Wooden Beehives: All Natural Material Loved by Bees

Beekeepers all over the world use many different ways to keep bees. This is because the type or style of beehive used has a big effect on how honeybees are raised. There are many different kinds of beehives on the market right now. Most of them are made of wood or plastic. The most common kind of beehive might be made of wood. If you’ve been wondering about the best wooden beehives on the market right now, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk about just that.

Overview of the Best Wooden Beehives

10. Busy Bees ‘N’ More Standard Amish Made 8 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

Amish beehives are popular in the US and beyond. This 8 frame beehive comes with 2 deep brood boxes in addition to 1 medium honey super. It is designed for raising successful honey bee colonies. Its standard Langstroth design is ideal since it means any of its components is compatible with any other standard hive part.

Features

• Available as both fully assembled and unassembled kit for your choice.
• Made in the USA.
• It is an 8 frame standard Langstroth beehive.
• 2 deep brood boxes are available in addition to 1 medium honey super.
• Fitted with an aluminum telescopic cover with dimensions of 16-¼ x 22 x 2-7/8 inches.
• Underneath the telescopic cover is the inner cover measuring 14 x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• Comes with a plastic queen excluder that measures 14 x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• The medium super box has dimensions of 14 x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inches.
• The 8 medium super wood frames are standard Langstroth size of 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• Each of the 2 deep brood boxes measures 14 x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches.
• Included are 8 plastic honey colored foundations. These are 100% coated with wax and each measures 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches. Additionally, there are 16 plastic black textured foundations each with a dimension of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-½ inches.
• There are 16 deep brood wooden frames, Langstroth size of 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• There is an entrance reducer of 12-¼ x ¾ x ¾ inches.
• A screen bottom board of 14 x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• There is also a plastic insert measuring 12-¾ x 21-¾ x 1/8 inches.

Pros

• Lighter than a 10 frame hive.
• Constructed of eastern white pine, it is well-made and durable.
• All joints are smooth and seamless to give an excellent overall finish.
• It is standard Langstroth size meaning all its components are interchangeable with any other standard hive.
• Easy to use.
• Ideal for all skill levels.

9. Hoover Hives Standard Wax Coated 8 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

This beehive from Hoover Hives has set the bar for 8 frame beehives. It is designed for raising successful honeybee colonies even under harsh environs. The hive kit comes with all that is needed by the honey bees. It is particularly coated with natural wax which helps counter the elements. All joints are dovetail to give a smooth and continuous finish.

Features

• Available as both assembled and assembled hive kit.
• At the top is a 16-¼ x 22 x 2-7/8 inches telescopic cover that is made of galvanized steel.
• Also has an inner cover measuring 14 x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches .
• A plastic queen excluder measuring 14 x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches is included.
• One 14 x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inches medium super box and two 14 x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches deep brood boxes. These are 100% coated with wax.
• Eight 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-1/4 inches medium and sixteen, 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches deep wood frames are available.
• 8 natural honey colored and 16 black textured plastic foundations are available. These are 100% wax coated and measure 3/16 x 16-3/4 x 5-5/8 inches and 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-½ inches respectively.
• A 14 x 22 x 2-9/16 inches solid bottom board is fitted into the hive.
• An entrance reducer of 12-¼ x ¾ x ¾ inches is also available.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Easy to work on.
• Standard size hence interchangeable with other hives.
• Build with good quality fir wood, hence longer lasting.
• All parts are coated with natural wax to weather the elements. This also gives it an alluring overall appearance.

8. NuBee Standard 8 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

This is a top wooden 8 frame beehive from NuBee that comes with 1 medium super box and 2 deep hive bodies. It is a standard Langstroth hive that befits both the hobbyist and commercial honey producer. The 8 frame design is considered the gold standard hive and thus makes an ideal choice for anyone. It provides sufficient space for raising brood and accumulating honey as well.

Some notable features of the hive include:

• It is availed as both assembled and unassembled hive.
• It has a 16-¼x 22 x 2-7/8 inches galvanized steel telescopic cover that shelters the honeybee colony from the elements.
• Underneath the top cover is a 14 x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches inner cover.
• A plastic queen excluder measuring 14 x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches is also available.
• 1 medium super box and 2 deep brood boxes. The super box measures 14 x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inches and each of the deep brood boxes 14 x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches.
• 16 deep brood wood frames are available with each measuring 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• 8 medium super wooden frames. Langstroth size of 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• Both natural honey colored and black textured plastic foundations are available.
• It has a solid bottom board of approximately 14 x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• There is an entrance reducer with dimensions of 12-¼ x ¾ x ¾ inches.
• Two 2-1/8 x 7/16 x 1/16 inches mouse guard nail plates and a 12-¼ x 2-½ x ½ inches mouse guard are available.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry around even when full with honey.
• Ideal for all skill levels.
• Durable.
• Easy to work on.
• Perfect design with flawless finish thanks to the dovetail joints.
• Made of fir and pine wood. These are loved by bees.
• This is a standard Langstroth hive, hence all its components are interchangeable with other standard hives.

7. Hoover Hives Gold Standard Wax Coated 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

This wooden beehive from Hoover Hives comes as a 10 frame, unassembled hive for beekeepers. It is the gold standard that is preferred by most beekeepers. The hive comes with 2 deep brood boxes and a medium honey super. Its parts are made to fit perfectly through the use of dovetail joints without any rough edges. It is also coated with 100% of natural wax that creates a buffer against the elements. This is also quite alluring to the honeybees.

Features

• Telescopic cover fitted with galvanized steel.
• An entrance reducer of approximately 14-5/8 x 34 x ¾ inches.
• A plastic queen excluder that measures 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• 20 foundations, black textured and made of plastic.
• 10 CellTech foundations that are natural honey colored.
• A solid bottom board.
• An inner cover with dimensions of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• 10 honey super wooden frames Langstroth standard that measure 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• 2 deep brood boxes are available with dimensions of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches.
• 20 deep brood frames that are wooden and standard Langstroth with dimensions of 1-3/8 inches x 19 x 9-5/8 inches.
• A single medium super box that is coated with was 100% with measurements of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inches.
• It is made of fir wood and is coated with 100% natural wax. Fir is ideal for beehives since it provides a tighter knit grain-flow.
• It requires assembly.

Pros

• A beautiful overall design. All parts are soaked in natural wax top give it a golden and alluring look.
• Made of fir that offers tighter and flawless fit for interconnecting parts.
• More durable interior parts. Possibility of shrinking, twisting, expanding, or warping due to rain is greatly minimized.
• Since Hoover Hives beehives are standard 10 frames, including its components, you can interchange its parts with standard 10 frame Langstroth hives.
• Beautifully and skillfully designed to counter the elements.
• Top quality hive.

6. Busy Bees ‘N’ More Standard Amish Made 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

A well-designed modern beehive that targets all experience levels whether the hobbyist or the professional keeper. The Amish hive is a USA standard beehive design that comes with 1 medium honey super and 2 deep brood boxes. It is one of the most versatile beehives that is common within the US. It is available as both assembled and unassembled unit.

Features

• It is availed as fully assembled and unassembled.
• Comes with a white capped aluminum top cover with dimensions of 18-½ x 22 x 2-7/8 inches.
• Fitted with an inner cover measuring 16-¾ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• A plastic insert of 15 x 21-¾ x 1/8 inches is available.
• Comes with a plastic queen excluder that measures 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• It has an entrance reducer of 14-5/8 x ¾ x ¾ inches.
• A screen bottom board with dimensions of 16-¼ x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• 1 medium super box with dimensions of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• Plastic CellTech foundations that are plastic textured and 100% coated with wax. 20 in total with dimensions of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-1/2 inches.
• 2 deep brood boxes that measure 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-1/8 inches each.
• 10 wooden medium super Langstroth standard frames with dimensions of 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• 10 natural honey colored CellTech foundations made of plastic and coated with 100% wax. Dimensions of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches.
• 20 deep brood wooden Langstroth standard frames with dimensions of 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• Made in the US using white pine. This wood has been in use for years making beehives. The wood is responsibly sourced from Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Pros

• Exceptional quality beehive that is popular across the US.
• Authentic and high quality.
• Durable interior parts.
• Beautiful overall finish.
• Made with precision with parts that interlink seamlessly.
• Quality checked lumber that guarantee a longer lasting hive that will withstand the elements.

5. NuBee Standard 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 1 Medium

The option to pick either a fully assembled or unassembled hive gives the beekeeper the needed convenience when considering a beehive. Pro beekeepers have no bias when considering either. This NuBee beehive comes as unassembled and fully assembled style hive for your choice. It is made of high quality materials and is priced competitively. It is a standard 10 frame set up with 2 deep hive bodies. Such a design is highly preferred, since the queen can freely move around the hive and lay as many eggs as possible and there is still room for honey storage.

Features

• Available in fully assembled and unassembled options.
• 2 deep brood boxes with dimensions of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-1/8 inches.
• A mouse guard of approximately 14-5/8 x 2-½ x ½ inches. Available also are two mouse guard plates with approximate dimension of 2-1/8 x 7/16 x 1/16 inches.
• An entrance reducer with dimension of 14-5/8 x ¾ x ¾ inches.
• A solid bottom board of about 16-¼ x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• 10 CellTech foundations of natural honey color. These are 100% wax coated and have dimensions of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches.
• 20 wooden frames, Langstroth standard with dimensions of 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• 20 plastic foundations, black textured and coated with 100% wax with dimension of 3/16 x 16-3/4 x 8-½ inches.
• 10 medium wooden frames, Langstroth standard with dimensions of 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• A plastic queen excluder of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• An inner cover that measures approximately 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• A caped galvanized telescopic cover with dimensions of 18-½ x 22 x 2-2/8 inches.

Pros

• Durable.
• Well-made with perfectly-fitting inner and outer components.
• Competitively priced unit.
• Available as both fully assembled and unassembled for your convenience.
• Made of pine and fir wood that is loved by honey bees, in addition to these wood types being longer lasting.
• Comes in industry standard dimensions, making any of its parts interchangeable with any other Langstroth standard hive.

4. Hoover Hives Northern Honey Maker 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 4 Mediums

An excellently built 10 frame beehive with components dipped in natural wax. Features desired dimensions that will accommodate huge honeybee colonies. Its joints are dovetail and flawless by design to give it a smooth overall finish. Its 2 deep brood boxes are made with an intention to guarantee the survival of honeybee colonies during long and harsh winters. Spacious medium boxes totaling 4 are provided to ensure sufficient storage of honey and nectar during peak seasons.

Features

• Available as assembled and unassembled.
• At the top is the telescopic cover made of galvanized steel, measuring 18-½ x 22 x 2-7/8 inches.
• Underneath the telescopic cover is the inner cover with dimension of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• A queen excluder is also available. It is made of plastic and measures16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inch super boxes, 4 in total that are 100% coated with wax.
• 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inch medium Langstroth super, total of 40 wooden frames.
• 40 plastic foundations that are 100% coated with wax and measuring 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches.
• 2 deep brood boxes each with a dimension of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches. All these are 100% wax coated.
• 20 wooden Langstroth deep brood frames measuring 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches each.
• 20 black CellTech foundations made of plastic and 100% wax coated. Each has a dimension of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-½ inches.
• A wax coated bottom board with dimension of 16-¼ x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• At the entrance is the entrance reducer measuring about 14-5/8 x ¾ x ¾ inches.

Pros

• Excellently made and crafted. Natural wax gives it a natural lustrous allure.
• It can withstand the elements since it is made of good quality Fir wood. Exterior components are coated with natural wax.
• Longer lasting hive.
• Exterior components are least likely to warp, shrink, or twist since fir wood has tighter grain.
• Components are interchangeable with those of standard hives.

3. Busy Bees ‘N’ More Northern Honey Maker Amish Made 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 4 Mediums

This wooden beehive meets the needs of those who would like to start the business of raising bees small then grow with the colony. The hive provides plenty of room for your bees thus making it less likely for bees to abscond the hive at a later stage due to population growth. The hive is also designed to give sufficient honey storage space for both the colony and the beekeeper. The 2 deep brood boxes are also ideal for raising a healthy generation of future bees for the colony.

Features

• It is available as both fully assembled and unassembled hive.
• At its top is the telescopic cover that is made of aluminum. It has dimensions of 18-½ x 22 x 2-7/8 inches.
• Underneath the exterior cover is the internal cover measuring 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• A plastic queen excluder is also available. It is approximately 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• The medium super boxes are 4 in total with each measuring 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 6-5/8 inches.
• Wooden medium frames available are 40 in total, Langstroth standard, each measuring 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• 20 wooden deep frames available with each measuring 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• 40 plastic foundations, 100% coated with wax, with each measuring 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches.
• Brood boxes comprise 2 deep boxes with each measuring 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches.
• Comes with a plastic insert that measure 15 x 21-¾ x 1/8 inches.
• Fitted with a screened bottom board of approximately 16-¼ x 22 x 2-9/16 inches.
• Comes with 20 black textured foundations, made of plastic and 100% coated with wax. Each has a dimension of 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-½ inches.

Pros

• Well-made and durable.
• Made by a reputable supplier.
• Made of good quality eastern white pine. This is loved by bees.
• The wood is responsibly sourced.
• Excellent overall design that will complement your backyard.
• Provides enough space to raise brood and store honey.

2. NuBee Northern Honey Maker 10 Frame Beehive – 2 Deeps & 4 Mediums

If you are searching for a complete hive kit that will meet your needs, then the NuBee 10 Frame complete beehive is worth considering. This well-made hive comprises 4 medium honey super boxes in addition to 2 deep hive bodies. It is designed for growing successful honeybee colonies that will least likely swarm at a later stage. Its capacity will also cater for the commercial beekeeper who would like to sell surplus honey.

Features

• Available as both fully-assembled and unassembled hive kit.
• Comes with 2 deep hive bodies and four medium super honey boxes.
• All joints are cut with dovetails for a seamless finish and greater durability.
• At the top of the hive is a telescopic cover made of galvanized steel. This measure 18-1/2 x 22 x 2-7/8 inches.
• Features a plastic queen excluder with dimensions of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 1/8 inches.
• Underneath the telescopic cover is the inner cover of 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x ¾ inches.
• Each of its 4 medium super boxes measure16-¼ x 19-7/8 by 6-5/8 inches. Each of the 2 deep brood boxes is 16-¼ x 19-7/8 x 9-5/8 inches.
• 40 medium super wooden frames are available. These are standard Langstroth size and measure 1-3/8 x 19 x 6-¼ inches.
• 40 CellTech plastic foundations, all 100% wax coated are available. Each of these measures 3/16 x 16-¾ x 5-5/8 inches. In addition to these are 20 plastic black textured foundations. These are also plastic and 100% wax coated and measures 3/16 x 16-¾ x 8-½ inches.
• 20 wooden deep Langstroth frames are also available, with dimension of 1-3/8 x 19 x 9-1/8 inches.
• A 16-¼ x 22 x 2-9/16 inches solid bottom board is also available.
• There is an entrance reducer measuring 14-5/8 x ¾ x ¾ inches.
• The hive is also fitted with a mouse guard measuring 14-5/8 x 2-½ x ½ inches. Additionally, 2 mouse guard nail plates are available. Each of these measures 2-1/8 x 7/16 x 1/16 inches.

Pros

• An excellent quality hive for all skill levels.
• Good capacity that will be sufficient for colony as it grows.
• All joints are well cut and interconnect via dovetails, giving it a perfect square shape.
• Durable hive made of strong pine and fir wood.
• Comes in industry standard dimensions hence compatible with other Langstroth standard hives.

1. Hoover Hives Wax Coated Build Your Own Beehive

Wrapping up our list of the top ten best wooden beehives is the custom 8 and 10 frame Hoover Hives. Galena Farms have designed these to meet the needs of every beekeeper. All the hives are 100% coated with wax to improve the overall look and also protect the components from weather elements. The parts are also joined by dovetails to give it a perfect finish.

Features

• Both 8 and 10 frame hives are available as assembled and unassembled hive.
• Deep boxes are available as 1 deep and 2 deep box.
• The number of medium boxes includes 3, 4 and 5 medium boxes for your choice.
• Both 8 and 10 frame have a galvanized steel top cover.
• There is an inner cover for both hives.
• Medium super wood frames are available in both cases.
• Both 8 and 10 frame have plastic queen excluders.
• Plastic CellTech foundations are available in both cases.
• Medium super boxes are available in both cases.
• Deep brood boxes are available for both 8 and 10 frame hives.
• A solid bottom board that is 100% coated with wax is available in both cases.
• There is also an entrance reducer for both designs.

Pros

• These are well-made beehives that are longer lasting. They are made of sustainable Fir wood.
• All components are 100% coated with wax for longevity. This also gives the hives a natural sparkling appearance.
• These hives with components are standard size, hence compatible with other Langstroth standard hives.
• Easy to work with.
• Ideal for all skill levels.
• Customizable.

Rules of Thumb when Considering Wooden Beehives 

Here are a few tidbits to give you a head start if you are contemplating starting your beekeeping venture:

• Your first year will be the most expensive considering you will buy everything from scratch. Starter kits or individual components for assembling do not come cheap. Make serious considerations.
• It is not always wise to opt for used equipment, since there is a high possibility of inheriting pests and diseases from the equipment. If you have to, then ensure there is a certification in place.
• You can build your own wooden beehive. Here, exceptional skills are mandatory since honeybees require specific dimensions within the hive interior. The special dimensions make it conducive for honeybees to raise the brood and still set aside the combs for honey storage. It also helps minimize overcrowding, a major cause of hive absconding.
• Consider other essential hive equipment and tools. While starting out. These include protective gear, honey harvesting equipment, and honey extraction and storage equipment.
• When determining the number of hives to begin with, always start small. Two or three colonies will suffice for starters, so that you have something to fall back to in case a colony is wiped out.
• Best season to start off is spring. At this time honeybee population is booming and you can easily get your first swarm of bees. Make your orders early if you are buying a swarm from established colonies.

Conclusion

Irrespective of whether you are an established or novice in the business of raising bees, you always need beehives. Wooden beehives make the best home for honey bees. Remember in the wild, honeybees establish their homes mostly in tree crevices or cracks. Therefore, wooden beehives come close to giving them what they have instinctively adapted to for centuries.

It is particularly imperative that you procure the best wooden beehives for sale from a reputable supplier, such as Galena Farms. The top ten wooden beehives discussed above are ideal for raising honeybees of all strains. They have been designed with the needs of the honeybee colony in mind. You can choose to purchase a fully assembled or unassembled hive among these.