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How to Build a Beehive From Marine Plywood

Honeybees, one of the most economically valuable insect species, are housed in hives throughout the country. Beekeepers may either make their living from these little creatures, though hobbyists also enjoy maintaining hives. Although many different styles of bee hives are commercially available, many hobbyists prefer to build their own.

Things You'll Need

Two side panels, 20-inches long by 9.75-inches high
Two end panels, 15-inches long by 9.75-inches high
One base panel, 16.5-inches wide and 21.5-inches long
One lid, 16.5-inches wide and 21.5-inches long
Two side panel raiser boards, 20-inches long, 0.5-inch by 0.5-inch
One end panel raiser board, 15-inches long, 0.5-inch by 0.5-inch
One raiser board, 8-inches long, 0.5-inches by 0.5-inches
Two 16.5-inches long, 1-inch by 2-inch wood lengths
Circular saw
Safety glasses
Hammer
Wooden nails
Two cleats, 2-inch by 1-inch, 20-inches long
Assistant

Instructions

- 1
  Place the marine plywood panels on a clean work bench.
- 2
  Put on the safety glasses. Place the first 15-inch by 9.75-inch end panel near the edge of the work bench. Cut out, along the 15-inch long side, frame rests at the top of the panel. Cut these frame rests 0.75-inches deep and 0.50-inches wide. The frames will be store-bought and added at the end of construction.
- 3
  Keep on the safety glasses. Place the second 15-inch by 9.75-inchend panel near the edge of the work bench. Cut out, along the 15-inch long side, frame rests at the top of the panel. Cut these frame rests 0.75-inches deep and 38-inches wide.
- 4
  Stand the first 20-inch by 9.75-inch side panel vertically on the work bench. Place the right hand 15-inch by 9.75-inch end panel next to it. Request that the assistant hold the two panels in place and nail them together.
- 5
  Place the left hand 15-inch by 9.75-inch end panel next to the first 20-inch by 9.75-inch side panel. Ensure that both frames are on the top of the box. Request that the assistant hold the two panels in place and nail them together.
- 6
  Place the second 20-inch by 9.75-inch side panel next to the three piece structure that you have just competed and nail it in place. You will now have a square shape, consisting of both side and both end pieces.
- 7
  Place the box on the work bench, with the frame rests at the top. Request the assistant hold the first cleat against the right hand end piece and nail it to the side of the end piece, along the top and on the outside of the box. The cleat will now be on the opposite side of the end panel, to the frame rest. Both are along the top of the box.
- 8
  Request the assistant hold the second cleat against the left hand end piece and nail it to the side of the end piece, along the top and on the outside of the box. The cleat will now be on the opposite side of the end panel, to the frame rest. Both are along the top of the box.
- 9
  Invert the box and nail one raiser board, 0.5-inch by 0.5-inch, onto the bottom of each side and each end panel. Be aware that the raiser board for one end panel does not go across the full length of the panel. The gap that remains is used by the bees as an entrance to the hive.
- 10
  Leave the hive in this inverted position and nail the floor or base board onto the hive. Be aware that the floor panel is slightly larger than the hive.
- 11
  Place the lid flat on the work bench and nail one of the 16.5-inch long, 1-inch by 2-inch wood lengths along one of the end sides. Nail the second 16.5-inch long, 1-inch by 2-inch wood lengths along the opposite end side.
- 12
  Place the bee hive right way up and place the lid on, with the wooden lengths facing up.

Insects & Science