Building a proper foundation for your beehives is one of the most important first steps in beekeeping. A well-designed bee hive stand not only protects your colonies from moisture and pests but also makes hive management easier and more efficient. While there are many expensive commercial options available, I'll show you how to build a simple, effective bee hive stand using basic materials that will cost under $30 and last for years.
Materials List for One 8-Foot Hive Stand (Supports Up to 4 Hives)
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2 pressure-treated 4x4 or landscape timber (8 feet long)
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2 or 3 standard concrete cinder blocks
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Basic level tool
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Weed barrier fabric (optional)
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Crushed limestone (optional)
Total cost: $20-30 per stand
Ideal Hive Location
First, let's make sure we're setting up our hives in the right spot. This can make a huge difference in how well your colonies perform:
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Face your hives east when possible - this helps bees get an early start with the morning sun
- The ideal location receives morning sun and shade in the afternoon. This helps the colony warm up quickly after cold nights while cooling the hive in the afternoon on hot days. Full sun in the day also reduces small hive beetle (SHB) infestation issues.
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Look for a place with windbreak behind the hives to protect them from strong winds to prevent them from toppling over.
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Ensure good airflow around the hives to prevent moisture accumulation, (don’t wedge them in between two buildings.)
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Keep hives easily accessible but far enough away to not disturb their flight paths
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Choose a spot that drains well - you don't want water pooling or damp ground around your hives, so look for a place on high ground
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Provide a water source or install them close to a pond, lake, or stream nearby if possible
if you would like to learn more basics for getting started in beekeeping, check out our beekeeping book available online here.
We also wrote a great article about how to start beekeeping. This is important information for anyone who is interested in beekeeping but doesn’t really know where to begin.
And lastly, we have also provided our recommendations for beekeeping suits or starter hive equipment. Please share this information with your friends or family members who might be interested in honeybees.
Why Proper Hive Stands Matter
Before we dig in, you might be thinking "can't I just set my hives on the ground?" Well technically you could, but you'd be setting yourself up for some major headaches down the road. Here's why:
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Moisture is a hive killer. Having your hives directly on the ground lets dampness seep up from below, which can lead to moldy comb and unhealthy bees
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Your wooden bottom boards and hive boxes will rot quickly when in contact with the wet ground or grass
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Your back will thank you! Getting those hives up off the ground means less bending over during inspections and honey harvests
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Proper airflow under the hive helps with ventilation and temperature control
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It keeps the entrance clear of grass and weeds that can block bee traffic and gives you space below the hive to trim weeds and grass with a weedeater
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Helps protect from pests like skunks and mice that might try to raid your hives
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Beehive Stand
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Find a level spot that gets good morning sun and has a natural windbreak if possible like we already discussed
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Grab your materials: cinder blocks, 8-foot pressure-treated 4x4’s or landscape timbers, make sure your boards are completely straight with no warping
- Lay the timbers on the ground where you want to place your hives
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Create a stable and level platform with the cinder blocks and timbers by placing one brick on the ground at each end of the timber and one in the middle
- Set your two timbers on top of the cinder block with them hanging over the edge of the cinder block on each end by at least 1 inch. They should be lying right on the front and back edge of the cinder blocks
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Use a level to make sure your stand is level side-to-side
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For the front-to-back angle, you want a slight forward tilt - about 2-3 degrees is perfect
- To make adjustments you can use a flat head shovel to get the bricks perfectly level. If there is a big change in elevation from one end to the other you can use smaller bricks on the low side stacked on top of the cinder blocks.
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Double-check everything is stable before adding your hives
An 8-foot section of timber will comfortably support 4 hives. If you're using landscape timbers, expect to get about 6 years of use before they need replacement. Pressure treated 4x4’s should last over ten years.
There is no need to worry about the chemicals in the pressure treated lumber since this material is outside of the hive, any risk is negligent.
As you can see this is simple and very cost-effective compared to commercial stands.
Note: That forward tilt is crucial for your hive's health. It allows any water that gets into the hive to drain out the front entrance instead of pooling on your bottom board at the back. Stagnant water in your hive can lead to mold, rot, and unhealthy bees.
Regional Considerations and Seasonal Maintenance
Winter Prep (Northern Regions)
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Check stand stability before winter
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Clear any vegetation that could hold moisture
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Ensure proper tilt remains for water drainage
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Consider adding extra support if heavy snow is expected
Summer Maintenance (Southern Regions)
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Check for wood warping in intense heat
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Monitor for termite activity
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Keep grass and weeds trimmed
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Maintain proper ventilation space
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me share some lessons I've learned:
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Using untreated wood that'll rot quickly
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Making stands too tall or unstable
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Not checking for level ground
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Putting stands too close together (leave yourself working room!)
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Not planning for growth (leave space to add more hives)
A Real-World Lesson From A Friend's DIY Beehive Stand
Let me share a recent experience that really drives home why I stick to my simple setup. Some time ago, we helped a friend get started with beekeeping using our basic concrete blocks and timber method. Everything was working great - her hives were level, stable, and at a perfect working height.
A few months later, her husband decided our setup looked "cheap and crappy" and built an elaborate stand using 2x6 lumber, posts, and concrete footings. Sure, it looked fancier at first, but here's the thing - that lumber started warping in the sun and under the weight of the hives. Even worse, he built it too tall, making it difficult to work the hives during honey harvests and when adding supers.
Sometimes simpler really is better. My basic setup might not win any beauty contests, but it's proven reliable year after year. The only improvement I'd suggest is adding some weed barrier or crushed limestone underneath to prevent grass and weeds from growing below the hives. Otherwise, this method remains undefeated in my book.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beehive Stands
How high should a beehive stand be off the ground?
At least 6-8 inches off the ground. This height prevents moisture and pest issues while keeping hives at a manageable working height when honey supers are added.
What's the best material for beehive stands?
Pressure-treated 4x4s or landscape timbers are ideal. Landscape timbers last about 6 years, while pressure-treated 4x4s can last longer.
How many hives can one stand support?
An 8-foot timber can safely support 4 full-sized hives with proper support.
Do I need to anchor my hive stands?
In most cases, the weight of the hives provides sufficient stability, it’s important to locate the hives with a wind break like a line of trees or bushes. You can also orient them sideways in relation to prevailing wind direction in your area. However, in high-wind areas, you could consider using ground anchors or straps attached to the cinder blocks.
How do I prevent weeds under my hive stands?
Use weed barrier fabric covered with crushed limestone for the best long-term weed control or simply throw on a bees suit and use a weed whacker. We usually reach down and hand pull the weeds in front of the entrance during hive checks.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Monthly
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Check stand levelness
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Clear vegetation
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Inspect for wood damage
Remember, beekeeping is hard work. It’s a steep learning curve and the equipment costs can get crazy on you fast.
Don’t Overthink It!
Use this stand design and save money for your other bee equipment. Focus on the basics, keep it simple, and your bees will do just fine. Your local bee club is always a great resource for hands-on help and advice.
Thanks for reading and let’s makes some honey!
Farmer