Top or bottom bee space

[Matthew Roberts]

Hello all,
I am a complete beginner, having just finished a theory course. I am just putting together my first flat-packed National hive and am trying to decide on top or bottom bee space. I was considering screwing in the sides so I could try one method but then change to the other fairly easily in the future. Having said that, it probably wouldn't be easy to change with a hive full of bees - so perhaps I need to choose now.
What do other people think?

 

[user 20297]

Just ignore anyone who says, "top bee-space" and believe the first person who votes the opposite....BOTTOM BEE SPACE.

 

[Ian123]

If you’re using nationals then I’d stick with bottom, in the future if you pick up any equipment that’s already made you will want it inter changeable. Top is probably simpler but welcome to the world of British beekeeping

 

[Swarm]

Your National is BBS. Yes you can change it but it will involve some modification or your frame lugs will rest directly on the shelf. Thorne actually sell a TBS version.
The problem with BBS is those long lugs sitting below a bee space rebate.
I modify my boxes, TBS is much better

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

go with the norm and choose bottom beespace. Not really much difference anyway

 

[Erichalfbee]

Top.
I eke the top of my old style Abelo poly. It means there is space top and bottom but it doesn’t matter with a brood box.

 

[Newbeeneil]

As a beginner I would stop with BBS. Most national kit will be set up like that.

 

[Sutty]

I have both, wood BBS and poly TBS, I prefer the bbs, I'm less concerned when I put a box down on something even if it's a roof at an angle, as less bees are likely to be crushed.

 

[WoodenBeam]

Your problem is not bee space

It’s going with a National brood box

Only joking. What ever you go with is what you’ll get used to - simplest to go with standard