How to Build a Beehive
Building a beehive of your own can be a rewarding experience. You may save a bit of money and you will certainly know that quality materials and assembly is present. However, beehive construction is more involved than some carpentry projects. It is important to plan your steps and have everything you need for success. This guide will get you off to a great start to build a quality beehive for your bees.
In all honestly, hive construction is not my thing. I can do it but I am not good at it. Still, there is no harm in giving it a try. Building beekeeping equipment (hives, boxes, feeders etc.) requires attention to detail and correct measurements. If you have these skills, it may be fun for you.
Why Build Your Own Beehive
There are several advantages to making your own beehive. First of all, it is a very rewarding experience when you make something for your bees.
I get a lot of satisfaction from making my no-cook candy board frames. Thankfully, precise measuring and cutting is not a requirement for them.
While bees will often take up residence in the most unusual places, they can be quite discerning too. Poorly constructed beehives cause problems for the beekeeper later on.
Tools & Materials Needed
You need some basic working tools. If you are contemplating this project, I am sure you know what a saw, hammer and nails are :). But, before you get out your saw, take a good look at the materials you will need.
- hammer, nails and good wood glue (can buy at Lowes or order from Amazon)
- find a beehive plan or blueprint (free or paid) – buying a book of hive plans gives extra info
- wood – lumber of the correct dimensions (according to your plans)
- beeswax foundation or plastic foundation (if you choose to use foundation & it doesn’t come with frames)
- good light color exterior latex paint
Do You Have the Skill?
I wanted to build a beehive from scratch when I first became a beekeeper. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for this project was greater than my carpentry skills.
(Even though in the past I could do some pretty good work with a hammer and nail!) I made some costly beekeeper mistakes.
A beekeeper may save some money by building their own equipment. But, this is not always the case. Wood is expensive. And, for most folks you must consider the time investment too.
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Tips on Choosing Wood
Across the world, beekeepers use many different materials for making hives for honey bees. Simple pine wood is the most common resource used in the United States. Cypress wood is another popular choice but it is more expensive.
Plywood is not the best choice for beehive wood. The glue and chemicals used in making it are concerning. (Though some beekeepers do use plywood for temporary boxes to attract swarms.)
Do not use treated wood. Lumber treated with chemicals can be very hazardous to honey bees!
Choosing a Hive Style
There are many different types of beehives to consider. In the US, the most common beehive design is the Langstroth Hive (10 frame or 8 frame).
But, the top bar and other horizontal hives have gained in popularity. This style of hive is a bit different – do your research before deciding.
Langstroth Beehive
The Langstroth Hive is made up of square boxes that typically hold 10 frames. (or 8 frames for smaller hives). The colony starts with one basic bee brood box – more boxes are stacked on top as the colony grows.
If cut to the correct Langstroth hive dimensions, the hive is easily expandable.
Top Bar Beehive
Top Bar Hives have increased in popularity in recent years. Some beekeepers feel this hive design is a more organic approach to beekeeping because bees build their own comb. Similar in some aspects to colonies housed in bee skeps.
If you are very interested in natural beekeeping, it is important to connect with other top bar beekeepers who are successful.
Check out this advanced top bar beekeeping information. -> -> Top Bar Beekeeping Book <- <-
Steps to Build A Beehive
- choose the right hive style (Langstroth, Top Bar, Warre etc.)
- find good construction plans – download and print several copies
- gather your materials
- cut out materials closely following directions
- assemble parts with nails and good wood glue or screws and glue
- purchase frames, wax foundation
- paint your beehive
Plans with Correct Measurements
Once you decide what you want, it is easy to find plans and instructions (some are available for free). Good plans will include instructions and a materials list.
I suggest you don’t try to build every part of the beehive – unless you are truly gifted in carpentry. Many new beekeepers purchase the top cover, bottom board, inner cover and frames.
But, they enjoy building the main boxes of the beehive and super boxes. These are easier to build.
Check Tools and Materials
Assemble your saws, drill, clamps, hammer, nails or screws, measuring tape, wood glue, and a square for accurate cuts. All hive boxes should be square to fit well together with no gaps.
Double-check that you have enough wood and hardware to complete the hive without interruptions.
Cutting Wood
Using your hive plans carefully measure and cut the wooden components for your hive. My husband always says “measure twice – cut once”.
Yes, measurements matter inside a beehive. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure proper bee space and a functional hive. You want all your hive components and future ones you make or buy to fit together.
Assembly Required
Once all of the parts are cut, it is time to assemble your hive. Use a sturdy, flat surface for assembly.
Assemble the sides, ensuring tight joints and secure fastenings. Use clamps (if needed) to hold pieces together while nailing or screwing them.
Don’t forget the glue! I always use wood glue on hive component joints – especially when assembling hive frames. But, use it on your boxes too!
Some beekeepers enjoy assembling beehive boxes for their hives – even if they didn’t make them.
As you progress through the project, check your boxes, tops or bottom to see that it looks like they are all fitting together like they should.
Frames & Foundation for Your Hive
Frames are removable parts that fit inside the bee boxes (hive body and supers). They make it possible to inspect the hive without tearing comb apart. Plastic frames are available but wooden ones are most common.
Frames consist of small parts that are difficult to cut. Most beekeepers who build their own hives still choose to buy frames. They can be purchased ready to go or as a part of a beehive starter kit that you put together.
Paint or Finish
The final step once your hive is constructed and the glue is dry is protecting it from the elements. You don’t have to but most of you will want protect your wood by painting your beehive.
I promise, the honey bees really don’t care. We paint the hives for our pleasure and to preserve the wood.
A simple coat of latex paint will work or you can get really creative with some painted hive designs. Now, the outside components of your hive is ready. What about the inside?
Expert Tips
If you build a beehive to the proper dimensions, life will be easier for you and safer for your bees. Modern beehive construction is based on the concept of “bee space”.
This is the amount of space that bees naturally leave between the honeycombs in the hive. In general, this is a measurement of 3/8″.
As the bees build out honeycomb sheets, they want the hive to be filled in a precise way. If your boxes are built to the wrong dimensions, you will have problems with comb where you don’t want it. This is called burr comb.
Whether building the parts or buying them, assemble your hive parts correctly, paying special attention to inside measurements in your instructions.
Of course, there are other hive styles you can build – the Layens Hive for instance. But, these are not ideal for beginners unless you find a mentor to guide you in this type of beekeeping.
FAQs
Building your own hive can be cheaper than buying one ready to use. However, it depends on the type of hive you want, local lumber prices and tools you have on hand.
Unlike a bird box for birds, honey bee hive require maintenance. However, if you want to build your own beehive – do your research, learn about the various parts of the hive and how to take care of your bees.
The cost to build a beehive depends on several factors but the average price for a hive made of pine is about $200 – including all the necessary parts and a metal top.
A Final Word
Don’t feel that making your own beehive is something you must do-especially if you are new. The first year of beekeeping can be confusing. Unless you are a skilled carpenter that loves woodworking – save hive construction for another year.
If you decide building bee hives is a challenge your woodworking skills are up to – go for it. But for heavens sake – please follow the directions 😉
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