Layens hive (20- or 30- frame, custom built)

Sadly, I've had to increase the price of this hive. I was making very little money on it in the first place but now with the state of the world and increasing costs, I have very little choice. But I promise you that you will get a lot of value for your money. This is an incredible hive.

Of all the hives I build, this is probably my favorite. Using traditional deep layens wired frames, these hives store a LOT of honey and overwinter bees quite successfully, provided all normal mitigating factors are in place (mites, moisture control, etc.)

These hives are very versatile in that you can keep them outdoors or safe inside a shed or shop. The walls are built from jointed and planed 2" lumber with 3/4 ply on the bottom and over the top. The sides all around are biscuit-joined for stability. Using divider boards, you can confine the bees to only a certain number of frames and then expand the area as your hive grows. You can even house multiple hives/queens in here by using divider boards!

The price includes 20 or 30 frames (depending on size you select) that are fully wired with 100% pure wax starter strips, top ventilation holes (5 for the 30 frame and two for the 20 frame), two divider boards for the 30-frame model and one for the 20-frame and three entrances for the 30- and two for the 20-frame. Additionally, for the first time, a piano hinge secures the heavy top so it can swing up rather than be lifted off. This is a HUGE improvement in the design. A moisture board and hive stand is an available option.  The hive (and stand, if purchased) comes unpainted, but there is a painting option in the Variants and Prices page (see button below).

If you are producing comb honey, this style frame makes it easy to cut the comb out. If you plan to extract honey using an extractor, please note that you will need a Layens extractor as the frames do not fit typical extractors. But the beauty of it is that once you get your hands on a Layens extractor, you will be able to use it for both Layens and langstroth frames! Kitsap Beekeeping is in the process now of acquiring a Layens extractor that we can rent out if you do not wish to purchase one on your own.

Lead time to build this product is generally two- to three- weeks, so be sure to order early if you need this ready by Spring! Feel free to schedule a time with me if you wish to come see one of these hives for yourself before purchasing. There is also a Layens hive photo gallery on the home page of this site that you can browse. :)

Trust me, you won't regret this hive. I have many of them in my apiary and they outperform every other hive design, hands down. You get what you pay for and if you pay for this, you are getting a masterclass beehive.

Due to size and weight, we can not ship this item.