Beekeeping is a fascinating and rewarding activity that plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators and sustaining the environment. One of the most important components of any beekeeping setup is the bee hive frame, where bees store honey, pollen, and brood.
By building bee hive frames DIY style, you can not only save money but also customize your frames to suit your specific hive needs.
This guide will walk you through each aspect of creating bee hive frames DIY style, from understanding their types to step-by-step construction, and even advanced tips for durability and maintenance. Let’s dive into the world of DIY bee hive frames!
What is Bee Hive Frames
Bee hive frames are rectangular structures that fit into the hive box and hold the foundation where bees build their comb.
They play a vital role in the beekeeping process by providing bees with a stable base for honey storage and brood rearing. Additionally, frames help beekeepers manage their colonies by making it easier to inspect the hive, harvest honey, and perform hive maintenance.
Bee hive frames consist of several key components:
- Top Bar: The horizontal piece at the top that holds the frame together and often includes a groove or wedge to support the foundation.
- Side Bars: Vertical pieces on the sides that provide structure and support.
- Bottom Bar: The horizontal piece at the bottom that completes the frame and helps stabilize the foundation.
With DIY bee frames, you can customize each component to better suit your beekeeping preferences and hive specifications.
DIY bee frames are essential to the structure of the hive and contribute significantly to the health and productivity of your colony.

Why Choose Bee Hive Frames DIY?
There are several compelling reasons to go the DIY route when it comes to building bee hive frames:
- Cost Efficiency: Pre-made frames can be costly, particularly if you have multiple hives. Building bee hive frames DIY style allows you to save on costs by purchasing materials in bulk and eliminating labor costs.
- Customization Options: DIY frames let you modify the frame size, material, and design to fit your unique hive setup. For example, you can adjust the frame dimensions to suit a Langstroth hive, Top Bar hive, or Warre hive, providing the flexibility that commercially available frames may not offer.
- Sustainable Choice: Crafting your own frames allows you to choose eco-friendly materials and avoid plastic frames. Many beekeepers prefer wooden frames for this reason, as they are biodegradable and more sustainable.
- Hands-On Learning Experience: By building your own bee hive frames DIY style, you gain invaluable skills and insights into beekeeping equipment. This hands-on approach provides a deeper understanding of hive management and maintenance, making you a more informed and resourceful beekeeper.
- Sense of Accomplishment: There’s something uniquely satisfying about using equipment you’ve built yourself. The bee hive frames DIY experience provides a sense of pride and ownership that enhances your connection to your beekeeping hobby.

Understanding the Different Types of Bee Hive Frames
When it comes to bee hive frames, there are two primary types to consider: wooden frames and plastic frames. Each has unique characteristics that may influence your decision to build bee hive frames DIY style.
Wooden Frames
Wooden frames are the most common choice for bee hive frames DIY projects. They’re easier to construct and repair, and many beekeepers prefer the natural look and feel of wood. Wooden frames come in several configurations, including:
- Wedge Top Bar Frames: These frames feature a wedge-shaped top bar that holds the foundation securely. Ideal for wax foundations, the wedge top is removable, making it easier to install and remove foundation sheets.
- Grooved Top Bar Frames: In this type, the top bar has a groove that holds the foundation in place. These frames are commonly used with plastic foundations but can also support wax foundations with wire reinforcement.
- Split Top Bar Frames: This type of frame has a split along the top bar, which allows bees to build comb naturally. It’s often used in foundationless setups, providing bees with more flexibility to build as they see fit.
Plastic Frames
Plastic frames are sturdy, durable, and less prone to damage from wax moths or other pests. However, they are more challenging to build DIY due to the specialized molds and equipment required.
Plastic frames are often used by commercial beekeepers who prioritize ease of cleaning and durability over customization.
Both types of frames offer unique benefits, but wooden frames are generally preferred for DIY projects due to their ease of construction and natural compatibility with beekeeping practices.

Essential Tools and Materials for Bee Hive Frames DIY
To ensure a smooth bee hive frames DIY experience, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials before you begin. Here’s a list of essentials:
Tools:
- Table Saw or Hand Saw: Precision cutting is essential for creating frame components. A table saw allows for quick, accurate cuts, but a hand saw works as well for beekeepers with a smaller workspace.
- Hammer and Nails or Nail Gun: A nail gun can speed up the assembly process, but a hammer and nails will work for smaller projects. Choose rust-resistant nails to avoid weakening over time.
- Wood Glue: This adds strength to the joints and helps secure the frame pieces together.
- Sandpaper (80-grit and 120-grit): Sanding smooths the wood’s edges, making it safer for both you and your bees.
- Square Ruler and Measuring Tape: These tools are essential for ensuring precise measurements and right angles during construction.
- Paintbrush: Useful if you plan to apply bee-safe paint or wood sealant for added durability.
Materials:
- Wood (Pine, Cedar, or Fir): Pine is affordable and commonly used, while cedar offers natural pest resistance. Fir is also a good option for durable frames.
- Nails or Wood Screws: Rust-resistant hardware, such as galvanized nails, is ideal for hive frames that may be exposed to moisture.
- Wax or Plastic Foundation Sheets: Wax foundations are more natural, but plastic foundations are reusable and easier to install.
- Wire (for wax foundations): Wire provides reinforcement and prevents sagging, which is especially important in warm climates.
- Wood Sealant or Bee-Safe Paint (optional): Using a bee-safe finish can extend the life of your frames, particularly if they are exposed to weather or moisture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Bee Hive Frames DIY
Follow these steps to construct your own bee hive frames DIY style:
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood
Begin by measuring and cutting the wood for the top bar, sidebars, and bottom bar. Standard Langstroth frames, for example, are 19 inches wide by 9 1/8 inches deep for deep frames. Always measure twice and cut once to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: Assemble the Top Bar
Attach the sidebars to the top bar, ensuring they are aligned at right angles. For wedge top bars, secure the wedge to hold the foundation firmly. For grooved top bars, cut a groove along the length to hold the foundation.
Step 3: Attach the Sidebars
Once the top bar is assembled, secure the sidebars to the ends of the top bar using nails or screws. Ensure they are square and flush with the top bar to maintain frame stability.
Step 4: Secure the Bottom Bar
Glue and nail the bottom bar to the sidebars, completing the basic frame structure. Ensure the bottom bar is flush with the sidebars and that the frame is square.
Step 5: Insert the Foundation
Carefully insert the foundation into the frame. If using wax foundation, consider wiring it to prevent sagging. Wax foundations without support can warp, especially in warm climates or when exposed to centrifugal force during honey extraction.

DIY Bee Frame Holder: An Essential Tool for Hive Maintenance
A DIY bee frame holder is a practical addition to any beekeeping setup, especially when it comes to hive inspections and maintenance.
This holder provides a convenient place to rest frames while you examine the hive, keeping your hands free and reducing the risk of damaging the comb.
Building a DIY bee frame holder can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, from a basic wooden rack to a customized, foldable stand. Not only does this tool make hive management easier, but it also allows for better organization and efficiency during hive checks, which ultimately benefits both you and your bees.
Advanced Tips for Crafting Durable and Efficient Bee Hive Frames DIY
- Use High-Quality Wood
Choose high-quality wood for durability and longevity. Cedar is especially popular among beekeepers because of its natural resistance to pests and moisture, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Using wood that resists warping and deterioration will help your bee hive frames withstand the elements and provide a stable environment for your bees.
- Reinforce Wax Foundations with Wire
Wax foundations are susceptible to sagging and breaking, especially when loaded with honey. Reinforcing wax foundations with wire provides extra stability, making them stronger and more capable of handling the weight during honey extraction.
Wired foundations also allow for more thorough inspections without damaging the delicate wax structure.
- Consider Adding a Wood Sealant
A protective layer of bee-safe wood sealant or paint can extend the life of your frames by shielding them from moisture, mold, and rot.
It’s essential to use non-toxic products specifically made for beehive use to ensure the safety and health of your bees. Sealants are particularly useful if you live in a region with high humidity or frequent rainfall, as they help keep the wood in optimal condition.
- Check Your Measurements Twice
Precision is crucial in bee hive frames DIY projects. Even small measurement discrepancies can cause instability, making frames difficult to fit into the hive box.
Take the time to double-check all dimensions before cutting, and use a square ruler to ensure right angles. Accurate measurements will help you create frames that fit snugly, promoting a stable environment for comb building and easier hive inspections.

How to Maintain Your DIY Bee Hive Frames for Long-Lasting Use
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your DIY frames and support hive health:
- Rotate Frames Regularly: Frames can become worn down from repeated use. Rotating them periodically within the hive helps even out wear and ensures that frames don’t become overused in specific areas, which can lead to damage.
- Monitor for Pests: Check your frames for signs of common beehive pests, such as wax moths or small hive beetles. Early detection is key to preventing infestations that can damage your frames and harm the colony.
- Sterilize Frames Annually: Over time, frames can harbor bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens. To maintain hive health, sterilize your frames at least once a year using a bee-safe method like heat sterilization or freezing. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can harm your bees.
- Replace Old Comb: Bees naturally build up wax comb on frames, but over time, old comb can become contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals. Regularly removing and replacing old comb can help maintain a cleaner and healthier hive environment.
- Store Frames Properly in Off-Seasons: If you’re not using all of your frames, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold, pests, or moisture damage. For added protection, consider placing stored frames in a plastic bag or storage container to keep them free from dust and insects.
- Check Frame Fittings and Tighten as Needed: Over time, nails or screws can loosen. Periodically inspect the joints and fittings on each frame, tightening any loose screws or nails to keep the frames stable and secure.
- Monitor for Signs of Moisture Damage: Excess moisture can lead to rot or mildew, which can weaken the frames and harm the hive. If you notice any signs of moisture damage, such as soft or discolored wood, consider replacing the affected parts to prevent further decay.
Let's Sum It Up
Building bee hive frames DIY style has been incredibly fulfilling for me. Not only does it save money, but it also offers a hands-on way to connect with my bees and better understand their needs.
Every frame I make feels like a testament to my dedication, adding a personal touch to my hives and making me more invested in their well-being.
Maintaining these frames has also taught me that beekeeping requires patience and attention to detail. By rotating frames, monitoring for pests, and keeping everything clean, I know I’m contributing to a healthier, more stable environment for my bees.
If you’re thinking about trying bee hive frames DIY, I highly recommend it—you’ll gain valuable skills, deepen your connection to beekeeping, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something truly useful.
Source
https://www.revivalwoods.com/blog/2019/3/18/how-to-build-a-beehive-part-3-building-frames