Our layens frames are manufactured by hand in our workshop in Wiltshire. The frames are manufactured from the same premium quality Canadian Red Cedar as our hives. All are frames are foundationless and designed to allow the bees to build their comb naturally as in the wild. We offer two frame types, wired and comb guide. Our wired frames have a stainless steel wire running through the frame to add support to the comb should you use an extractor. The wire passes through brass eyelets to prevent the wire from cutting into the wood. Our comb guide frame has a groove along the underside of the top bar to facilitate a starter strip of wood or foundation. The wooden guide strip is supplied as standard, however it is not glued into place. This allows the choice between guide or starter strip of foundation. We do not add a horizontal dowel rod in the middle of the frame, this has proved to be problematical in use. The bees see it as a barrier to the natural downward progression of their comb, and usually stop when they reach it. If they do pass it, the comb tends to warp past the dowel rather than incorporating it fully. If you require a dowel or any other type of guide that you prefer, then please contact us and we will try our best to fulfil your wishes.
The classical Layens frames were designed to be deep enough for successful overwintering and rapid spring buildup. It mimics the size of comb found in tree hollows and has been in continuous use since the 19th century. It offers ideal colony development conditions consistent with the honey bees’ biology.
The top bars are made to touch, this helps to retain heat inside the brood nest and minimizes disturbance during inspections.
| Frame Type | Wired, Comb Guide |
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Jason Morris (verified owner) –
Jason Morris.
I purchased 14 of the wired Layens hive frames from Andrews website and after the short wait for thier manufacture I recieved them via Royal Mail very well and neatly packaged with bubble wrap to protect them in transit.
The frames are really lovely and are made of real cedar wood which is a first for me, usally frames are made from pine. I chose the wired Layens hive frames and the wiring was very neatly done with brass eyelets to protect the wood from being cut into by the wires.
The frames are perfectly square which not all pre assembly frames are when you buy them and the joints have all been glued together then stapled making the frames extremly strong. The machining of the frames is to a high standard and I am very pleased with them. Each frame is made to the exact measurements of the frames on Dr Leo Shraskins website.
I have ordered a pitched roof Layens hive from Andrew and I have no doubt that this will be constructed to an equally high standard as well. The topbar beehives that are shown on the website show that attention to detail is in all the products that are made by Andrew in his workshop. I would have no reserves about buying from Top Bar Beehives in future. The products are high quality and will last for many years with care.
AndrewVidler –
Hi Jason, thank you for the review.