8 Frame - Telescopic Beehive Lid
Telescopic beehive lid for 8 frame Langstroth hives
A telescopic lid (sometimes called a telescoping lid or outer cover) has a deep timber rim that extends down over the sides of the beehive rather than sitting flush on top of it. The galvanised metal top sheds rain, and the overhanging rim keeps water off the joint between lid and box, which is where weather gets into a hive first. It is the traditional lid style on hobby hives and suits any 8 frame super box. The lid ships fully assembled, so there is nothing to build.
Why choose a telescopic lid?
Because the rim wraps the top of the hive, there is less exposed timber for weather to work on and less space under the lid for pests to hide or bees to build excess comb. Telescopic lids are normally used with a crown board or inner cover underneath, which stops the bees propolising the lid to the frames and makes the lid easy to lift.
Raw timber or wax dipped and painted
The raw timber option is ready for you to paint or oil. The wax dipped and painted option is sealed in hot wax then finished in white, so it goes straight onto the hive with no preparation and lasts longer outdoors.
Looking for a different style? See our full range of beehive lids including the 8 frame gabled beehive lid, or browse supers and boxes to match.
Frequently asked questions
Does the lid come assembled?
Yes. Every telescopic lid is shipped fully assembled and ready to go on the hive.
Does a telescopic lid need an inner cover?
We recommend one. The inner cover gives a bee space under the lid and stops the lid being glued down with propolis.
Will this fit my 8 frame hive?
Yes. It is sized for standard 8 frame Langstroth boxes in any depth (Full Depth, WSP, Manley or Ideal), since the lid only needs to match the box footprint.
What is the difference between telescopic and migratory lids?
A migratory lid sits flush with the box sides so hives can be packed tightly on a truck. A telescopic lid overhangs the box for better weather protection on hives that stay put.
Can I use it with a 10 frame box?
No, choose the 10 frame telescopic beehive lid instead.
