The Langstroth is the most widely used hive system in the world. The dimensions that underpin the movable-frame hive were established with it.

Its defining feature

The system rests on bee space: bees leave open any gap of roughly six to nine millimetres.

A wider gap is filled with brace comb; a narrower one is sealed with propolis. Every dimension in the hive is set to that range, which is what allows frames to be removed freely.

Structure

A vertical system in which boxes of the same size are stacked:

• Floor
• Brood box: One or two
• Queen excluder (optional)
• Supers: Full or shallow depth
• Crown board and roof

Box depths

Full-depth and shallow boxes are both used. Shallow supers are markedly lighter when full, a significant advantage for the back.

But mixing depths limits frame exchange. Using a single depth means every frame can be used anywhere.

Strengths

• Ubiquity: Equipment, frames and colonies are available everywhere
• Modularity: Space is adjusted finely by adding and removing boxes
• Standardisation: Frames are interchangeable between colonies and beekeepers
• Suitability for transport: Parts can be strapped and moved

Weaknesses

• Weight: A full-depth super is heavy
• Lifting boxes: Upper boxes must come off for inspection
• A divided brood area: In a double brood box the brood is spread over two boxes

Who it suits

It suits most conditions and is the safest choice for a beginner, because help, equipment and colonies are easy to find.

Those who struggle to lift boxes can use shallow supers or consider a horizontal system.

A caution

Even hives sold under the same name can differ in dimensions. When buying equipment, confirm the frame size is compatible with the hives you already have.