Langstroth Brood Boxes & Supers

Langstroth Brood Boxes and Honey Supers

Expand your colony and provide additional space for honey storage with our range of Langstroth brood boxes and supers. Choose from deep brood chambers and medium or shallow honey supers for 10-frame Langstroth hives, with assembled and flat-packed options in plastic, pine and cedar.

Our collection includes colourful ANEL plastic hive bodies, assembled wooden boxes from Thomas Apiculture and traditional Thornes cedar equipment. Whether you are replacing a damaged box, creating a double-brood hive or preparing extra supers for the nectar flow, check the format and dimensions of your existing equipment before ordering.

What is a Langstroth brood box?

A Langstroth brood box, also called a deep hive body or brood chamber, is the main part of the hive in which the queen lays eggs and worker bees raise brood. The frames surrounding the brood nest also contain pollen and honey used to support the colony.

A standard deep Langstroth box provides a substantial brood area. Strong or prolific colonies may be managed across two deep boxes, while others remain in a single brood chamber. The correct setup depends on colony size, local forage, climate and the beekeeper’s preferred management system.

Additional brood space should be introduced according to the colony’s development. Adding a large empty box too early can leave a small colony with more space than it can effectively occupy and regulate.

What is a Langstroth super?

A Langstroth honey super is placed above the brood area to give bees space to store surplus honey. A queen excluder is often fitted between the brood chamber and supers to help prevent the queen from laying in comb intended for harvesting.

Langstroth supers may be described as medium or shallow boxes. Their reduced depth makes a full box of honey easier to lift than a deep brood body. However, “medium” and “shallow” are not interchangeable terms, so always match the box with frames and foundation of the correct depth.

Supers can be added as the colony expands and a nectar flow begins. Further boxes may be required before the existing super is completely filled to reduce congestion and provide continued storage space.

Deep, medium or shallow Langstroth boxes?

The terms refer to the depth of the hive body and the frames it accepts:

• Deep Langstroth boxes are commonly used as brood chambers.

• Medium Langstroth boxes are widely used as honey supers and may also form part of an all-medium hive system.

• Shallow Langstroth supers hold shorter frames and produce a lighter box when filled with honey.

A deep frame will not fit inside a medium or shallow super. Check both the internal dimensions and the correct frame height when adding boxes to an existing hive.

Plastic and wooden Langstroth hive bodies

Plastic Langstroth brood boxes and supers provide a durable, low-maintenance option. ANEL moulded boxes are supplied assembled, are available in various colours and form part of a matching 10-frame hive system.

Wooden Langstroth boxes offer a traditional appearance. Assembled pine boxes can be put into service after applying any recommended exterior protection, while flat-packed cedar boxes allow beekeepers to build their own equipment.

Materials and manufacturers can differ in wall thickness, joints, rebates and external dimensions. A wooden roof or floor should not automatically be assumed to fit a moulded plastic box, even if both products are described as Langstroth.

Choosing compatible boxes, frames and foundation

Before ordering a Langstroth brood box or honey super, confirm:

• Whether your hive is an eight-, nine- or 10-frame system

• The manufacturer and external dimensions

• Whether you need a deep, medium or shallow box

• The corresponding frame and foundation size

• Compatibility with your existing floor, roof and queen excluder

• Whether the box is assembled or flat packed

• Whether frame runners, fixings, frames or foundation are included

Most brood boxes and supers are sold as hive bodies only unless the product description states otherwise.

Shop Langstroth hive boxes in the UK

Find replacement and expansion boxes for beginner beekeepers, established apiaries and commercial honey producers. Gwenyn Gruffydd is a family-run beekeeping business in West Wales and an official UK distributor of ANEL Langstroth equipment. We manage more than 400 hives and offer practical advice based on everyday apiary experience.

Frequently asked questions

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

A brood box is used primarily for the queen, brood and colony food stores. A super is normally added above the brood chamber to hold surplus honey for harvesting.

When should I add a Langstroth super?

Add a super when a strong colony occupies most of its available brood space and a nectar flow is beginning. Conditions vary, so inspect the colony rather than relying only on a calendar date.

Can I use a deep Langstroth box as a honey super?

Yes, but a deep box filled with honey can be extremely heavy. Medium and shallow supers are popular because they are easier to lift and handle during harvesting.

How many supers does a Langstroth hive need?

There is no fixed number. The requirement depends on colony strength and the local nectar flow. Inspect regularly and add another compatible super before the available storage space becomes congested.

Do Langstroth brood boxes include frames?

Not necessarily. Many listings include only the hive body, while frames and foundation are sold separately. Check the individual product description for the exact contents.

Are all 10-frame Langstroth boxes interchangeable?

No. Although the internal frame length may follow a familiar format, external dimensions and connection profiles can vary between manufacturers and materials. Measure your equipment or remain within one compatible hive system.