10 Frame Gabled Beehive Outer Cover, Pitched Garden Hive Roof in Pine
10 Frame Gabled Beehive Outer Cover, Pitched Garden Hive Roof in Pine
Couldn't load pickup availability
A gabled beehive outer cover is a pitched roof for a Langstroth hive, also called a garden hive cover, peaked roof or pigeon roof. Instead of a flat telescoping lid it has two sloping sides, vent holes in each gable end and a wide overhang, so heat and moisture escape through the roof space in summer and rain and snow shed off the sides in winter. This one is pine, fits standard 10-frame Langstroth boxes, and comes unassembled, assembled, or assembled, painted and wax dipped.
Why choose a gabled cover over a telescoping cover?
A flat telescoping cover holds a puddle and warms in the sun. A pitched roof gives the hive an attic: the air gap insulates, the end vents let humid air out, and the overhang keeps water off the box joints. It also resists blowing off because the sides wrap the top box and the weight sits higher. And it looks like a beehive should in a backyard.
Do I need an inner cover with a gabled roof?
Yes. Use an inner cover (not included) under the gabled roof so the bees do not build comb up into the roof cavity. The vent holes then work as an upper vent above the inner cover.
Which version should I buy?
- Unassembled: unassembled pine, nail and glue it yourself in about 20 minutes (nails and glue not included)
- Assembled: ready to sit on the hive, paint any color you like
- Assembled, painted and wax dipped: primed, painted white and dipped in hot wax for the longest life outdoors
Specifications
| Fits | Standard 10-frame Langstroth boxes |
|---|---|
| Material | Pine |
| Roof | Pitched, vent holes in both gable ends, overhang on all sides |
| Options | Unassembled, assembled, or assembled + painted + wax dipped |
| Inner cover | Required, sold separately |
Frequently asked questions
Does a gabled roof keep the hive cooler?
Yes. The roof cavity and end vents let hot, humid air escape above the inner cover, and the overhang shades the top box. Beekeepers in hot states use them for this reason as much as for looks.
Will it fit an 8-frame hive?
No, this is the 10-frame size. See the 8-frame gabled outer cover.
What is wax dipping?
The assembled lid is submerged in hot paraffin and microcrystalline wax, which soaks into the pine and seals it far better than paint alone. Wax-dipped woodenware typically lasts two to three times longer outdoors.
Should I paint the unassembled one?
Yes, once assembled. Any exterior latex paint works; leave the inside unpainted.
The Yarra Bee Co 10-frame gabled beehive outer cover is stocked in Texas and ships within the US. Pair it with an inner cover and a 10-frame mesh bottom board.
