I currently have some access to cypress lumber cut to order and am
interested in making some hive tops for 10 frame hives and 5 frame nucs.
I am interested in design input.

The tops that I have made so far have been with an exterior rated plywood
that covers the entire top of the hive with some overhang on the short
side of hives that gets nailed to some 1x2.  I prime and paint but the
tops look like they are not a lifetime product.  The cypress comes in a
width such that I would need to use 2 pieces to cover the top.  I expect
that strength wise this design would need more to stay together.

Another design I have seen made is by Jack Tapp's Chapel Hill NC Busy Bee
Apiaries.  I bought some from him for $10/each and they were made of
cypress of good quality (fairly smooth without knots).  The top consists
of 2 boards, there is some overhang over the short side of the hive, and
some wood on top of the hive connecting everything together (I think
something like a 1x4 that connects to both the piece that overhangs and
the pieces that form the bulk of the top).  I think this design would be
very sufficient but cost more to make.

The other design I have not held in my hand but have seen on TV.  The
American Honey Board has a video out that describes beekeeping.  In case
you might have seen it it starts out with a man openign the door to the
house with various improper greetings until he uses "Honey, I'm home".  It
consists of wood across the top, reinforced by wood on top (could have
been 1x2 up to 1x4) but no overhang.  It also looked like it had a hole
and closure that could be used for bucket feeding.  If you are familiar
with anything along this design I would like your feedback (do they stay
steady on a tied down load?)

What kind should I make?  What styles of commercial tops are you familiar
and what do you think of them?

Thank you, Joe

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