What Are Deep Super Frames And What Do They Contain? Essential Guide To Hive Foundations

Deep super frames are the structural skeletons housed within a deep hive body, designed to support the colony's wax comb. Constructed from either wood or plastic, these frames are essential components that hold a sheet of foundation—made of wax, wired wax, or plastic—which serves as a critical template for bees to build their comb upon.

The deep super frame acts as the "file folder" inside the hive box, keeping comb organized and movable. For a standard hive configuration utilizing two deep supers, a beekeeper requires a total of 20 deep frames equipped with foundation.

The Anatomy of a Deep Frame

Structural Composition

Deep super frames are engineered components designed to fit precisely inside a deep super box. They are manufactured from either wood or plastic.

The Role of Foundation

The primary function of the frame is to hold the foundation. This sheet sits centrally within the frame and acts as a guide for the bees.

Guiding Comb Construction

Without this guide, bees may build erratic or "burr" comb. The foundation encourages the colony to draw out straight, uniform wax cells that are easy for the beekeeper to manage and inspect.

Material Configurations

Foundation Varieties

The foundation insert is not a "one size fits all" component. It is typically available in three distinct materials:

Wax: A natural substrate.
Wax with wire: Provides added structural support.
Plastic: A durable synthetic alternative.

Frame Quantity Requirements

When planning a hive setup, volume is a key consideration. A standard apiary configuration often involves stacking two deep supers.

The 20-Frame Rule

To fully populate this standard two-box setup, you must procure 20 deep super frames with foundation. This ensures every slot in the hive body is filled, preventing bees from building comb in empty void spaces.

Understanding the Material Trade-offs

Durability vs. Tradition

The choice between wood and plastic frames often comes down to preference. While the reference notes both are viable, wood represents the traditional route, whereas plastic often offers a unified, single-piece construction.

Structural Integrity

The mention of wax with wire foundation highlights a critical trade-off regarding strength. Pure wax foundation is natural but softer. Adding wire reinforces the wax, preventing it from sagging or breaking under the immense weight of honey and brood.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

Whether you are setting up a new hive or replacing old equipment, the components you choose will dictate the stability of the colony's interior.

If your primary focus is a standard hive setup: Ensure you acquire exactly 20 deep frames to fill two deep supers completely.
If your primary focus is structural support: Opt for frames containing wax with wire foundation to better support the heavy comb structure.

Ultimately, the deep super frame is the fundamental unit of the hive, transforming an empty box into a managed, productive home for your bees.

Summary Table:

Component	Material Options	Primary Function
Frame Structure	Wood or Plastic	Provides the skeleton and support for the hive
Foundation	Wax, Wired Wax, or Plastic	Acts as a template/guide for straight comb building
Standard Setup	20 Frames (for 2 deep boxes)	Maximizes space and prevents messy burr comb

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