Bee frames are an integral component of any classic Langstroth bee hive, familiar to beekeepers worldwide. And these frames may be on the minds of beekeepers during the spring, which is often the time when people bring new bee colonies onto their farms. Maybe a beginner beekeeper is starting from scratch with their first hives, or maybe an experienced beekeeper is replacing a hive that was lost over the winter, or simply increasing their efforts. Regardless, bringing in new bees involves constructing or purchasing new hives, and that means obtaining plenty of new frames where those bees can construct their combs. You typically need 8 to 10 frames per hive box, and once those boxes are stacked high during a productive summer, you could easily require upwards of 40 frames per hive.
The frames are where your bees will actually build their combs, raise their brood, and, ultimately, store their honey. The goal in a Langstroth hive is to contain these rows of comb on the frames, which can easily be removed from the hive for examination or harvesting. There are two basic types of frames.
Foundation Frames
Frames with a built-in foundation are probably the most common. These frames can be made of wood or plastic, and they hold a rectangular sheet of plastic or wax, called a foundation. The foundation is often imprinted with a hexagon honeycomb shape pattern. Bees use the pattern as a guide for building their comb.
Foundationless Frames
Alternatively, there are frames with no prebuilt foundation. In this case, the frame is nothing more than that—just a simple rectangle that the bees build the comb on all by themselves with no guide. Sometimes, a thin wire is strung across the frame to give a small amount of structure for the comb. If you’re a woodworker, foundationless frames are pretty easy to make and can save some money.
Bee Frames: Pros & Cons
Which type of frame should you use? There’s no fixed answer, and you may find yourself experimenting with both kinds as you progress in your hobby. Here are a few considerations.
3 Benefits of Foundation Frames
1. Foundation frames are simple and easy. Foundation frames with plastic foundations are durable and simple to use. The bees understand the pattern and generally build their comb in the correct places. However, when foundationless frames are used, bees often build their comb in a pattern that is inconsistent with the frames, which causes a lot of extra work for the beekeeper.
2. Foundation frames are durable. The added stability of the foundation means the comb on these frames is less likely to crumble or fall off when you’re performing inspections.
3. Foundation frames are easy to harvest. They work well in an extractor, whereas the comb on a foundationless frame might fall apart.
4 Benefits of Foundationless Frames
1. Foundationless frames are more natural. With a foundationless frame, the bees make more decisions about the size and placement of their comb and cells. They’re living more closely to the way they would in the wild.
2. Foundationless frames may be cleaner. With no foundation, there are no potential downsides of chemical contamination from plastic, and no recycled wax being put to use the way it might be with a foundation frame. These considerations may be important to you if you’re interested in harvesting wax yourself.
3. Foundationless frames are good for the crush and strain harvesting method. If you’re willing to harvest a little more slowly, foundationless frames work well for collecting wax and honey simultaneously.
4. Foundationless frames are cost-effective. You can save some money this way.
Beginners are often encouraged to start with foundation frames because they’re much easier to use. If you’re interested in the “all-natural” approach of a foundationless frame, you might experiment this way with a hive or two to see how you like it.
Bee Frames Summary
Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper setting up your first hive or a seasoned pro expanding your apiary, selecting the right bee frames is a key decision that affects your bees’ health, productivity, and your own efficiency. Foundation frames offer structure, simplicity, and ease of use—ideal for those just starting out. Meanwhile, foundationless frames provide a more natural environment for your bees and may appeal to those seeking a chemical-free, DIY approach. Whichever route you choose, understanding the pros and cons of each type will help you build strong, productive colonies supported by well-chosen bee frames.
This article about bee frames was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
