How to Build a Top Cover for a Beehive

In this video I show how to build a top cover for a beehive. This is a telescoping cover with a ventilation notch to match the ventilation notch that I put in my inner covers. If you want to use Styrofoam insulation in your cover just add the thickness of the insulation to the 1 3/4" width that I use. The drip groove that I cut helps to keep water away from the boxes during a slow drizzle or snow melting condition. It is not perfect, but every little bit helps.

[@pathofthebee2873]

Here is a link to plans for the crosscut sleds that I use in this video. th-cam.com/video/uE9f4bp_wm8/w-d-xo.html

[@zhodge0]

That works. You have given me all the info I need to repair or build a new cover. Thank you for the BOM and detail construction.

[@pathofthebee2873]

Glad to help

[@markwelsch940]

I simply love your short, easy to follow video to make bottom boards. Do you have a video on how to make a migratory top cover for a 10 frame Langstroth bee hive?

[@pathofthebee2873]

I do not use migratory covers, so I do not. If you have plans or design parameters and can explain problems and needed points I can make one...

[@eberntson]

I have to Thank You for you fine instructional videos. It show that you have put a lot of thought into producing them. Love the Step List too, so helpful. I wish you success.

[@pathofthebee2873]

You are welcome. My intent is to help people without a bunch of fluff....

[@filipvernica258]

Very nice but why you don’t use the board to all four sides to band the sheet?

[@pathofthebee2873]

Because of the corners...

[@BobsBeeCompanyofSoCo]

I'm curious, are the bees able too use the vent to enter/exit? Does it create any robbing concerns? does the venting seem to help?

[@petratical]

If you do not use the routed vent, I have heard you can place a Popsicle stick under each corner to get ventilation, and no robber can get through that narrow space, yet It allows very important venting all around top cover.

[@pathofthebee2873]

The venting helps big time in the winter here. I have no problem with robbing. I can flip the inner cover if I think that may be an issue.

[@eberntson]

Nice and good design. Why don't you use wood glue? Also, do you have a painting hive video?

[@pathofthebee2873]

I have had poor results with wood glue and plywood. The screws and nails have held up very well for me. I have not made a painting video yet....

[@beekeeper8474]

How did a beehive end up with so many rabbits and what not? Seems like a simple design would have been better.

[@pathofthebee2873]

There are lots of simple designs... this is just how I do it.