Scaffolding planks for hives

[rockdoc]

Anyone ever tried these to construct hives? I'm sure this question has come up before, but I've just been given a load of short lengths long enough to use in hive construction. They appear to be about the right width and, baring the warping danger, should work. I also believe they are not pressure treated.
With cedar so expensive I thought I'd give them a go, any thoughts?

 

[Peterwh]

I would have thought they would be a bit thick and heavy

 

[Mike a]

Ideal for top bar hives provided they haven't been treated recently.

 

[viridens]

Yes.
I built a 'National' brood box last year when I found myself 1 short. A quick-n-dirty job, there was a swarm waiting to be hived. Cut to size with a circular saw, simple butt joints on the corners, nailed together with slim 4" galvanised nails. I used a mallet and chisel to take out a rebate of about 1/2 plank width on the appropriate two sides to take the frame ends. I nailed in castellated metal frame spacers to finish the job. -I will measure it if you wish to proceed.

It has worked well, and is in use again this season.

 

[Rock_Chick]

as long as the internal sizes are correct,it won't mater what you make a hive out of.
What you have to think of is how much will it weigh when full of honey.

 

[drstitson]

i thought the only plank associated with hives was the proprietor an essex beekeeping venture!!!!!

 

[rockdoc]

Yes please Viridens, the figures would be a help
Cheers Alasdair

 

[rockdoc]

Yes, I did consider the weight issue, especially when full. However, as I'm still fit -ish I'll trade off the weight for a little more insulation in the winter (and more wood for old woody to try and get through if I forget the cage!)

 

[viridens]

Yes please Viridens, the figures would be a help
Cheers Alasdair

I'll get my tape measure out and tomorrow & send you a pm.

 

[Poly Hive]

It very much does matter what material you use, as proven failures are fibreglass and concrete.

PH

 

[rockdoc]

On the plus side it may look crude and weight a bit more, but is less likely to get pinched!

 

[rockdoc]

On the plus side it may look crude and weight a bit more, but is less likely to get pinched!

 

[Dookie]

I've just made a topbar hive with them. But made it square sided and put national frames in it.

I'm going to see how it goes this year

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

so it's not a top bar hive then - just a standard long, framed hive. But bloody heavy

 

[Dookie]

Oh I forgot about how fun this forum was.

Sure it a horizontal brood frame national hive

 

[pargyle]

Oh I forgot about how fun this forum was.

Sure it a horizontal brood frame national hive

Nothing wrong with a long deep hive - my first hive (which 13 years on is still going strong) was an LDH. Bees love them and really easy to use -- I need a fork lift truck to move mine !

 

[Dodge]

The gardeners beehive is made from scaffold planks. The design is plank top to bottom if you ask me.