Standard ten-frame hive bodies come in four primary depth options, each serving distinct purposes in beekeeping. The full-depth (9 5/8 inches) is the largest, ideal for brood chambers, while the medium-depth (6 5/8 inches) and intermediate (7 5/8 inches) offer versatility for both brood and honey storage. The shallow-depth (5 11/16 inches) is typically reserved for honey supers due to its lighter weight when filled. These standardized sizes ensure compatibility across hive components and simplify equipment management for beekeepers.
Key Points Explained:
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Full-Depth (9 5/8 inches)
- The deepest option, designed primarily for brood chambers where queen bees lay eggs and young bees develop.
- Heavy when filled with honey (up to 90 lbs), making extraction labor-intensive.
- Preferred for colder climates as the extra space helps colonies cluster tightly during winter.
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Medium-Depth (6 5/8 inches)
- A popular compromise between weight and capacity, often called "Illinois supers."
- Weighs ~50–60 lbs when full, easier to handle than full-depth boxes.
- Used for both brood rearing and honey storage, especially by beekeepers prioritizing ergonomics.
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Intermediate (7 5/8 inches)
- Less common but valued for its balance: deeper than mediums but lighter than full-depth boxes.
- Provides more room for brood expansion than mediums while reducing back strain during inspections.
- Sometimes called "5/8" or "extra-deep" boxes in beekeeping communities.
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Shallow-Depth (5 11/16 inches)
- Lightest option (~30–40 lbs when full), almost exclusively used for honey supers.
- Minimizes physical strain during harvests, ideal for beekeepers with mobility limitations.
- Requires more boxes per hive to match the honey storage of deeper sizes, increasing assembly time.
Practical Considerations:
- Interchangeability: All depths use the same 19 7/8-inch length and width, ensuring frame compatibility.
- Regional Preferences: Warmer areas often favor shallower boxes, while northern beekeepers may opt for full-depth brood chambers.
- Customization: Some beekeepers mix depths (e.g., deep brood boxes with medium honey supers) to optimize hive health and workflow.
Have you considered how box depth impacts not just honey yield but also colony thermoregulation and beekeeper fatigue? These subtle trade-offs quietly shape sustainable beekeeping practices worldwide.
Summary Table:
| Depth (inches) | Common Name | Primary Use | Weight When Full | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 5/8 | Full-Depth | Brood chambers | Up to 90 lbs | Ideal for cold climates, ample space for brood |
| 6 5/8 | Medium-Depth | Brood & honey | 50–60 lbs | Balanced weight and capacity |
| 7 5/8 | Intermediate | Brood expansion | Moderate | More room than mediums, less strain |
| 5 11/16 | Shallow-Depth | Honey supers | 30–40 lbs | Lightweight, easy to handle |
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