Langstroth hives, developed by Lorenzo L. Langstroth in the mid-1800s, revolutionized beekeeping by introducing a hive design that could be easily managed and expanded. These hives are the standard in modern beekeeping due to their efficiency and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll delve into the dimensions and plans for an 8-frame Langstroth hive.
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Langstroth Hive Frame Dimensions
Before you start building your 8-frame Langstroth hive, it’s essential to understand the dimensions of the hive components. Here are the key measurements for Langstroth hive frames:
- Hive Box Dimensions: Each box (also known as a super) in an 8-frame Langstroth hive measures approximately 14 inches (35.56 cm) in width, 19 7/8 inches (50.48 cm) in length, and 9 5/8 inches (24.45 cm) in height.
- Frame Dimensions: Langstroth frames inside these boxes are designed to fit snugly. Each frame measures approximately 13 3/4 inches (34.93 cm) in width and 17 5/8 inches (44.77 cm) in length. The depth of the frame is typically 9 1/8 inches (23.18 cm).
- Frame Rest Dimensions: Inside the hive box, there are frame rests (also known as rabbets) that support the frames. These rests are about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) wide and deep. They’re essential for maintaining proper bee space between frames.
- Frame Spacing: The frames should be spaced evenly within the hive box, with a bee space of about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) between frames. This spacing allows bees to move freely between frames without building excess comb or impeding hive management.
- Top Bars: The top bar of each frame is approximately 17 inches (43.18 cm) long, and it usually includes a handhold or gripping area. This length allows beekeepers to lift the frames easily during inspections.
- Frame Width: The width of each frame side is roughly 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm). This measurement ensures that the frames can be spaced evenly within the hive box.
Building an 8-Frame Langstroth Hive: Step-by-Step Plans
Now that you’re familiar with the dimensions, here are step-by-step plans for constructing an 8-frame Langstroth hive:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wooden Boards: You’ll need wooden boards for constructing the hive bodies (boxes), frames, and other components. Cedar or pine are commonly used for beehives.
- Saw: A saw will be required to cut the wooden boards to the specified dimensions.
- Measuring Tape: To ensure precise cuts and alignments, use a measuring tape.
- Wood Screws: You’ll need wood screws to join the hive components securely.
- Nails: Nails are used to fasten frames together.
- Wood Glue: Wood glue provides extra strength to joints.
- Hive Foundation: You can choose between wax foundation sheets or plastic foundation frames. These provide a base for bees to build their comb.
Tools Required:
- Carpenter’s Square: This tool will help ensure that your hive components are square and aligned correctly.
- Drill: A drill with appropriate bits will be used for making holes and pilot holes for screws.
- Paint or Wood Stain: While not necessary, painting or staining the hive can help protect it from the elements and prolong its life.
8 Frame Langstroth Hive Plans Table
Creating an 8-frame Langstroth hive requires careful planning and precise measurements to ensure your beekeeping endeavors are successful. Below is a table outlining the key components and their dimensions for constructing an 8-frame Langstroth hive.
| Hive Component | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|
| Hive Box (Super) | Width: 14″ (35.56 cm) |
| Length: 19 7/8″ (50.48 cm) | |
| Height: 9 5/8″ (24.45 cm) | |
| Frame | Width: 13 3/4″ (34.93 cm) |
| Length: 17 5/8″ (44.77 cm) | |
| Depth: 9 1/8″ (23.18 cm) | |
| Frame Rest (Rabbet) | Width: 3/8″ (0.95 cm) |
| Depth: 3/8″ (0.95 cm) | |
| Frame Spacing | Bee space: Approximately 3/8″ (0.95 cm) |
| Top Bar | Length: 17″ (43.18 cm) |
| Frame Side Width | 1 3/8″ (3.49 cm) |
| Bottom Board | Dimensions: As required for ventilation |
| Hive Cover (Telescoping Top) | Dimensions: As required for protection |
These dimensions are essential for creating a functional and bee-friendly Langstroth hive. When constructing your hive, make precise cuts, ensure proper alignment, and securely fasten all components to provide a healthy and productive environment for your bee colony.
- Beeswax Coating: BeeCastle beehive is beeswax coated, which makes BeeCastle bee hives durable and waterproof. Beekeepers no longer have to paint their bee hives, saving effort and convenience
- Superior Design: This beehives have pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier. The dovetail design is not only easy to assemble but also tight fitting with support for the beehive box
- Durable and Safe Material: Beehive Frames was made of pinewood. BeeCastle 10 frame bee hive box was made of cedarwood material, which is solid and durable
- Standard Size: Deep Brood Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) and Medium Super Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″). This 10 frame beehive is a standard Langstroth beehive dimension
- Beehive Starter Kit: This 10 frame bee hive starter kit includes Metal Cover, Inner Cover, Queen Excluder, Solid Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Beehive Mouse Guard, Screws and Nails, 1 Medium Box, 2 Deep Boxes and 30pcs frames and foundations
- [Thicker and Full Beeswax Coating] – BeeCastle hives are fully soaked in the boiled beeswax(the beeswax deeply soaks into the wood to form a waxy coating),which makes BeeCastle Hives more durable and waterproof than other waxed beehives. Beekeepers no longer have to paint their bee hives, saving effort and convenience.
- [Superior Design]- This beehive has pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier.The dovetail design is not only easy to assemble but also very tight fitting with stronger and longer support for the beehive box.The wooden frames of the bee hives also come with dovetails.
- [Durable and Safe Material]- Cedarwood material has a high level of stability, which prevents BeeCastle hives from shrinking, expanding, cracking or warping than other woods. Also, BeeCastle hives provide good insulation in the winter and rapid heat dissipation in the summer, which create a ventilated,comfortable and safe environment for your bees.
- [Standrad Size]- Deep Brood Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) and Medium Super Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″). This 10 frame beehive is a standard Langstroth beehive dimension.
- [Beehive Starter Kit]- This 10 frame bee hive starter kit includes Metal Top Cover, Inner Cover, Queen Excluder, Solid Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Beehive Sliding Mouse Guard, Screws and Nails for Assembly, 2 Medium Boxes, 2 Deep Boxes and 40pcs beehive frames and beeswaxed foundations.
- STANDARD SIZE – 2 Heavy beeswax coated deep brood boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) with 20 premium dovetail pine wood frames and beeswax coated foundation sheets
- STANDARD SIZE – 1 Heavy beeswax coated medium super box (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″) with 10 premium dovetail pine wood frames and beeswax foundation sheet
- DURABLE MATERIAL – Beehive is made of top grade fir wood. The exterior of beehive are beeswax coated, which made beehive waterproof and more durable
- PREMIUM DESIGN – MayBee Hives designed with pre-drilled holes and pre-cut dovetail joints for easy assembly
- COMPLETE KIT – Comes with 2 deep boxes, 1 medium box, 30 pcs hive frames and foundations, solid bottom board, queen excluder, telescoping top cover (metal capped), inner cover, entrance reducer, screws for hive assembly, nails for frame assembly
- TRANSPARENT PLEXIGLASS WINDOWS: This bee hive has plexiglass windows for clear observation. It has 2 removable acrylic windows, which offers a great view while keeping the rain and honey stealers out
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE:This 10 frame beehive has pre-cut dovetails and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier. The bee boxes and windows came with pre-drilled holes on them, which will save you a lot of time
- REINFORCED DESIGN: The window blot is trapezoidal and reinforced, with better support, stronger and less likely to break. Whether it is the cedar wood of the beehive or the dovetail joint, it is a very solid structure
- BEESWAXED COATED: This 10 frame bee hives are coated with beeswax, which makes the bee hives more waterproof and durable. And the bees prefer the safer beeswax coating. It saves the beekeeper to paint it with toxic paint
- COMPLETE 10 FRAME BEEHIVES: It is a complete 10 frame beehive starter kit. It concludes 1 Deep Beehive Box and 1 Medium Super Beehive Box with total 20 pcs beehive frames and foundations
- STANDARD SIZE – 2 Heavy Beeswax Coated Deep Brood Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) with 20 Premium Dovetail Pine Frames and Beeswax Coated Foundation Sheet
- STANDARD SIZE – 2 Heavy Beeswax Coated Medium Super Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″) with 20 Premium Dovetail Pine Frames with Beeswax Foundation Sheet
- DURABLE MATERIAL – Beehive is Made of Top Grade Cedar Wood. The exterior of beehive are beeswax coated, which made beehive waterproof and more durable.
- PREMIUM DESIGN – MayBee Hives Designed with Pre-Drilled Holes and Pre-Cut Dovetail Joints for Easy Installation.
- COMPLETE KIT – Comes with Deep box,Medium box,Solid Bottom Board,Queen Excluder,Telescoping Top Cover (Metal Capped), Inner Cover,Entrance Reducer and Nails for Assembly. Contains Every Parts of Beehive Box.
8 Step Process to follow
Step 1: Cutting the Wood
Begin by cutting your wooden boards to the specified dimensions for the hive boxes, frames, and other components. You’ll need boards for the hive bodies, frames, top bars, and bottom boards.
Step 2: Assembling the Hive Boxes
- Take four boards for each hive box and assemble them into a rectangular shape. Ensure that the corners are square, and use wood glue and screws to secure the joints.
- Attach the frame rests (rabbets) inside each box, ensuring they are level and correctly spaced. These rests will hold the frames in place.
- Add handles or grips to the sides of the hive boxes for easier lifting and transportation.
Step 3: Building Frames
- Construct the frames by attaching the top bars to the frame sides. Ensure that they are securely fastened with screws and that the dimensions match those mentioned earlier.
- Install a foundation sheet or frame in each frame to provide a base for the bees to build their comb. You can use wax foundation sheets or plastic frames for this purpose.
Step 4: Bottom Board and Cover
- Create a bottom board for the hive, ensuring proper ventilation and drainage.
- Design a cover for the hive to protect it from the elements. Many beekeepers use telescoping covers for this purpose.
Step 5: Hive Inspection
Before introducing bees to the hive, inspect it thoroughly to make sure all components are correctly assembled and aligned. Ensure that the frames fit snugly within the hive box.
Step 6: Painting or Staining (Optional)
While optional, painting or staining the hive can help protect it from weathering and increase its longevity. Be sure to use non-toxic paint or wood stain that won’t harm the bees.
Step 7: Introducing Bees
Once your hive is ready, it’s time to introduce your bee colony. This process typically involves transferring frames of brood and honeycomb from an existing hive or installing a package of bees.
Step 8: Regular Maintenance
To keep your bee colony healthy and productive, perform regular hive inspections, manage pests and diseases, and ensure that the hive remains in good condition.
By following these plans and dimensions, you can construct an 8-frame Langstroth hive for your beekeeping endeavors. Remember that beekeeping requires knowledge and care, so continue learning about bee behavior and hive management to support your colony’s success.
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