Layens Hive Stand Plans

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The easiest way to make a stand for a Layens hive is to cut four pieces of “two-by-six” board approx. 36” long and attach them to the hive body using 2-1/2” deck screws. You can spread out the lower part of these legs for greater stability.

The above approach works quite well if you never move your hive. But if you do, having the legs attached to the hive body may become a nuisance. A separate hive stand offers more versatility and is easy to build (or you can always use some cinder blocks instead).

There are different styles of hive stands. One is presented on this page, and the other one is found here.

Materials you will need:

• 1” x 12” x 8’, untreated. #4 grade works great if you can get it.
• 2” x 4” x 12’, untreated.
• 1-5/8” deck screws (8).
• 2” deck screws (16).
• 2-1/2” deck screws (4).

Step 1. Cut the “one-by-twelve” board into four pieces: 24-1/2” (2) and 14-7/8” (2). Cut the “two-by-four” board in six pieces: 20-3/4” (4) and 21-7/8” (2). Trim off both ends of 21-7/8” boards at 45°.

NOTE: the ideal leg length depends on your height, that of your hive, and the average depth of snow cover in your area. Make the stand so the hive is convenient for you to work with. The solid-wood Layens hive is about 18” tall. So if you were to decrease the leg length from 20-3/4” to 16” or 18”, the top bars of the frames would end up 34” or 36” above ground level — a very comfortable height unless you are very tall.

Step 2. Clamp the short “one-by-twelve” boards between the long “one-by-twelve” boards, check for right angle, and assemble on 1-5/8” deck screws, 2 per corner.

Step 3. Insert the four “two-by-four” legs into the frame you just built, and connect them with four 2” deck screws per corner as shown.

Step 4. Flip the stand over; position the “two-by-four” with the slanted ends inside the stand so they protrude by 3-1/2” in front. Attach to the legs with four 2-1/2” deck screws, one per leg. These crossbars provide additional support and prevent the hive from being tipped over by animals or very strong winds; their protruding parts are cut at 45° so you don’t stumble on them when walking around the hive (so you don’t tip it over!).

Your Layens hive stand is ready. Giving it two coats of acrylic paint will prolong its useful life. When setting it out at the apiary, use flat rocks under the legs and make sure the stand is level. Add your Layens hive on top, populate with local swarms, and enjoy!

    LAYENS HIVES, FRAMES, and SWARM TRAPS AVAILABLE FROM OUR STORE >>
    Hives include all frames, fully assembled & ready to go

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— Dr. Leo Sharashkin, Editor of “Keeping Bees With a Smile”