The Double Story Langstroth Beehive (Unpainted) is a fully assembled two-box Langstroth hive ā brood box and honey super ā supplied in natural unfinished timber without external paint or treatment. It is dimensionally identical to the painted version and compatible with all standard Langstroth accessories, frames, and components. It is the preferred choice for beekeepers, NGOs, and county programmes who apply their own weatherproofing treatment or colour-code their hives by apiary, owner, or colony.
What Is the Double Story Langstroth Beehive (Unpainted)?
The unpainted version of the double-storey Langstroth hive is structurally and dimensionally identical to the painted version ā same timber construction, same box dimensions, same frame capacity. The only difference is the external finish: the unpainted hive is supplied in raw timber, without external paint, primer, or preservative treatment. This allows the buyer to apply the wood treatment of their choice ā linseed oil, weatherproof paint, wood stain, or propolis varnish ā and to mark or colour-code the hive to their own system. It is also a practical choice for NGOs and county governments who paint distributed hives in a standard organisational colour for apiary identification.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Two-box ā brood box + honey super |
| Material | Timber ā unfinished, no paint or treatment |
| Frame Capacity | 10 frames per box (20 frames total) |
| Components Included | Bottom board, brood box, honey super, inner cover, roof |
| Finish | Raw timber ā apply own treatment before use |
| Frame Compatibility | Standard Langstroth deep frames |
Who Needs the Unpainted Double Story Langstroth Beehive?
- NGOs and County Governments: Organisations distributing hives in bulk and painting them in a standard colour for project identification and record-keeping.
- Commercial Beekeepers with Custom Treatment Regimes: Beekeepers who prefer specific wood preservatives or weatherproofing products suited to their regional climate.
- Beekeepers Colour-Coding Their Apiaries: Using different hive colours to identify colonies, queens, or management status is a common commercial practice ā the unpainted version gives full flexibility.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- Kenya’s best beekeeping equipment shop ā stocking high-quality and genuine beekeeping equipment
- In stock ā same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Nationwide delivery to all major towns across Kenya
- Call or WhatsApp: 0797 764 747
- Trusted by commercial farmers, CBOs, and NGOs across Kenya
- Urban Beekeepers accepts M-Pesa, card, cash and bank transfer payments
Shipping and Delivery
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatment should I apply to an unpainted Langstroth hive?
At minimum, apply two coats of weatherproof exterior paint or linseed oil to all external surfaces before placing the hive outdoors. This protects the timber from moisture, UV, and insect damage. Avoid painting the interior of brood boxes and honey supers ā bees prefer untreated internal surfaces and will coat them with propolis naturally. Only the external faces require treatment.
Is the unpainted hive the same size as the painted version?
Yes. The unpainted and painted Double Story Langstroth Beehives are dimensionally identical ā same box depth, same frame capacity, and fully compatible with the same Langstroth accessories, frames, and queen excluders.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver the Unpainted Double Story Langstroth Beehive outside Nairobi?
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines.
