BBKA Forum

Cedar doesn't rot, which is why greenhouses are made from it.

WalnutTreeBees wrote: ↑

20 Jan 2019, 11:43

Hello,

I'm looking to build a few hives and am interested in cheaper alternatives to Cedar. #

Any thoughts?

Yes get some Kingspan sheets, (or similar) cut to shape and off you go...

I make all my nucs from Kingspan/Celotex... About £10 each. I have about 14 of them.. Bees overwinter well in them. And 1/4 size mating nucs - not mini mating nucs ( at under £10 each from BE it's not worth it..)

mikemadf wrote: ↑

08 Jun 2019, 06:13

I make all my nucs from Kingspan/Celotex... About £10 each. I have about 14 of them.. Bees overwinter well in them. And 1/4 size mating nucs - not mini mating nucs ( at under £10 each from BE it's not worth it..)

Any pictures Mike?

Now you’ve done it. I’ve never used the stuff but am intrigued to have a go.

How do you join the corners of the kingspan, is it just using adhesive foil tape? Do you coat the exterior with anything, do you “carve” a shelf for frame lugs? Does it need to be lined to stop lugs propolising to the foam? Do you use the 25mm sheets or the 50mm?

I am sure I will have more q’s when I have a go...

So, Kingspan and Celotex are insulation board?
https://www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk/browse/insulation/insulation-board/kingspan-insulation.html
https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/celotex-ga4000-insulation-board

Interesting... I too wonder how you'd join them. Some form of glue? I assume that you must have to seal the edges to prevent water from getting into the foam? Or not?

Kingspan foam is quite dense, it shouldn't be too hard to carve any tongues/grooves or other jointing method into your parts, smother in glue and jam together.

I fancy a go now.