Beekeeping is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Here are some beehive plan ideas to help you get started:

Langstroth Hive: This is the most common type of beehive. It consists of stacked boxes with removable frames. The bees build their comb on these frames. You can find various designs and sizes for Langstroth hives. Some creative variations combine features from other hive types, like the top bar and Langstroth. For example, the Long Langstroth Beehive combines the horizontal setup of a top bar hive with the frame design of a Langstroth hive. It’s built at a comfortable height to avoid bending when inspecting the colony.

Layens Hive: Similar to Langstroth hives, Layens hives have long, vertical frames. They almost look like a regular hive turned on its side. A 14-frame Layens hive can hold approximately 45 lbs of surplus honey. These hives are popular and can hold anywhere from 12 to 30 frames.

Double Deep Long Hive: Imagine a double-decker bus with two rows of standard deep frames. This hive design can hold 52 deep frames (26 on each level). The benefit is that you can use your regular harvesting equipment without straining your back. Just be aware that finding an extractor to accommodate the larger frames might be a challenge.

Layens Swarm Trap: This swarm trap is similar to a nucleus hive. It accepts 6 Layens frames, which are longer than standard frames. Once you start with a Layens swarm trap, consider transitioning your bee colonies into a Layens hive for better management1.
Remember to choose a hive design that suits your needs, space, and beekeeping goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, building your own beehive can be a fun and educational project! Happy beekeeping!