How to Make a Beehive Frame

A Completed Beehive Frame

A beehive frame is a wooden rectangular structure like a picture frame that provides support to a commercially made section of honeycomb foundation. The foundation gives bees a comb-like surface from which to build their honeycomb. The frames allow scientifically determined spatial requirements within a beehive known as "bee space." Parts are readily available through commercial beekeeping equipment and supply vendors. This article shows one way to assemble a wooden beehive frame using support pins.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Screwdriver or small pry bar
• Top bar section
• End bar sections (2)
• Bottom bar section
• Beeswax foundation
• Support pins (4)
• Wood glue (optional)
• Nails (all nails are cement-coated):
• 1 ¼-inch, 17-gauge (4)
• ¾-inch, 18-gauge (6)
• 5/8-inch, 19-gauge (4)
• Hands-free framing jig (optional)

Instructions

Assembly

1. 

   Personal preference and the type of honey you wish to produce determine the size of your hive, frames, and foundations. Look at any commercial equipment catalogto find the information necessary to select the size you need. Recommended vendors include Dadant & Sons, Mann Lake, and Rossman Apiaries.

   All frames are assembled the same way, and component parts are sold with precut notches and predrilled holes. Lay your parts, tools and supplies out and make sure you have all the necessary components. The wooden bars are identified by length: the top bar is the longest; the end bars are the shortest; and the bottom bar is the remaining one.

   You will be assembling a wooden picture-frame type unit. Use of a framing jig to hold your pieces is optional.

2. 

   The bottom bar has a precut slot running lengthwise.

   Hold an end bar vertically. Fit one end of the bottom bar onto the end of the end bar making sure that the bottom bar slot faces toward the inside of the frame.

3. Nail the two pieces together using two ¾-inch, 18-gauge nails. The space available is small, so hammer with care. Gently tapping the point of each nail with your hammer before nailing helps to avoid splitting the wooden parts.

   Repeat this process with the other end bar.

Affix the Top Bar

1. The wooden top bar is wider than the bottom or end bars to accommodate the bee space. It is longer so that the entire frame can hang from a narrow ledge found inside the hive body on two sides.

   Turn your assembly over so that the end bars are vertical and the bottom bar is on your workbench, slot facing up.

2. The top bar also has a slot running lengthwise, but it will arrive with an additional lengthwise cut creating a long stick-like wedge. Take your pry bar or screwdriver and carefully remove this cut wedge by prying it along the cut. It should soon become apparent to you how this works. This wedge piece will be used later to securely attach the foundation.

3. 

   Fit the top bar onto both end bar sections. Hammer two nails through each end of the top bar down into the end bars using 1 ¼-inch, 17-gauge nails.

   Turn the now recognizable frame on one end. Nail one ¾-inch, 18-gauge nail through the end bar into the frame ear of the top bar on both ends. This nail helps stabilize the top bar attachment because the weight of the frame increases as the bees add honey to the frame.

Attach the Foundation

1. Set the frame on its top (upside down). Insert a beeswax or plastic foundation section up into the bottom bar slot and press it against exposed middle section of the top bar.

2. 

   Fit the removable wedge back into its original location on the top bar. Nail the wedge into the top bar using four evenly spaced 5/8-inch, 19-gauge nails.

3. Push a support pin through one of the predrilled holes in an end bar so that its open prongs divide with one prong on each side of the foundation stock. Gently tap with your hammer if needed.

   Set the other three pins in the same manner.

   Your frame is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Some beekeepers add a small amount of glue to each joint prior to nailing. Opinions vary on this practice. Some glue is thought to adversely affect bees' health. Glued joints will be more difficult to repair in the future. It may be helpful to work on a small section of carpet to cushion the wooden parts while nailing.

• Always wear eye protection when working with hammer and metal nails.

References

• Dadant & Sons, Inc.; Commercial Beekeeping Equipment Supplier; Hamilton, Illinois
• Mann Lake, Ltd.; Commercial Beekeeping Equipment Supplier; Hackensack, Minnesota
• Rossman Apiaries; Commercial Beekeeping Equipment Vendor; Moultrie, Georgia