Langstroth Hive Frames Dimensions and Plans 2025

Langstroth hives, developed by Lorenzo L. Langstroth in the mid-1800s, revolutionized beekeeping by introducing a hive design that could be easily managed and expanded. These hives are the standard in modern beekeeping due to their efficiency and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll delve into the dimensions and plans for an 8-frame Langstroth hive.

Langstroth Hive Frame Dimensions

Before you start building your 8-frame Langstroth hive, it’s essential to understand the dimensions of the hive components. Here are the key measurements for Langstroth hive frames:

1. Hive Box Dimensions: Each box (also known as a super) in an 8-frame Langstroth hive measures approximately 14 inches (35.56 cm) in width, 19 7/8 inches (50.48 cm) in length, and 9 5/8 inches (24.45 cm) in height.
2. Frame Dimensions: Langstroth frames inside these boxes are designed to fit snugly. Each frame measures approximately 13 3/4 inches (34.93 cm) in width and 17 5/8 inches (44.77 cm) in length. The depth of the frame is typically 9 1/8 inches (23.18 cm).
3. Frame Rest Dimensions: Inside the hive box, there are frame rests (also known as rabbets) that support the frames. These rests are about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) wide and deep. They’re essential for maintaining proper bee space between frames.
4. Frame Spacing: The frames should be spaced evenly within the hive box, with a bee space of about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) between frames. This spacing allows bees to move freely between frames without building excess comb or impeding hive management.
5. Top Bars: The top bar of each frame is approximately 17 inches (43.18 cm) long, and it usually includes a handhold or gripping area. This length allows beekeepers to lift the frames easily during inspections.
6. Frame Width: The width of each frame side is roughly 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm). This measurement ensures that the frames can be spaced evenly within the hive box.

Building an 8-Frame Langstroth Hive: Step-by-Step Plans

Now that you’re familiar with the dimensions, here are step-by-step plans for constructing an 8-frame Langstroth hive:

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Wooden Boards: You’ll need wooden boards for constructing the hive bodies (boxes), frames, and other components. Cedar or pine are commonly used for beehives.
2. Saw: A saw will be required to cut the wooden boards to the specified dimensions.
3. Measuring Tape: To ensure precise cuts and alignments, use a measuring tape.
4. Wood Screws: You’ll need wood screws to join the hive components securely.
5. Nails: Nails are used to fasten frames together.
6. Wood Glue: Wood glue provides extra strength to joints.
7. Hive Foundation: You can choose between wax foundation sheets or plastic foundation frames. These provide a base for bees to build their comb.

Tools Required:

1. Carpenter’s Square: This tool will help ensure that your hive components are square and aligned correctly.
2. Drill: A drill with appropriate bits will be used for making holes and pilot holes for screws.
3. Paint or Wood Stain: While not necessary, painting or staining the hive can help protect it from the elements and prolong its life.

8 Frame Langstroth Hive Plans Table

Creating an 8-frame Langstroth hive requires careful planning and precise measurements to ensure your beekeeping endeavors are successful. Below is a table outlining the key components and their dimensions for constructing an 8-frame Langstroth hive.

These dimensions are essential for creating a functional and bee-friendly Langstroth hive. When constructing your hive, make precise cuts, ensure proper alignment, and securely fasten all components to provide a healthy and productive environment for your bee colony.

Bestseller No. 1

BeeCastle 10 Frame Langstroth Bee Hive Coated with Beeswax Includes Beehive Frames and Waxed Foundations (2 Deep Boxes & 1 Medium Box)

• Beeswax Coating: BeeCastle beehive is beeswax coated, which makes BeeCastle bee hives durable and waterproof. Beekeepers no longer have to paint their bee hives, saving effort and convenience
• Superior Design: This beehives have pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier. The dovetail design is not only easy to assemble but also tight fitting with support for the beehive box
• Durable and Safe Material: Beehive Frames was made of pinewood. BeeCastle 10 frame bee hive box was made of cedarwood material, which is solid and durable
• Standard Size: Deep Brood Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) and Medium Super Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″). This 10 frame beehive is a standard Langstroth beehive dimension
• Beehive Starter Kit: This 10 frame bee hive starter kit includes Metal Cover, Inner Cover, Queen Excluder, Solid Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Beehive Mouse Guard, Screws and Nails, 1 Medium Box, 2 Deep Boxes and 30pcs frames and foundations

$173.99

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SaleBestseller No. 2

Beehive 10 Frame Bee Hives and Supplies Starter Kit, Bee Hive for Beginner, Honey Bee Hives Includes 1 Deep Brood Hive Box, 1 Bee Hive Super Box with Beehive Frames and Foundations

• DURABLE MATERIAL – With Heavy Wax Coated Cedarwood Beehive and Pinewood Honeycomb Foundation Frame, This Bee Hive is Stylish and Beautiful; Beeswaxed Food Grade Plastic Foundation Ensures the Health and Safety of Your Honey
• PREMIUM DESIGN – The Honeycomb Frame is Designed with Dovetail Joints for Easy Installation. A Pre-assembled and Waterproof Metal Top Cover and Wax Coated Hive Body Helps Keep The Interior Dry
• REMOVABLE BOARDS – All Boards are Prepared ,Sanded and Wax Coated for Safe Use. Inner Boards are Designed with Vents For Better Ventilation. A Detachable Bottom Board with an Entrance Reducer Allow For Easy Cleaning And Protection For Your Bees
• LARGE SPACE – The Entire 2 Layer Hive measures 16.3″(W)x 19.9″(D) x20″(H), while the medium box is 19.9″ x 16.3″ x 6.6″ and deep inset box is 19.9″ x 16.3″ x 9.5″; Each box holds 10 frames and foundations; Ample space for honey collection
• COMPLETE KIT – Comes with 1 x Bottom Board, 1 x Entrance Reducer, 1 x Inner Cover, 1 x Top Cover, 1 x Queen Excluder, 10 x Deep Frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation),10x Medium Frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation) 1x Medium Box and 1x Brood Box. Easy to assemble and can be set-up in 30 minutes

$139.99

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Bestseller No. 3

BeeCastle 10 Frame Langstroth Bee Hive Coated with 100% Beeswax Includes Beehive Frames and Waxed Foundations (2 Deep Boxes & 2 Medium Boxes)

• [Thicker and Full Beeswax Coating] – BeeCastle hives are fully soaked in the boiled beeswax(the beeswax deeply soaks into the wood to form a waxy coating),which makes BeeCastle Hives more durable and waterproof than other waxed beehives. Beekeepers no longer have to paint their bee hives, saving effort and convenience.
• [Superior Design]- This beehive has pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier.The dovetail design is not only easy to assemble but also very tight fitting with stronger and longer support for the beehive box.The wooden frames of the bee hives also come with dovetails.
• [Durable and Safe Material]- Cedarwood material has a high level of stability, which prevents BeeCastle hives from shrinking, expanding, cracking or warping than other woods. Also, BeeCastle hives provide good insulation in the winter and rapid heat dissipation in the summer, which create a ventilated,comfortable and safe environment for your bees.
• [Standrad Size]- Deep Brood Bee Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) and Medium Super Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″). This 10 frame beehive is a standard Langstroth beehive dimension.
• [Beehive Starter Kit]- This 10 frame bee hive starter kit includes Metal Top Cover, Inner Cover, Queen Excluder, Solid Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Beehive Sliding Mouse Guard, Screws and Nails for Assembly, 2 Medium Boxes, 2 Deep Boxes and 40pcs beehive frames and beeswaxed foundations.

$229.99

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SaleBestseller No. 4

BeeCastle 10-Frames Complete Beehive Kit, 100% Beeswax Coated Bee Hive Includes Beehive Frames and Beeswax Coated Foundation Sheet (2 Layer)

• [Thicker and Full Beeswax Coating] – BeeCastle hives are fully soaked in the boiled beeswax(the beeswax deeply soaks into the wood to form a waxy coating), which makes BeeCastle Hives more durable and waterproof than other waxed beehives. Beekeepers no longer have to paint their bee hives, saving effort and convenience.
• [Superior Design]- This beehive has pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes, which make assembly easier. The dovetail design is not only easy to assemble but also very tight fitting with stronger and longer support for the beehive box.The wooden frames of the bee hives also come with dovetails.
• [Durable and Safe Material]- Cedarwood material has a high level of stability, which prevents BeeCastle hives from shrinking, expanding, cracking or warping than other woods. Also, BeeCastle hives provide good insulation in the winter and rapid heat dissipation in the summer, which create a ventilated, comfortable and safe environment for your bees.
• [Standrad Size]- Deep Brood Bee Box (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) and Medium Super Boxes (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″). This 10 frame beehive is a standard Langstroth beehive dimension.
• [Beehive Starter Kit]- This 10 frame bee hive starter kit includes Metal Top Cover, Inner Cover, Queen Excluder, Solid Bottom Board, Entrance Reducer, Screws and Nails for Assembly, 1 Medium Box, 1 Deep Box and 20pcs beehive frames and beeswaxed foundations.

$149.99

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Bestseller No. 5

ThxBees 10-Frame Langstroth Bee Hive Complete Bee Hive Kit Beeswax Coated Include Beehive Frames and Waxed Foundation Sheets for Beekeeper (2 Deep Beehives Box & 1 Medium Box)

• 【Rain proof and durable】 we use natural beeswax coating to impregnate the wood board to ensure that the exterior is not damaged by rain. we have a metal top to prevent rain from entering, to ensure that the interior space is dry while increasing the service life of the beehive
• 【Dovetail design】The beehive adopts dovetail groove seam design, with the assembly of screws make the beehive tightly stitched, heat preservation and humidity, not affected by bad climate.Pre-cut dovetail joints and pre-drilled holes make assembly easier.
• 【Live frame beehive】it can be opened at any time to check the situation of the bee colony and observe the living habits of the bees.
• 【Langstroth Beehive Standard size】 Deep Brood Box (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″) Medium Super Box(16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″) You can also add deep brood bee box or medium super bee box on the hive according to your needs, so as to expand the beehive.
• 【Beehive Starter Kit for All Beekeeping Levels】Full set of beehive includes 1 Telescoping Top Cover,1 Inner Cover,1 Medium Honey Super Box,1 Queen Excluder ,2 Deep Brood Box,Solid Bottom Board, 1 Entrance Reducer, 20 Deep Frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation),10 Medium Frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation)

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8 Step Process to follow

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Begin by cutting your wooden boards to the specified dimensions for the hive boxes, frames, and other components. You’ll need boards for the hive bodies, frames, top bars, and bottom boards.

Step 2: Assembling the Hive Boxes

1. Take four boards for each hive box and assemble them into a rectangular shape. Ensure that the corners are square, and use wood glue and screws to secure the joints.
2. Attach the frame rests (rabbets) inside each box, ensuring they are level and correctly spaced. These rests will hold the frames in place.
3. Add handles or grips to the sides of the hive boxes for easier lifting and transportation.

Step 3: Building Frames

1. Construct the frames by attaching the top bars to the frame sides. Ensure that they are securely fastened with screws and that the dimensions match those mentioned earlier.
2. Install a foundation sheet or frame in each frame to provide a base for the bees to build their comb. You can use wax foundation sheets or plastic frames for this purpose.

Step 4: Bottom Board and Cover

1. Create a bottom board for the hive, ensuring proper ventilation and drainage.
2. Design a cover for the hive to protect it from the elements. Many beekeepers use telescoping covers for this purpose.

Step 5: Hive Inspection

Before introducing bees to the hive, inspect it thoroughly to make sure all components are correctly assembled and aligned. Ensure that the frames fit snugly within the hive box.

Step 6: Painting or Staining (Optional)

While optional, painting or staining the hive can help protect it from weathering and increase its longevity. Be sure to use non-toxic paint or wood stain that won’t harm the bees.

Step 7: Introducing Bees

Once your hive is ready, it’s time to introduce your bee colony. This process typically involves transferring frames of brood and honeycomb from an existing hive or installing a package of bees.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance

To keep your bee colony healthy and productive, perform regular hive inspections, manage pests and diseases, and ensure that the hive remains in good condition.

By following these plans and dimensions, you can construct an 8-frame Langstroth hive for your beekeeping endeavors. Remember that beekeeping requires knowledge and care, so continue learning about bee behavior and hive management to support your colony’s success.

Taniya

94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.