Beehive stand in Exeter
Professional beehive stand services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Sturdy, level beehive stand built to last. Proper height to keep your hive dry, deter pests, and make inspections easier - essential kit for serious beekeeping.
Your Bees Deserve a Solid Foundation
A beehive is heavy (can hit 50kg+ when full of honey) and needs to be perfectly level for the bees to build straight comb. Plonk it on the ground? You're asking for damp problems, wonky comb, mouse invasions, and a knackered back from bending too low.
A proper beehive stand solves all of this - but only if it's built sturdy and level.
💡 Pro tip: A well-built stand lasts 10+ years and serves multiple hives over time. It's worth doing properly once rather than bodging something that needs replacing every season.
Why a Proper Stand Matters
Here's what separates a proper beehive stand from a rickety DIY disaster:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Perfectly level (spirit level checked) | Wonky, bees build crooked comb |
| Raised 30-40cm, deters mice | On the ground, mouse paradise |
| Treated timber, lasts 10+ years | Untreated wood, rots in 2 years |
| Stable under 50kg+ load | Collapses mid-season |
What You Get
🔧 The Build
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Site prep | Ground levelled or supports positioned for slopes |
| Construction | Frame built using treated timber, secured properly |
| Levelling | Stand checked with spirit level in all directions |
| Stability test | Weighted and tested before hive goes on |
📦 You're Left With
- Solid, level hive stand
- Correct working height
- Weather-resistant construction
- Ready for your hive
Pricing Guide
| Stand Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single hive stand | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Double hive platform | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Triple hive platform | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials extra or you can supply your own.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New beekeepers - start with proper equipment from day one
✅ Expanding - adding more hives to your apiary
✅ Replacing rotten stands - time for something that'll actually last
✅ Sloped sites - need expert levelling on uneven Devon ground
Why Choose Us for Beehive stand in Exeter?
Perfectly level for healthy hive
Raised to deter pests and damp
Built to last years outdoors
Correct working height for inspections
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
I'll check your chosen spot - is it level, does it need digging in, what's the best orientation? We'll also discuss height preferences based on your comfort.
Step 2: Build
Using treated timber, I construct a solid frame designed to handle serious weight. If the ground's sloped (common in Exeter gardens), I'll level it properly with supports or adjustable feet.
Step 3: Level & Test
Critical step - I level the stand in all directions with a spirit level, then test stability before your hive goes anywhere near it.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to build your own hive stand? Here's how beekeepers do it:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Saw (hand or circular)
- Drill and wood screws
- Spirit level (essential!)
- Tape measure
- Spanner for bolts
📐 Design basics
- 40-50cm square for single National hive
- 30-40cm high (adjust to your preference)
- Frame construction with cross-bracing
- Legs sunk into ground or concrete for stability
🪵 Materials (for single hive stand)
- 4x 50mm x 50mm treated posts (legs)
- 4x 75mm x 25mm treated rails (frame)
- Outdoor wood screws or bolts
- Optional: paving slabs as feet for stability
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not using treated timber (rots fast)
- Forgetting to level it (wonky comb disaster)
- Building too small (hive overhangs)
- No cross-bracing (collapses under weight)
💡 Pro trick: Sink the legs 10-15cm into the ground and backfill with gravel for maximum stability - wind can rock a top-heavy hive on unstable stands. Also paint or stain your stand white - reflects heat in summer.
🐝 Beekeeper-specific tips
- Face hive entrance south or east
- Leave working space at the back for inspections
- Consider a landing board extension
- Some beekeepers add a shelf underneath for equipment storage
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐝 Multiple hives? Build them in one session and save on setup costs. I'm already on-site with materials and tools, so adding extra stands is cheaper per unit.
Devon's damp climate means treated timber is absolutely essential - untreated pine will rot in under two years with ground contact and constant wet weather. Proper outdoor-grade treated timber lasts a decade plus.
Sloped garden? Very common in Exeter - I'll dig in supports or use adjustable feet to ensure perfect level. Your bees won't know or care that the ground slopes, as long as their home is level.
Local beekeepers often prefer National hive sizes, but let me know if you're using Langstroth, Commercial, or Top Bar - I'll adjust dimensions to suit your specific hive type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do beehives need stands?
A level, raised base is essential - it keeps the hive dry (damp from below causes major problems), deters mice and pests, makes inspections easier on your back, and a level hive prevents comb from being built wonky. Bees are fussy about their architecture!
How high should a beehive stand be?
Typically 30-40cm off the ground - high enough to deter mice and ground damp, but still comfortable for you to work at. I can adjust to your preference though, especially if you have back issues and want it higher.
Do you supply the materials or do I?
Either works. If you want to source timber yourself, I can give you a cutting list. Otherwise I'll pick up treated timber that'll last years - proper outdoor grade stuff, not rubbish that rots in two seasons.
Can you build a stand for multiple hives?
Yes - whether you want individual stands or a longer platform for 2-3 hives, I can build to suit. Multiple hives on one solid platform can be easier to level and maintain.
Will it be stable on my sloped garden?
Absolutely - if your site isn't level (most Devon gardens aren't!), I'll build with adjustable feet or dig in proper supports to ensure the stand is perfectly level. The hive must be level even if the ground isn't.
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