Simple Top Bar Hive Plans

Warre hives are the middle ground between langstroth and top bar.

Simple top bar hive plans.

Using wood glue or melted beeswax for a nontoxic option fasten the foundation into the grooves. Position one of the side panels against the follower boards resting on the top bars. The first item which is required as the name suggests is the 55 gallon barrel or drums which is going to be the foundation. This also allows for ventilation for the whole hive.

The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available. New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items. This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make. With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating.

First it should be large enough for your bees. This hive style was developed in kenya. Your top bar hive needs some type of roof to go over the flat lid of the hive. 3 feet high is the recommended height for a top bar hive.

If you want to build the most simple beehive possible most beekeepers would tell you to choose a top bar hive. Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed. The follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin. The top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top.

Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs. Place a strip of bee foundation inside each of the top bar grooves. A ventilated roof on your hive. You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.

Second it should be small enough for you to lift and move if necessary. Mar 22 2015 beehive design plans special projects uncategorized woodworking here s a how to video on building a new top bar beehive using thermally treated poplar. With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame. Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal.

The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long. The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive. Since each top bar accounts for only half of the bee space required between combs a spacer should be placed between the first bar and the side of the hive. A very good idea.

A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off. A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive. Now let s begin with the first beehive plans. The hive is built upside down and inside out.

The colorado top bar beehive.