For beekeepers looking to scale up their apiary while keeping costs low, this 100-Pack of Commercial Grade Full Depth Frames offers the best balance of value and durability. These frames are crafted from New Zealand Pine, which is a favorite in the industry for its strength and natural resistance to the elements. Unlike premium grades, "Commercial Grade" timber includes minor cosmetic imperfections like small knots or slight discolouration, but these are purely aesthetic and do not compromise the structural integrity of the hive.
These are unassembled and flat-packed, making them a great project for the off-season. They feature a 13mm grooved bottom bar, providing the versatility to use either traditional wax foundation or modern plastic inserts. Additionally, the side bars come pre-drilled with four holes, allowing you to easily add wire reinforcement if you plan on using these in a high-speed honey extractor. If you don't mind spending some time with a hammer and nails, this bulk pack is an excellent way to prepare for a major expansion or spring splits.
In my experience managing multiple hives, moving to bulk unassembled packs like this 100-Piece New Zealand Pine Set is the only way to keep a growing apiary profitable. While the "Commercial Grade" label might sound lower-tier, I’ve found that the bees certainly don't care about a few small knots in the wood. Once they've proprolised the joints and built out the comb, these frames feel just as sturdy and reliable as the more expensive premium versions.
The biggest draw here is the customization. Because they arrive flat-packed, you have total control over the assembly process—I always recommend using a bit of waterproof wood glue in the joints along with your nails for maximum longevity. From a neutral standpoint, remember that this is a significant time investment; assembling 100 frames is a multi-hour task. However, for the price point, you’re getting professional-grade Langstroth compatibility and the flexibility to choose between wax or plastic foundations, making it a very smart "value-first" purchase.
Pros
Exceptional Value for Money: Buying in a 100-pack significantly lowers the cost per unit, making it the most economical way to outfit multiple deep hive bodies.
Versatile Foundation Support: The 13mm grooved bottom bar is wider than standard, easily accommodating thicker plastic foundations or traditional wax sheets.
Pre-Drilled for Wiring: Eliminates the need for a drill press; the side bars are already set up for four-point wiring, which is essential for reinforcing brood or honey combs.
Cons
Labor Intensive: These arrive completely unassembled and do not include nails, so you will need to provide your own hardware and dedicate several hours to construction.