>As I have some plywood around the yard, is it ok to use plywood for the >outer cover and bottom board of a hive? > >Thanks, >Kelley >[log in to unmask] Kelley; Plywood works fine for most components of a hive. You should however, make sure it gets a good coat of paint for both the bottom board and outer cover. In addition the outer cover should be covered with in order of preference; metal, shingles, tar paper or an extra coat of paint. You can get metal skins or covers from the bee supply store. The only other caution I have regarding plywood is that porcupines love the stuff and will chew through metal and paint to get it. So if you have a porcupine population near your hives you may want to reconsider or at least test the porcupines appetite first. Good luck ............. Jim>