I recommend, instead of deeps and 10-frame supers, 8-frame medium supers, screened bottom boards and upper entrances.
Like this:
Like this:

+1 for the suggestion of all mediums; 8 or 10 frame you pick.OK fellow beeks...need some advice. I am going to be ordering in the near future 10 deeps, 15 mediums, tops, screened bottoms, and all associated frames.
I believe W.T Kelly cuts their frame rests deeper than the others. They do this to go with their old style rest protector. I would look at the others if you find this information to be reliable or plan to order all your boxes from the same company.I am trying to decide between Dadant, Mann Lake or Kelly.
I did a lot of research two years ago and found this; most say the new growth cypress and good pine are equal in longevity if prepared with oil based primer and good paint.Also trying to decide between pine and cypress.
I would start with 8 or 10 frame mediums and standard Screened Bottom Board and tops. If you decide to go to a more "advanced" set up like Joesph is suggesting, then you can easily switch with minimal equipment. I have no experience with his type of set up, so I can't recommend it over the standard set up.Recommendations?
I am also looking very hard at the thick white plastic telescoping covers from Kelly.
I tried a couple dozen of them a few years ago. Mine had a raised ridge on the underside so that when they sat on the inner cover they actually offered some ventilation. Basically it looked like a good idea. Unfortunately, I use bee escapes when removing honey supers. The ventilation gap on the underside of my Kelly plastic covers was just big enough for bees to squeeze through….sooo the first time I put escapes on the hives with the plastic covers, when I returned the following day the supers were all empty. The hive bees left the supers and robbers were able to get in under the cover. Not an issue if you don’t use bee escapes but if you do, be warned.I acquired some of Kelley's white plastic covers a few years back in a lot of used equipment and I love them.
I have had a hard time getting the Va Dadant office to answer the phone when I try and call them direct. I've given up on them. When you call the 1-800 sometime they re-direct you to the local one because they have a hard time tracking inventory. I have had very good service from Mann Lake, but shipping does get dear.I am trying to decide between Dadant, Mann Lake or Kelly.
Recommendations?