the wall inside for a pisser! You'll like it if you like having coffee in the blind with you.

 

[1_pointer]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm thinking a bit deeper than 4' if I build it.

Then again, for under $500 this might get the nod...


It's 5 sided and 72" on a side. The price would probably be a push.