Top 5 Beehive Stands for Sale -The Importance of Using a Hive Stand
An important tool in beekeeping that is sometimes overlooked is the beehive stand. While beehive stands don’t look like anything special, they provide the beekeeper with comfort while tending to the hive. For the bees, a beehive stand is important because it helps to keep the hive dry.
This article will discuss what a beehive stand is, the proper beehive stand height, and dimensions of a beehive stand. Lastly, I will review the top beehive stands for sale.
What is a Beehive Stand?
In beekeeping, a beehive stand is a structure that elevates the beehive off the ground. Hive stands are made of wood, plastic or metal and can be bought online, or if you are handy, you can make a beehive stand.
A beehive stand can be used to hold a Langstroth or Warre hive and often has space for some beekeeping tools and frames. There are a variety of beehive stands for sale, with different features and at different price points.
Benefits of Using a Beehive Stand
There are many benefits to using a beehive stand. For the beekeeper, a hive stand makes it easier to work on the hive. It is much more comfortable for a beekeeper to work on a hive at waist level, than to have to keep bending over.
It is also beneficial for bees to have their hive elevated off the ground. A hive stand keeps the hive off of the damp ground and away from ground moisture. This keeps the hive in better condition, reducing the risk of wood rot and mold.
Beehive stands are good for keeping predators and other pests, like ants away from the hive. An elevated hive does help to deter ants it is best to also use a barrier coating on the legs of the stand. AntCant is a great non-toxic coating that prevents ants and other insects from crawling up to the hive. It works by producing a surface where ants are unable to gain traction, so they cannot pass the barrier.
- Slippery coating for ants
- Ants cannot climb on AntCant treated inclined surfaces
- Easy to apply
- Dry coating is non-toxic
An elevated hive also makes it easier for the bees to get to their entrance. A hive placed on the ground could be surrounded by grass and weeds. You would have to clear the vegetation around your hive pretty frequently to ensure that the hive entrance is not concealed. If you hive is on a stand the entrance would be more exposed and easier for the bees to enter.
How to Choose a Beehive Stand
There are a lot of different hive stands available, so how do you know which one to choose? There are a few details to look at when deciding on a beehive stand.
- Height
- Dimensions
- Material
Beehive Stand Height
In nature, bees rarely nest on the ground. They prefer to find a place with a little more height, and a hive stand is perfect for that. But what is the best beehive stand height? You want to make sure that your hive stand is high enough to deter pests, but also not too high that it would be difficult to lift your supers off the hive. Most beekeepers agree that a good beehive stand height is around 18 inches, or less.
A good beehive stand height is around 18 inches, or less.
Beehive Stand Dimensions
Beehives can get quite heavy, so it’s important to get a quality hive stand. Beehive stand dimensions vary greatly. You can see the dimensions for a 4 post hive stand here. Or, if you’d prefer a beehive stand with 2 legs, the dimensions can be seen here.
Beehive Stand Material
Beehive stands are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal. Wood is a great building material because it’s strong, durable, and attractive. The benefits of plastic is that it’s lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. Metal has a high strength to weight ratio and does well in both hot and cold temperatures.
Best Beehive Stands for Sale on Amazon
Amazon offers a few beehive stands that would work great for any apiary. See below for our top picks.
| Product | Features | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Vivo Black Plastic Beehive Stand | -Made of plastic -Metal support bars -Interlocking joints -Frame holder | Click Here |
  | Mann Lake Adjustable Hive Stand | -Made of steel -Easy assembly -Can be used with both 8 and 10 frame hives | Click Here |
  | Wooden Hive Stand | -Made of pine -Easy to assemble -Pre drilled holes | Click Here |
  | Ultimate Hive Stand for Beekeepers | -Built in drains -Swing out frame holders -Raises hive 12 inches off the ground | Click Here |
  | Lovshare Metal Hive Stand | -331 lb weight capacity -Adjustable height and width -Constructed of sturdy zinc plated steel | Click Here |
VIVO Black Plastic Beehive Stand
Features
- Sturdy design made of plastic with metal support bars
- Supports standard 10 frame Langstroth hive
- Dimensions are 18.8” x 24.8” x 12.4”
- Interlocking joints for strength and durability
- Convenient metal frame holder for use when doing hive inspections
Mann Lake HD-709 Adjustable Hive Stand
Features
- Made of zinc plated steel
- Can be used with 8 or 10 frame hives
- Elevates hive 6 ½ inches
- Easy assembly
Wooden Hive Stand
Features
- Made of untreated pine
- Fits 10 frame beehives
- Easy to assemble due to pre-drilled holes
- Strong and sturdy, can last a long time
- Weighs 5 lbs
Ultimate Hive Stand for Beekeepers from Farmstand Supply
Features
- Made in the USA from recycled materials
- Technopolymer construction will not rust or rot
- Can use any bottom board
- Swing out frame holders
- Raises hive 12 inches off the ground
- Large footpads for stability
- Built in drains
Lovshare Metal Hive Stand
Features
- Capable of 331lbs weight capacity
- Fits 8 or 10 frame beehive
- Constructed of sturdy, zinc-plated steel material for durability
- Adjustable height and width
Other Recommended Beehive Stands
My current favorite hive stand is not sold on Amazon right now, but I’d still like to include it here. This year, I’ve really liked this hive stand from Galena Farms. It is very similar to the VIVO one I also like, but it’s cheaper.
The Galena hive stand is lightweight, durable, and includes frame rests – all musts when choosing a beehive stand. It also ships free from galenafarms.com, so it’s a great deal for a quality hive stand.
Summary
It is important for a beekeeper to have a quality beehive stand. Beehive stands make it easier for the beekeeper to work on the hive, keep the hive dry, and deter ants and pests. An ideal beehive stand height is about 18 inches.
My pick for the best hive stand is the VIVO Plastic Hive Stand and the Galena Farms Hive Stand. These stands are affordable, look great, and are sturdy. I also like that they have metal frame holders built in. You can find beehive stands for sale online, or you can make one yourself.
