Beehive frames are utilized based on their capacity and weight, with specific sizes assigned to distinct roles within the hive structure. Deep frames are the standard for the brood nest (the nursery) but can store honey; Medium frames serve as a versatile option for both honey storage and brood; and Shallow frames are almost exclusively used for honey production due to their limited size.
Although beekeepers often adapt equipment to their preferences, the fundamental principle is to match the frame size to the colony's biological needs while managing the physical weight of the boxes you must lift during inspections and harvest.
Deep Frames: The Brood Standard
Maximizing the Brood Nest
Deep frames, measuring 9 1/8 inches, are the primary choice for the hive bodies where the queen lays eggs.
This large surface area allows the queen to establish a continuous, unbroken brood pattern.
Because the colony naturally expands upward, these frames provide the solid foundation required for a healthy population at the bottom of the hive.
Usage in Honey Supers
While Deep frames are technically capable of storing honey, they are less commonly used for this purpose by hobbyists.
A "Deep" box filled completely with honey is exceptionally heavy and difficult to maneuver.
However, commercial operations with mechanized lifting equipment may use Deep frames for honey to maximize volume.
Medium Frames: The Versatile Choice
The Standard for Honey Storage
Medium frames, measuring 6 1/4 inches, are the most common choice for "honey supers" (the upper boxes where surplus honey is stored).
They offer a balance between storage capacity and manageability.
When full of honey, a box of Medium frames is significantly lighter than a Deep box, reducing physical strain on the beekeeper.
Use in Brood Chambers
Medium frames are also viable for use in the brood nest.
Some beekeepers choose to run "all-medium" hives, using these frames for both brood and honey.
This approach requires using more boxes to equal the volume of Deep boxes, but it simplifies equipment management.
Shallow Frames: Specialized for Harvest
Strictly for Honey Supers
Shallow frames, measuring 5 3/8 inches, are the smallest of the standard options and are designed strictly for honey storage.
They are rarely found in modern setups compared to Mediums, but they serve a specific niche for those needing the lightest possible equipment.
Limitations for Brood
You should not use Shallow frames for the brood nest.
The vertical space is insufficient for the cluster of bees to overwinter effectively or for the queen to lay a proper pattern.
Restricting the brood nest to such small frames can impede the colony's growth.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Weight vs. Efficiency
The primary trade-off in selecting frame sizes is physical weight versus hive efficiency.
Using Deep frames everywhere minimizes the total number of frames you need to buy and assemble, but results in boxes that can weigh over 80 pounds when full.
Using Mediums or Shallows for honey reduces lifting weight to 40-50 pounds but requires purchasing more woodenware to achieve the same storage volume.
Interchangeability
Mixing frame sizes creates a logistical challenge during inspections.
If you use Deep frames for brood and Mediums for honey, you cannot move a resource-heavy honey frame down into the brood box to feed a starving colony.
Beekeepers must decide if the weight savings of mixed sizes is worth the loss of equipment modularity.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Ideally, your choice of frame size should align with your physical capabilities and your management philosophy.
- If your primary focus is traditional management: Use Deep frames for your bottom brood boxes and Medium frames for your upper honey supers.
- If your primary focus is equipment standardization: Use Medium frames for everything (brood and honey) so every frame is interchangeable.
- If your primary focus is minimizing lifting weight: Use Deep frames for the stationary brood nest and Shallow frames for the honey supers you will frequently lift.
Select the frame size that allows you to manage your bees safely without causing personal injury.
Summary Table:
| Frame Type | Height (Inches) | Primary Use | Best For | Weight (Full) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep | 9 1/8" | Brood Nest | Maximum brood surface & commercial honey | Heavy (~80 lbs) |
| Medium | 6 1/4" | Honey Supers | Standardization & versatile management | Moderate (~50 lbs) |
| Shallow | 5 3/8" | Honey Production | Lightweight handling & easy lifting | Lightest (~40 lbs) |
Scale Your Apiary with HONESTBEE Precision Equipment
Choosing the right frame size is just the start—maximize your efficiency with high-quality gear. HONESTBEE specializes in supporting commercial apiaries and distributors with a comprehensive range of wholesale beekeeping solutions. Whether you need specialized hive-making and honey-filling machinery or bulk supplies of durable frames and consumables, we deliver the tools your business needs to thrive.
Ready to upgrade your operation? Contact us today to discuss our full spectrum of beekeeping hardware and cultural merchandise!
Related Products
- HONESTBEE Wired and Assembled Wooden Bee Frames Foundation for a Thriving Hive
- Heart-Shaped Comb Honey Frame and Honeycomb Cassette
- Assembled Wooden Bee Frames with Plastic Foundation for Durability and Convenience by HONESTBEE
- Assembled Wooden Bee Frames with Beeswax Foundation Ready to Use by HONESTBEE
- Wooden Bee Hive Frames for Beekeeping and Wholesale
People Also Ask
- Why are wired frames necessary when executing the shook swarm technique? Ensure Stability in Your Commercial Apiary
- Can old bee frames be reused? Weighing the Risks vs. Rewards for Your Hive
- When should I throw away my bee frame? A Guide to Hive Health & Frame Rotation
- How do wooden frames perform during honey extraction? Superior Rigidity for a Smoother Harvest
- Can I reuse old frames? A practical guide to saving money and reducing waste
