pallets for hive stand

[acabee]

I've a couple of pallets and am wondering about using them as a stand for my 2 hives. I'd prefer hives higher up than just sitting on pallets on ground. Any good suggestions combining with blocks? I'm not exactly great on DIY so the simpler the better.

I recall someone on the forum mentioning cutting the pallets in half and using them in some configuration with blocks, but a search on pallets did not bring it up.

Pics always helpful.

thanks

acabee

 

[enrico]

Depends so much on the quality of the pallet. Remember you need to get round your hive for inspections so never put the hive in the centre! Seen it done! I find it is so easy to buy a couple of lengths of tantalised wood and make nice stands. Pallets never really look the part! I have no plans I am afraid but as long as they are always fixed so that the weight bears down on the wood underneath and is not relying on screws or nails to stop it from dropping you won't go far wrong. Remember a full hive can be VERY heavy!
E

 

[george]

If you have access to building blocks I would stick with those . Pallets look a bit grotty and after a couple of yrs replacements are needed as they tend to rot quickly .
G

 

[Fraise]

Pallets are made of cheep wood which quicky rots in contact with the ground. I used a pallet under a normal wooden hive stand and found the hive started to sink on one side.
I would suggest some concrete blocks on one or two paving slabs if you are not going to lay a proper base.

 

[MuswellMetro]

four celcon blocks and some old 6x4 joists off a skip = one stand (price free)

i am never ashamed to sort through a builders skip

 

[enrico]

four celcon blocks and some old 6x4 joists off a skip = one stand (price free)

i am never ashamed to sort through a builders skip

With permission of course because it still belongs to someone!

 

[ratcatcher]

four celcon blocks and some old 6x4 joists off a skip = one stand (price free)

i am never ashamed to sort through a builders skip

some of my best finds came from a skip, get in there an rumage

 

[Dishmop]

The small euro pallets without the big gaps between slats should be good for windbreaks around the hive.
Look on any industrial estate for them and ask if you can have them. Most companies dont want them if they are the plain wood and not the blue ones, and they will fit in the car.

 

[susbees]

The small euro pallets without the big gaps between slats should be good for windbreaks around the hive.
Look on any industrial estate for them and ask if you can have them. Most companies dont want them if they are the plain wood and not the blue ones, and they will fit in the car.

We have loads (I keep borrowing them one at a time) - as a building project for my 15yo - google pallet buildings. I don't agree they rot quickly, you're using the wrong sort. I have several singles and doubles made for out apiaries and overspill in the swarm season (lol). Easily sawn and bits inserted to make them not too deep. Can be coated in water-based fence paint to increase life if that's a worry.

 

[bees4u]

We have loads (I keep borrowing them one at a time) - as a building project for my 15yo - google pallet buildings. I don't agree they rot quickly, you're using the wrong sort. I have several singles and doubles made for out apiaries and overspill in the swarm season (lol). Easily sawn and bits inserted to make them not too deep. Can be coated in water-based fence paint to increase life if that's a worry.

that's a great web site, some of those sheds built from pallets are great

 

[acabee]

Thanks everyone for replies - useful thoughts. Wow - what a website susbees! I'm inspired...

acabee

 

[Erichalfbee]

Here is my hive stand
Tanalised pallets painted with fence paint.
About 20 feet long

 

[andy-glide]

I used a single pallet for my stand to accomodate 2 hives. Would not recommend it as it is only just long enough and allows little space between the hives so drifting was an issue.

Mind you they did like the vintage wine I gave them all summer