Buying a beehive is a significant investment so ensuring your hive is of the finest quality is essential. Therefore, we want to share with you our knowledge and expertise to point you in the right direction.
Why do we use Canadian Western red cedar?
We only use the highest grade Canadian Western red cedar for our hives. Canadian Western red cedar is a light wood and unlike the English cedar, the lower Canadian temperatures allow trees to grow slowly resulting in a higher grain and concentration of natural oils. This makes the wood more durable and thermally efficient – all of which are characteristics we look for when selecting the perfect timber.
What cut of wood has been used to build the hive?
Here at National Bee Supplies, we do not skimp on the quality of the wood used in our hives. Only premium cuts of woods are used, we cut from the centre of the sections avoiding the sapwood that will rot easily and the tough wood at the centre which is prone to cuts, splits and knots.
Why is seasoned timber so important?
Unlike many beehives on the market, our timber is seasoned – this means cut and dried for many months, sometimes even years, before it is used to build the hive. This ensures a much finer finish, and there will be less chance of wood shrinkage, splitting and twisting.
It also ensures that it preserves the ‘bee space’, critical in a removable frame hive. Our comb joints will always fit perfectly and snugly, with no need for unsightly nails and dried wood allows ease of assembly when purchasing flat pack goods.
Should I buy a ready assemble or flat pack hive?
Our craftsmen use a powdered resin wood glue to seal all joints and sand them all for a perfectly smooth finish. No gaps in the joints mean better insulation for bees and sealed entry points for predators. Our fully assembled products give you reassurance and peace of mind, while our flat-pack product will fit together perfectly.
Does the hive contain plastic parts?
We always use quality galvanised metal for our varroa floors, trays, and runners. This not only makes our parts longer-lasting and hard-wearing, but it also means that they can be blow- torched clean when sterilising the hive.
How important is the finish on my hive?
All our hives, including our cover boards, are expertly finished, ensuring you a top-quality product throughout. The craftsmanship used in the joinery ensures water is kept out, essential for a healthy hive.
Should I paint my wooden or poly hive?
Wooden hive: A wooden hive does not need painting however if you do wish to paint your hive, its best to wait around three years to allow the hive to weather. Only when the wood has silvered can it be painted.
Poly hive: Poly hives should be painted to protect them.
