Off the Urban Grid

Types of Beehives

Now you have decided to keep bees in your backyard, so what type of hive are you going to use? There are several types of hives, and each one has pros and cons. Also, depending on your experience, you might want to become more aware of which hives are more suitable for you.

Double-walled William Broughton Carr (WBC) Hive

The WBC hive is probably the first thing that came to your mind when you started reading this article. The hive sits on a stand and has sloping sides as well as a gable roof. The creator of this design, William Broughton Carr, created this hive in the 20th century. It was designed for the climate of the British Isles.

Although this is the most attractive type, it’s expensive and can be somewhat challenging for beginners to manage. For instance, the WBC is double walled, which means that it will take some extra time for you to dismantle the outer parts before gaining access to the brood box and supers.

Single-walled Box Hives

These hives look like a set of drawers. This is the most common type, because you can easily buy the components from beekeeping suppliers. However, when you buy extra parts, make sure that they will fit your particular design. The box hive might not be as aesthetically pleasing to you, but it’s easier to manage and can house more bees.

Other Hives

There are also bar hives, which are predominately used in Africa. This design has a movable fame, and the beekeeper removes all of the honeycombs. Similar to a birdhouse, the bar hive can be made with cheap materials.

A variation of the bar hive is the top bar hive, which is longer and deeper. This type of hive expands horizontally and can be mounted off of the ground.

The bar hive and top bar hive are designs that keep the beekeeper’s needs and wants in mind.

Whichever hive you choose to use, make sure that it suits your beekeeping experience more than your style. However, the cedarwood hives can be painted, but the bees don’t mind if the wood is left in its natural state.

Tags: beehives, box hives, types of hives, WBC hive