Hive Components

From top to bottom, Betterbee offers all of the bee hive components necessary to maintain strong and healthy bees. Explore the options, including 10 and 8 frame wooden hive parts and polystyrene equipment from BeeMax and Lyson.

Bees raise their young (brood) in the boxes at the bottom of a hive. These 9-5/8" deep boxes are known as brood boxes, hive bodies, or deeps. The nectar — which later becomes honey — is stored above the brood, and excess honey from the harvest is stored in the highest boxes, called supers. Many beekeepers use 6-5/8" deep medium boxes for supers because they’re lighter weight when filled with honey. Some beekeepers use even lighter shallows as supers.

Wood Hives

10 Frame Wooden Hive Components have been the industry standard for over a century — and are still the most common size in the U.S. Compared to the 8 frame, 10 frame equipment provides more space for bees, honey, and brood.

Some beekeepers feel that a brood overwinters better in taller 8 frame bee hive kits because the cluster can move up through honey stores more readily. When full, 8 frame wooden equipment is up to 20% lighter than the 10 frame style: While a 10 frame medium can reach 50 to 55 pounds, a full 8 frame medium super weighs in at 45 to 50 pounds.

Polystyrene Hives

Polystyrene hives provide more insulation value than wood for less temperature fluctuation, so a hive can have a bigger brood nest earlier in the critical spring build-up period. These hives are generally available in 10 frame styles, with Lyson also offering an 8/9 frame option.

BeeMax polystyrene hives are lightweight, easy-to-assemble, and offer high insulating value. They’re compatible with wooden supers, too.

Another polystyrene option, Lyson bee hive kits feature latches for securing hives, an integrated varroa monitoring tray, adjustable ventilation, an integrated entrance reducer/mouse guard, and reinforced frame rests and edges.