Need some ideas for hive platform(s)

Plastic pallets are inexpensive, have ample room for two hives side by side, extend well in front of the hive to keep down weeds, are low to the ground so that a tall hive does not get to tall, and last a long time. They will fit four turned facing different directions.

As you said, 4x4 and 2x6. This is similar to Lauri's except mine just sits on the ground. Here's the sketchup drawing, I can send you the file if you're a sketchup fan and want to monkey w/the dimensions. I really need to find some of that fiberglass decking that Lauri has.

http://bees.libhart.com/wp-content/u..._HiveStand.jpg

Here is a link.
http://www.directmetals.com/dm/fiberglass_grating.asp

It is industrial flooring. Also meant for outdoor use when filled with pea gravel or sand.

Mine came from a scrap yard. Some of the sheets had a tiny bit of damage I easily cut away.

Thanks for the link. I'll need to find it that way too...looks like it's crazy expensive for a panel.

Can I use two rows front to back or is that not a good idea? If so what should the minimum spacing be front to back?

Thanks for the ideas guys and gals. Here is what we wound up doing, most was done with leftover scrap materials. Turned out well, the bees have a great view ;) Going to build another next to it

I'm clapping my hands:) Great job-looks nice!
Very nice spot too.

I think your order was off. You should have been building a duck blind! I would love to get my hands on a little piece of property with a duck/ fish pond.

Wow...excellent job & location! Thanks for all the pics!

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Originally Posted by bosco500

Thanks for the idea. That sounds similar to this one I just found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLDavYxX6R4

Love the idea, will just make it a bit longer

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I prefer 2X6 Dbl H Hive stands.

Nice Lauri, but I like working hives from the side, not the back or front or corner.

Here's an inexpensive ant proof hive stand that has a few more components but will definitely keep the ants away.

Use 1.5" dowels and screw mount PVC 2" end caps then drill hole for dowel. Fill end caps with High Temp Bearing Grease
Attachment 3652

Insert dowel into hive stand legs.
Attachment 3653

Repeat.
Attachment 3654

Drill pilot holes and screw on top hive rest joist.
Attachment 3655

For more details and another design, here's my previous thread:
http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...Actually-Works!

I wonder if Charlie goes to as much time and expense to keep the ants out of the apartments he manages below his rooftop apiary as he does to keep them out of his bee hives?

Thanks guys, the bees should like the location

The first year I was able to buy most of the stock of a Beekeeper getting out of the business....he sold me a couple of stands that were perfect for this....he used cross ties from old telephone poles that were torn down and replaced with new ones....the power company was dumping the cross ties in a dumpster and getting rid of them....the ties are about 7 to 8 feet long...nail or screw a couple of 2 x 6's to the ends and a couple of 1 x 8's across the stand as braces, and they're ready to go. You could use 4 x 4 posts, but they end up weighing too much for me to deal with....the old cross ties are much lighter. I then lay down four concrete building blocks as a base and to get the entire unit off the ground, then stack 3 hives on each.....one of the good things about this system is when you have to start pulling supers off to extract. the base is so strong you can just stand on the platform that the stand provides and they supers are much easier to handle. I'll try to locate a pic I can post so you can get a better idea.

dixie

I love this idea wished you had more details and better pictures. oops wished I know how to delete this post :D

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Originally Posted by RAFAEL/PR

THE BEST STAND FOR HIVE I SEEN YET AND ARE SIMPLE TO MAKE ARE THE ONES USING concrete blocks WITH REBARS LIKE THIS PHOTO FROM ONE OUR MEMBER TOM IN SOUTH AMERICA Attachment 3628
PUT SOME GREASE ON THE BARS AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANT PROBLEM OR SOME INSECT PROBLEM THAT CANNOT FLY

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I love this idea wished you had more details and better pics

Attachment 3663 I made 2 sets of these for my hives. There is enough room between the hives to stack supers during an inspection. I embellished a little since these are in my front yard. 4 x 4's and 2 x 6's.

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Originally Posted by EarleB

I love this idea wished you had more details and better pics

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this is better a drawing of it


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater

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Originally Posted by Belewsboy

Attachment 3663 I made 2 sets of these for my hives. There is enough room between the hives to stack supers during an inspection. I embellished a little since these are in my front yard. 4 x 4's and 2 x 6's.

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I love these. Sometimes white seems like it would be plain, until you see how clean it looks. Nice job