Top bee space or bottom bee space?

[Honey badger]

Hello.
I’m looking to buy my first hive and am thinking of going with nationals as they are so standardised ( unless anyone has a wider option/ brand than this) but am curious about which one is better, top or bottom bee space or even if you can get hives with both?
Thank you.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Hello.
I’m looking to buy my first hive and am thinking of going with nationals as they are so standardised ( unless anyone has a wider option/ brand than this) but am curious about which one is better, top or bottom bee space or even if you can get hives with both?
Thank you.

Nationals, as a standard, are bottom beespace so if you plump for top beespace you are immediately cornering yourself into a restricted market when it comes to second had/discounted equipment.
It makes little difference anyway apart from crown boards being simpler - it's all in the mind.

 

[ericbeaumont]

makes little difference

Yes, don't fret about the choice, Mr Badger. One slight advantage is that on TBS the box rim won't get glued with propolis to the ends of the top bars in the box below.

going with nationals

Better to spend time considering the box material, quality of construction, thermal efficiency, weight and longevity.

My money goes here: https://www.abelo.co.uk/beekeeping-category/national-hive/poly-hives-national/