Brood Boxes & Supers

Beehive Brood Boxes and Honey Supers

Expand your colonies and provide space for honey storage with our range of beehive brood boxes and honey supers. Choose from deep brood chambers and shallow or medium super boxes for popular hive formats, with options in traditional timber, lightweight polystyrene and durable plastic.

Whether you are replacing a damaged hive body, preparing equipment for a new colony or adding supers ahead of the main nectar flow, selecting the correct box for your hive and frames is essential. Browse National and Langstroth brood boxes and supers from specialist beekeeping brands, including Swienty, Thornes, ANEL and Thomas Apiculture.

What is a beehive brood box?

The brood box, also called a brood chamber or deep hive body, is the main part of the hive in which the queen lays eggs and the colony raises young bees. Brood frames can also hold pollen and honey used to feed the developing colony.

A strong or rapidly growing colony may need additional brood space. Depending on the hive type and management method, a beekeeper might add a second brood box, use a brood-and-a-half configuration or choose a deeper chamber such as a National 14 × 12 brood box.

Brood boxes should be inspected regularly so that the colony has sufficient space and the beekeeper can monitor brood health, food stores and signs of swarming.

What is a honey super?

A honey super is a shallower hive box placed above the brood chamber, normally with a queen excluder between the two. Worker bees store surplus honey in the super frames, which can later be removed for extraction.

Beekeepers commonly add the first super when a growing colony is occupying most of the available brood space and a nectar flow is beginning. Further supers can be added as the existing boxes fill. Providing enough room at the right time helps prevent congestion and creates space for the bees to store a harvestable honey crop.

Choosing the correct brood box or super

Always match the hive body to your existing hive format. British National, National 14 × 12 and Langstroth equipment use different box and frame dimensions and should not be assumed to be interchangeable.

Before ordering, check:

• Your beehive type and manufacturer

• Whether you need a brood box or honey super

• The required frame size and capacity

• Compatibility with your existing floor, roof and hive boxes

• Whether the product is assembled or supplied flat packed

• Whether frames, runners and foundation are included or sold separately

Product contents vary, so consult the individual listing before purchasing.

Wooden, poly or plastic hive boxes?

Wooden brood boxes and supers offer a traditional appearance and are available in materials such as cedar and pine. Flat-packed boxes can be economical to transport and store, but must be assembled accurately and may require a suitable exterior finish.

Polystyrene hive boxes are lightweight and highly insulated, helping moderate changes in temperature inside the colony. They should be protected with a manufacturer-approved, water-based exterior paint where directed.

Plastic brood boxes and supers provide a durable, low-maintenance alternative. Selected models are supplied assembled and are available in different colours, making it easier to identify colonies within the apiary.

Shop brood chambers and honey supers

Find replacement and expansion boxes for hobby apiaries, growing beekeeping operations and commercial honey production. Gwenyn Gruffydd is a family-run beekeeping business in West Wales, managing more than 400 hives and offering practical advice based on everyday apiary experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a brood box and a super?

A brood box is the main chamber where the queen lays and young bees develop. A super is normally placed above the brood area and is primarily used to hold surplus honey for harvesting.

When should I add a honey super?

Add a super before the colony becomes overcrowded, usually when the bees occupy most of the available brood frames and a nectar flow is starting. Colony strength, weather and local forage should all guide the timing.

How many supers does a beehive need?

There is no fixed number. A productive colony may require several supers during a strong nectar flow, while a smaller colony may need only one. Inspect regularly and add space before the existing super becomes completely full.

Can I use a brood box as a honey super?

A deep brood box can hold honey, but a full box will be considerably heavier than a shallow or medium super. Most beekeepers use shallower boxes for harvested honey because they are easier to lift and handle.

Do brood boxes and supers include frames?

Not always. Some products contain only the hive body, while others may include runners, frames or foundation. Read the individual product description to confirm exactly what is supplied.

Are brood boxes from different brands compatible?

Boxes made to the same recognised hive dimensions may be compatible, but manufacturing details can differ. Check the precise measurements and confirm compatibility before combining materials or brands.