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Supers made in the U.S. are made with what is called top bee space. There should be 1/4 inch above the top of the frames to the top edge of the super. The inner cover rim would have a 1/8 inch strip to make a total of 3/8 inch bee space . In Europe some bee equipment is made with bottom bee space. This means there is 3/8 inch from the bottom bar of the frames to the bottom edge of the super. This puts the top of the top bar even with the top edge of the super. The inner cover would then have to have the 3/8 clearance built into it.
The actual space will depend on the thickness of the top bar of the frames used. Some frame top bars are thicker than others, so it pays not to mix frames from different companies. Check the frames you use and build any equipment with the dimensions needed to give the correct 3/8 inch.
Bee space actually varies from 3/16 inch to 3/8 inch in wild combs but in Langstroth boxes you have less burr comb if you keep the full 3/8 inch below the inner cover.
The actual space will depend on the thickness of the top bar of the frames used. Some frame top bars are thicker than others, so it pays not to mix frames from different companies. Check the frames you use and build any equipment with the dimensions needed to give the correct 3/8 inch.
Bee space actually varies from 3/16 inch to 3/8 inch in wild combs but in Langstroth boxes you have less burr comb if you keep the full 3/8 inch below the inner cover.
