Install Wax Foundation in Beehive Frames

Benefits of Installing Wax Foundation

Most beehives have removable frames. This makes it possibe to inspect a beehive – without destroying everything inside.

The style and size of the frames used can vary. And, we continue to argue over the “what is best” in regards to beehive foundation (beeswax or plastic). I prefer wax – that doesn’t mean that plastic is a bad thing.

At first, wax foundation sheets are fragile – they usually contain small embedded wires for support. In years past, beekeepers had to “wire their frames” horiztonally and vertically. Today wire is already embedded and the beekeeper can add extra if desired.

Benefits Include:

• natural wax material
• often results in faster comb building
• familiar scent to bees

Tools Needed

The tools used to install wax foundation varies a bit from one beekeeper to another. Whether you are doing 12 or 1200 also plays a role in what type of tools you wish to use. This list is assuming you are a backyard beekeeper with a few hives.

Typical Items:

• wooden bee frames
• beeswax foundation sheets
• small hammer
• frame nails or pins
• staple gun or small nails
• hive tool
• extra wire if you wish to add (optional)

Preparing Frames Before Installing Foundation

Before inserting the wax sheets, make sure your frames are fully assembled and square. This is easiest when working with new frames.

I find myself often replacing wax foundation in old frames. This type of comb rotation helps keep your bee colony healthy – out with the old and in with the new.

Remove Old Wax Comb

I find removing damaged or old black honeycomb to be a gnarly project but a necessary one. You want to remove all the old wax, scrape off any excessive propolis and ensure the frame is still sturdy.

1. Remove wooden “wedge” that fits under the top bar. It is held in place with small nails or staples. Try not to break it but if you do – you can still reuse the parts of the wedge.

For those with new frames – you won’t have a wedge nailed in place. It may be loosely attached to the top bar. If so, use your hive tool to break it loose and clean off any small bits of wood left on the frame.

2. Now is a good time to clean any wax and propolis off all parts of the wooden frame. Save the propolis if you wish – you can make this natural propolis tincture.

3. It is important to pay special attention to the bottom bar of your frame. If you have a “split bottom bar”, it is easy to clean away any debris with your hive tool.

If your beehive has a “grooved bottom bar” that is solid with a small groove, cleaning will require a bit more effort. 

Use a hook, hive tool or screwdriver to clean out the groove well. Failure to clean the bottom bar may cause your new beeswax foundation to not fit properly.

Placing New Beeswax Foundation in Frame

1. When I install beeswax foundation, I flip my frame upside down. Why?

Most wax sheets of foundation are reinforced with embedded wires and small hooks at the top of the sheet.

The wedge bar (that little flat piece of wood) is used to fasten the hooks to the top bar. It is easier for me the keep those hooks in place when the frame is upside down.

The wire hooks must lay firmly against the top bar. Then, you can attach the wedge bar to the underside of the top bar with a staple gun or small nails. The wire hooks will be “wedged” in between the 2 pieces of wood.

2. Once the wedge strip is securely attached, I flip the frame upright and check the bottom. I use my hive tool to push the little wires into the bottom bar slot.

If it breaks a bit – no worries – just so the sheet hangs straight in the frame. This can be a bit frustrating so take your time and don’t give up. 

You may have a bottom bar that is grooved, split or two separate pieces. Split bottom bars are easier for wax foundation and grooved bottom bars are traditionally used with plastic foundation.

3. If you wish to add additional support to your wax by embedding extra wiring – now would be the time to do so. I have never found it necessary but some beekeepers prefer this method.