← Back to Beekeeping for Beginners
These are three hive types you will come across when choosing equipment. Start with the system your mentor can help you use, then check the exact frame size before buying bees.
Langstroth
A stack of rectangular boxes using Langstroth frames. It is widely used internationally and comes in different box depths and frame counts. Confirm the precise format with your hive and nuc suppliers.
Think about: local support, compatible spare parts and the weight of full boxes.
National
A familiar UK system with square boxes and British Standard frames. It is a practical option where local mentors and suppliers use it. Standard brood and deeper 14×12 brood equipment use different frame depths.
Think about: the brood-box depth your mentor recommends and matching nuc frames to it.
.jpg){kind=link}
WBC
The traditional garden hive with a pitched roof and sloping outer “lifts”. The colony lives in inner boxes, with the outer casing providing another layer of weather protection. Those lifts must be removed for access, adding handling and storage space.
Think about: the extra parts, cost and work during inspections. WBC and standard National equipment can use the same British Standard frame sizes, but their boxes are not interchangeable; confirm the exact format.
Before you order
- Choose one compatible system for both starting colonies.
- Confirm hive type, frame depth and nuc compatibility with both suppliers.
- Check box weight, spare-part availability and your swarm-control plan.
- Choose poly or wood separately from the hive type.
See the equipment checklist for two colonies. We offer National nucs and Langstroth nucs; ask us about frame compatibility.
Further reading: North Herts Beekeepers Association: hive types and frame sizes.