Beehive base setup in Exeter
Professional beehive base setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£135
Typical Duration
1.5-2.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Level, stable base for your beehives - positioned right, built solid, ready before your bees arrive.
Get your beekeeping off to a good start
You've done the course, bought the kit, and your bees are arriving next week. But the hive can't just sit on the grass - it needs a proper base that's level, stable, and positioned sensibly.
I'll build or install a solid stand, position it in the right spot in your garden, and make sure everything's level so your bees build straight comb and you don't break your back during inspections.
Why beehive bases matter:
| ✅ Proper Base | ❌ Ground Level |
|---|---|
| Hive stays dry and rot-free | Bottom board rots within a year |
| Level = straight, manageable frames | Wonky comb = angry bees, broken frames |
| Comfortable inspection height | Back-breaking bending every week |
| Grass/slug barrier | Pests climb straight in |
| Stable even with heavy supers | Tips risk when lifting full boxes |
Different base options
| Base Type | What It Is | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paving slabs + blocks | Slabs as base, blocks as legs | 1.5 hrs | Quick, adjustable, cheap |
| Timber stand | Pressure-treated frame on posts | 2 hrs | Neat, solid, long-lasting |
| Railway sleepers | Heavy, permanent, very stable | 2.5 hrs | Level sites, heavy hive setups |
Pricing Guide
| Setup Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single hive base (slabs/blocks) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Timber stand construction | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Multi-hive setup or complex site | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials (slabs, timber, blocks) additional - typically £30-80 depending on base type.
💡 Pro tip: Position your hive base before your bees arrive, not after. Makes setup day much less stressful. Also gives you time to check it's level, stable, and exactly where you want it before boxes full of bees are sitting on it.
Why Choose Us for Beehive base setup in Exeter?
Perfectly level base for hive stability
Positioned for good access and sun
Raised to proper height
Solid and stable for heavy honey supers
What to Expect
Step 1: Site selection and prep
We'll discuss the best location in your garden - sun, wind, access, privacy from neighbors. I'll check the ground's reasonably level (or advise how to make it so), then position the base exactly where you want it.
Step 2: Building the base
Whether it's slabs with blocks, a timber frame, or sleepers, I'll build it square, level in both directions, and solid enough for multiple heavy supers when the honey flow's on. If the ground's uneven, I'll shim or adjust until it's perfect.
Step 3: Final check and placement
Before you put your hive on it, we'll double-check level, test stability, and make sure the height's comfortable for your back. If you want, I can help position the first hive boxes while I'm there.
🔧 DIY Tips
Building your own hive base:
Tools you'll need:
- Spirit level (essential)
- Spade (for ground prep)
- Saw (if cutting timber)
- Drill and screws (for timber frames)
- Adjustable wrench (for leveling blocks)
Simple paving slab method:
- Choose location (morning sun, sheltered from wind)
- Dig out grass/weeds for slab area
- Level ground roughly with spade
- Position two paving slabs end-to-end
- Place concrete/breeze blocks as "legs" (typically 4 blocks)
- Check level in both directions
- Adjust blocks until perfectly level
Timber stand method:
- Build a frame from pressure-treated 4x2" timber
- Make it slightly larger than your hive floor
- Attach legs (typically 450mm/18" posts at corners)
- Position in chosen spot
- Level in both directions using shims under legs
- Optionally concrete leg bases for permanence
Common mistakes:
- Not checking level in both directions (front-back AND side-side)
- Using untreated timber (rots within a year)
- Base too small (needs to be stable with supers on)
- Positioning in full afternoon sun (bees overheat)
- Too close to paths/neighbors (defensive bees upset people)
- Height too low (back pain) or too high (can't lift supers safely)
Pro tricks:
- Face entrance southeast if possible (morning sun gets bees working early)
- Leave space behind hive for inspections (you need to stand there weekly)
- Slightly tilt hive forward (2-3 degrees) so rain runs out, not in
- Use a string line to check level - easier to see than relying on spirit level alone
- Put down landscape fabric under base to suppress grass/weeds
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Multi-hive setups: Planning to keep several hives? I can build a base that accommodates 2-3 colonies with proper spacing between them (reduces drift and disease spread). More economical than separate bases.
Expansion planning: If you're starting with one hive but might expand, I can position the base so you've got room to add more nearby later. Easier than realizing you've got nowhere to put hive number two.
Old Devon gardens: Many properties around Exeter have sloping gardens and heavy clay soil. I'm used to working with uneven sites and can advise whether to build up the base or cut into the slope for a level platform.
Ongoing beekeeping help: Once you're keeping bees, you might need other odd jobs - fence repairs to keep bees and neighbors separate, shed space for storing equipment, benches for hive inspections. I'm happy to help with the practical side of beekeeping.
Local beekeeping: There's a good beekeeping community around Exeter and Devon. If you're new to it, ask me and I can point you towards local associations and experienced beekeepers who help beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do beehives need a proper base - can't I just put them on the ground?
Ground-level hives rot quickly from moisture, attract pests, are hard on your back to inspect, and upset the bees when grass vibrations disturb them. A raised, level base solves all these issues and makes beekeeping far more pleasant.
How high should a beehive stand be?
Typically 12-18 inches (300-450mm) - enough to keep the hive dry and make inspections easier without back-breaking bending, but not so high it's awkward to lift heavy honey supers on and off. I'll position it at a height that suits you and the location.
What makes a good beehive location?
Morning sun, afternoon shade, sheltered from strong winds, entrance facing away from main wind direction, easy access for you but not in a high-traffic area where people or pets will disturb them. Ideally south or southeast facing. I can advise based on your garden layout.
Can you build the base or do I need to provide one?
I can build a simple timber base (pressure-treated timber on posts or paving slabs) or work with whatever you've bought. Many beekeepers use railway sleepers, concrete blocks, or purpose-made hive stands - I'll install whatever you prefer.
How level does it actually need to be?
Very level. Wonky hives cause bees to build wonky comb, make frames hard to remove, and risk the whole thing tipping if it's seriously out. I'll use a spirit level in both directions and adjust until it's spot-on.
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