Product Overview
Why Lappe’s Bee Supply
Commercial Beekeeping since 1978 • Family Owned/Operated • Full Service Beekeeping Supplier since 2015
At a Glance
An assembled 8-frame two-deep hive starter kit is a complete beginner beekeeping setup designed to help one beekeeper establish and manage one colony using standard 8-frame Langstroth equipment.
This kit includes fully assembled and finished woodenware, feeding equipment, hive tools, protective gear, and beginner learning resources.
Related: Beginner Beekeeping FAQ
Quick Answer
An assembled 8-frame two-deep starter kit is a ready-to-use beekeeping setup for one colony. Beekeepers use it to install package bees or nucleus colonies, feed new colonies during establishment, and perform routine hive inspections with standard Langstroth equipment.
Best choice if: You are starting one colony and want lighter, fully assembled 8-frame hive equipment.
Best paired with: Nucs, Queens, and Package Bees
Quick Specs
- Size: 19 7/8 inches long x 14 inches wide
- Configuration: 8-frame Langstroth with two deep 9-5/8 inch hive bodies
- Material: Fir or Eastern Pine
- Finish: Painted White or Wax Dipped
- Key Feature: Fully assembled and finished woodenware
- Compatibility: Standard 8-frame Langstroth equipment
- SKU: BGNK-2446
Shop related: 8-Frame Langstroth Hive Equipment
Is This Right for You?
- ✔ Starting your first honey bee colony
- ✔ Want fully assembled hive equipment
- ✔ Prefer lighter 8-frame boxes for easier handling
- ✖ Not the best fit if you already use 10-frame equipment
Bottom line: Choose this kit if you want a complete, assembled beginner hive setup with lighter 8-frame equipment. Bees are not included and must be purchased separately.
Why Beekeepers Use This Product
Beekeepers use an assembled starter kit like this to simplify the process of starting a first colony. The fully assembled hive bodies reduce setup time, while the included feeder and hive tools allow beginners to begin managing a colony immediately after installing bees.
When to use: This kit is commonly used during spring colony installation season or when preparing equipment for a new package or nucleus colony.
How It Works
This 8-frame starter kit functions as a complete Langstroth hive setup for one colony. The two deep hive bodies provide brood space, while the included feeder allows syrup feeding during colony establishment.
- Two deep brood boxes support brood rearing and food storage
- The frame feeder allows in-hive syrup feeding during comb building
- The included smoker, hive tool, and bee brush support routine inspections
- Compatible with standard 8-frame Langstroth supers and accessories
Apiary Management Notes
- New colonies often benefit from syrup feeding during early comb building and brood nest establishment
- Many beekeepers wait to add honey supers until the brood boxes are being used well by the colony
- Black foundation is often easier for beginners to inspect because eggs are easier to see
- Keeping equipment standardized helps avoid compatibility problems later
Seasonal Use
- Spring: Install package bees or nucleus colonies and begin feeding as needed
- Summer: Add compatible 8-frame honey supers as the colony expands
- Fall: Continue inspections and prepare colonies for winter management
What’s Included
- Two assembled 8-frame 9-5/8 inch deep hive bodies
- Telescoping outer cover and notched wooden inner cover
- Solid bottom board or screened bottom board with rear pull-out drawer
- Frames with your choice of wooden frames and foundation or plastic one-piece frames
- In-hive frame feeder with cap and ladders
- Economy hive tool, bee brush, smoker, and smoker fuel
- Bee suit or bee jacket and goatskin gloves
- Homegrown Honey Bees book and one-year magazine subscription
You may also need: Package Bees and Nucs
Comparison
Comparing this assembled 8-frame starter kit with other beekeeping starter kits helps buyers choose the right setup for their hive size, lifting comfort, and equipment compatibility.
| Feature | This 8-Frame Two-Deep Starter Kit | 10-Frame Beginner Starter Kit | Individual Hive Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Starting one colony with lighter 8-frame equipment | Starting one colony with larger 10-frame equipment | Replacing or expanding specific hive parts |
| Best for | Beginners and backyard beekeepers who want easier lifting | Beekeepers standardizing on 10-frame equipment | Beekeepers who already own tools, gear, and hive parts |
| Box handling | Lighter boxes because each box holds 8 frames | Heavier boxes because each box holds 10 frames | Depends on the specific component purchased |
| Included supplies | Hive equipment, feeder, tools, protective gear, and learning resources | Starter kit contents vary by product | Usually only the selected hive part or accessory |
| Compatibility | Standard 8-frame Langstroth equipment | Standard 10-frame Langstroth equipment | Must match your existing hive size and equipment style |
| Best next step | Shop 8-frame hive equipment | Compare 10-frame starter kits | Browse beekeeping supplies |
Who This Is For
- First-time beekeepers starting one colony
- Backyard beekeepers who want lighter hive equipment
- Buyers who want fully assembled woodenware
- Beekeepers planning to use standard 8-frame Langstroth equipment
This may not be the best choice if you already use 10-frame equipment, only need individual hive components, or do not need protective gear and beginner supplies.
Common Mistakes
- Mixing 8-frame and 10-frame equipment
- Assuming bees are included with the kit
- Adding honey supers before the brood boxes are established
- Skipping syrup feeding during early colony establishment when feeding is needed
FAQ
Does this kit include bees?
No. Bees must be purchased separately as a package or nucleus colony.
Is the hive fully assembled when shipped?
Yes. The woodenware is assembled and finished before shipping.
What size hive bodies are included?
The kit includes two 8-frame deep 9-5/8 inch hive bodies.
Can I add honey supers later?
Yes. Standard 8-frame Langstroth honey supers are compatible.
Is this kit compatible with 10-frame equipment?
No. 8-frame and 10-frame components are different sizes and are not interchangeable.
What feeding equipment is included?
An in-hive frame feeder with cap and ladders is included.
Why do many beginners choose 8-frame hives?
Many beginners prefer 8-frame hives because the boxes are lighter and easier to handle during inspections.
Related Products and Guides
About Lappe’s Bee Supply
Lappe’s Bee Supply provides beekeeper-tested equipment designed for real-world apiary use.
Commercial beekeeping experience and everyday supply knowledge help guide the equipment offered for beginner, hobby, and experienced beekeepers.
Share Your Experience
If you have used this kit in your apiary, leave a review and let other beekeepers know how it performed during setup, inspections, and colony establishment.
