Similar to Ray, I do use bottom boards as a cover, it wasn’t out of choice, when I went to buy my woodenware, I couldn’t get my hands on telescopic covers, so I decided on the spot to buy bottom boards instead and just reuse them for what they are the next year. However, since then I grew fond of it and stuck with it. Mine is a reversible, and I do use an upper entrance and on the upper side of the bottom board (cover now) I fitted an Isolofoam board and covered it all with a water-resistant cloth that dangles to the sides a bit. All in all, it’s great for travel, great for having an entrance, insulated and it is cheaper. However, there is one downside, since it’s sized like a bottom board, you might want to pay attention to how you place it back on the hive, or do as I did and I cut a few thin metal guides to screw to the sides so it would direct you when you place it back without having to look around the hive to see if its sitting well, also it prevents it from sliding when you are moving the hives.
