10 Frame Ideal Super Box - Flat Pack - Dovetail Joints
Flat-pack 10 frame Ideal size beehive super box made from New Zealand pine with dovetail joints for straightforward assembly. Ships unassembled with precision-cut interlocking corners — glue, clamp, screw and you're ready to paint. Fits 10 standard Ideal-size Langstroth frames.
⚠️ Please check your hive size before ordering. Ideal size (145mm tall) is smaller than the more commonly used full depth size — see "Why Ideal size?" below.
About the timber and joints
Cut from New Zealand pine — the standard timber for Australian Langstroth boxes because it's straight-grained, stable, and takes paint well. Dovetail joints are the interlocking finger-joint style — each panel has precision-cut fingers that mesh with the mating corner, glued and screwed together. Generally what commercial operators prefer for the extra glue surface area.
Why Ideal size?
Ideal size frames and supers are approximately 40% smaller than the more commonly used full depth size. Two reasons beekeepers choose them:
- Lighter to lift — a full super of honey in an Ideal box is manageable for one person, where a full-depth full super is heavy. Popular with older beekeepers or anyone with back concerns.
- Cut comb honey — the smaller size is well-suited to producing comb honey squares.
8 frame or 10 frame?
- 8 frame Ideal — narrower footprint, lighter still, fits into a smaller apiary space. Best for hobbyists or where lifting weight matters most.
- 10 frame Ideal (this box) — standard 10-frame Langstroth footprint. Slightly more honey capacity per super, matches most existing 10-frame kit.
Pick to match the frame count of the rest of your hive.
Specifications
- Fits 10 standard Ideal-size Langstroth frames
- NZ pine timber
- Assembled dimensions: 506mm (L) × 406mm (W) × 145mm (H)
- Ships flat-pack, unassembled
- Frames not included
How to assemble
Lay out the four panels, run a bead of wood glue along each dovetail joint, mesh the corners together, clamp, and drive stainless steel or galvanised screws through the joints (typically 2 per corner). Wipe excess glue with a damp cloth and let cure overnight. Apply two coats of exterior paint before putting bees in — untreated pine only lasts a season or two in Australian weather.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to paint it? Yes — untreated timber degrades quickly outdoors. Two coats of exterior paint will do it. External house paint from any hardware store will work. Lighter colours help keep the hive cool in the Australian summer.
What frames fit this box? Standard 10-frame Ideal-size Langstroth frames (not full-depth or WSP) — see our ideal frames.
Can I use this if my hive is full-depth? No — Ideal frames won't sit properly in a full-depth box. See our full range of super boxes instead.
What else do I need to complete a hive? A beehive lid, a base, 10 frames with Ideal foundation, and bees.
Related products
Browse ideal frames, Ideal foundation, beehive lids and beehive bases to pair with this super. Also see 8 frame Ideal dovetail for the 8-frame variant.
Screws and glue for the boxes are NOT included but can be purchased separately on the below link:
- Reviews
