If you’re expanding a Langstroth hive or replacing worn frames, unassembled medium frames give you a customizable, cost-effective option. The following selections emphasize durability, compatibility with standard medium hive boxes, and frames that are straightforward to assemble. Each option includes either wooden frames or frames with beeswax-coated foundations to help colonies accept new foundations quickly. Use this guide to compare features and choose the right unassembled medium frames for your apiary needs.
| Product | Brand | Frame Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover Hives Wooden Medium Frames (Unassembled) | Hoover Hives | Wooden Unassembled | Durable wood; precise cuts for a perfect fit |
| Mann Lake 9 1/8″ Deep Unassembled Frames | Mann Lake | Wooden Unassembled | High precision cuts; thicker bottom bar for strength |
| BeeCastle 20 Pack Medium Frames with Waxed Foundations | BeeCastle | Wooden Frames + Waxed Foundations | Wax-coated foundations for quick acceptance |
| POLLIBEE 10 Pack Medium Frames with Beeswax Foundation Sheets | POLLIBEE | Wooden Frames + Beeswax Foundation | Premium pine wood; durable, easy assembly |
| HiveSweet Medium Frames with Wax Foundations (10 Pack) | HiveSweet | Wooden Frames + Wax Foundations | Unassembled frames with beeswax-coated foundations |
Hoover Hives Wooden Medium Frames
Hoover Hives offers medium Langstroth frames designed for honey storage and hive expansion. These unassembled frames use durable wood and feature precision-cut components that ensure a snug fit within standard medium hive boxes. The design emphasizes long-term resilience for active hives, making them a reliable option for beekeepers who want dependable, easy-to-assemble frames.
Mann Lake 9 1/8″ Deep Unassembled Frames
Mann Lake frames are built for precision and durability. The 9 1/8″ depth matches standard deep boxes, with groove top and bottom and no endbar holes for a clean, durable setup. The ½” bottom bar offers extra strength, helping reduce burr comb and frame failures. These frames are compatible with common uncappers, ensuring smooth assembly and reliable hive management.
BeeCastle Medium Frames With Waxed Foundations
The BeeCastle set includes 20 frames with wax-coated foundations designed to speed up honeycomb development. The frames are built with pine wood, combining durability with a lightweight build. The wax coating on foundations improves acceptance by bees, reducing colony disruption during frame introduction. This package is well suited for medium supers and expansion in established apiaries.
POLLIBEE 10 Pack Medium Frames With Beeswax Foundation
POLLIBEE frames combine premium pine wood with beeswax-coated foundations. The standard medium size (approx. 19″ x 17-3/4″ x 6-1/4″) fits most Langstroth beehives, including 8- and 10-frame configurations. The frames are sanded smooth for a clean finish and minimal burr, helping maintain hive hygiene and efficient honey production.
HiveSweet Medium Frames With Wax Foundations
HiveSweet pairs standard medium frames with wax-coated foundations to support rapid comb-building. The frames are unassembled, allowing beekeepers to tailor fitment to their hive layout. The combination of New Zealand pine for the frames and beeswax foundations provides a practical balance of strength, ease of use, and favorable acceptance by bees.
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Right Unassembled Medium Frames
Choosing the right unassembled medium frames depends on hive size, bee health goals, and maintenance preferences. Consider the following perspectives to ensure you select frames that align with your apiary strategy.
Frame material and durability: Wooden frames are the standard for long-term durability and natural bee habitat compatibility. Wood resists warping when dry, but requires proper maintenance. Plastic frames can be lighter and easier to clean but may not appeal to all colonies. Wax-coated foundations improve species acceptance and speed comb-building, reducing initial resistance from bees.
Frame depth and compatibility: Medium frames typically fit standard Langstroth medium boxes. Confirm the depth of your hive bodies (commonly 6-1/4 inches or 9-1/8 inches for deep frames) to avoid compatibility issues. Deep frames enable larger honey storage but require deeper boxes and appropriate space within the hive.
Unassembled vs assembled: Unassembled frames offer the flexibility to customize spacing and assembly pace. They require more setup but can be advantageous for hobbyists who prioritize precise frame fit or custom foundation alignment. For busy operations, assembled options might reduce setup time.
Foundations and coatings: Wax-coated foundations accelerate comb acceptance but can add cost. Plastic foundations are durable and uniform but may take longer for bees to accept. Consider the colony’s temperament, local forage, and existing foundation preferences when choosing foundations.
Cost, availability, and maintenance: Bulk packs (like 10-20 frames) provide cost efficiency for growing apiaries. Check packaging for uniform cuts, smooth sanded surfaces, and the absence of burrs. Regular inspection ensures frames remain true and free from warps or splits that could hinder brood or honey production.
In summary, selecting the right unassembled medium frames involves balancing frame material, foundation type, frame depth, and assembly effort. For expanding hives, a mix of high-precision wooden frames and beeswax-coated foundations tends to support healthy colony growth while maintaining hive efficiency.