How to Assemble a Flow Hive: Step-by-Step Instructions
Just received your Flow Hive and not sure where to start? You're not alone. Assembly can feel overwhelming when you're looking at a flat-pack box of cedar components for the first time. This guide walks you through every step — from unboxing to placing your first bees — so you can get it right the first time.
In This Article
Before You Start: Tools and Prep
Flow Hives come mostly pre-assembled or as easy flat-pack components. You won't need many tools, but having these on hand will make the job much smoother:
Rubber mallet
For tapping joints together without damaging wood
Screwdriver
Phillips head for securing screws and hardware
Hive tool
Essential for beekeeping — use to pry and lever components
Exterior paint or oil
To weatherproof the outside of cedar components
Paint or oil the exterior surfaces only before assembly. Never paint the interior — bees need the natural wood surface inside. Apply at least 2 coats and let it dry fully before introducing any bees.
Step 1 — Assemble the Hive Stand
The hive stand raises the hive off the ground, improving ventilation and reducing moisture buildup. It also makes inspections easier on your back.
- Connect the four legs to the stand frame using the provided hardware.
- Make sure the stand is level — use a spirit level if needed. A level hive ensures honey fills cells evenly and the Flow Frames drain correctly.
- The stand should tilt very slightly forward (1–2°) to help rainwater run off the roof.
A stable, level stand is the foundation of a healthy hive.
Step 2 — Set Up the Bottom Board
The bottom board sits directly on the stand and forms the floor of the hive. Flow Hives use a screened bottom board, which has two positions:
- Open/mesh position: Used in summer for maximum ventilation and Varroa mite monitoring.
- Closed position: Used in cooler months to retain warmth inside the hive.
Place the bottom board on the stand with the entrance facing forward. The entrance reducer (a small wooden block) can be inserted to limit the opening — useful for new colonies or in early spring.
Step 3 — Assemble the Brood Box
The brood box is the lower box where the queen lays eggs and the colony raises young bees. This is the heart of the hive.
- Slot the four sides together at the finger joints — they should fit snugly without glue.
- Tap joints together with a rubber mallet if needed.
- Insert the 8 standard Langstroth frames (not included with all Flow Hive kits — check your package). These hold the brood comb.
- Place the brood box on top of the bottom board.
Do not place Flow Frames in the brood box. Flow Frames go in the honey super only. The brood box uses standard Langstroth frames with wax foundation for the queen to lay eggs in.
Step 4 — Set Up the Flow Super
The Flow super is the upper box that sits above the brood box. This is where the bees store surplus honey and where your Flow Frames live.
- Assemble the super box the same way as the brood box — slot the joints and tap together.
- Before placing the super, lay a queen excluder on top of the brood box. This metal or plastic mesh prevents the queen from entering the super and laying eggs in your honey frames.
- Place the assembled Flow super on top of the queen excluder.
The queen excluder goes between the brood box and the Flow super — don't skip this step.
Step 5 — Insert the Flow Frames
This is the step that makes the Flow Hive unique. Here's how to correctly install the Flow Frames:
- Carefully slide each Flow Frame into the super from the top, resting the lugs on the frame rests inside the box.
- A standard Flow Hive 2 super holds 6 Flow Frames (or 7 in some configurations).
- Make sure the harvest ports face the rear of the hive — this is where you'll insert the Flow Key and attach the harvesting tube.
- Check that the frames sit level and don't rock. They should be snug but easy to remove.
- Attach the rear door panel to cover the harvest ports when not in use.
Before installing, rinse the Flow Frames with warm water to remove any manufacturing residue. Some beekeepers also rub a thin layer of beeswax on the plastic cells to encourage bees to accept the frames more quickly.
Step 6 — Fit the Inner Cover and Roof
- Place the inner cover (also called a crown board) on top of the Flow super. This creates an insulating air gap between the frames and the roof.
- The inner cover has a small hole in the center — this can be used as an upper entrance or for feeding.
- Place the pitched roof on top. The overhang protects the hive from rain. Make sure it sits flat and covers the super completely.
Step 7 — Choose the Right Location
Where you place your hive matters as much as how you assemble it. A poorly located hive leads to struggling colonies and frustrated beekeepers.
- Morning sun, afternoon shade. East-facing entrances warm the hive early, encouraging bees to start foraging. Afternoon shade prevents overheating in summer.
- Wind protection. Place the hive near a fence, hedge, or wall to shield it from prevailing winds — especially important in winter.
- Flat, stable ground. Use your stand on solid ground. Avoid areas that flood or become waterlogged.
- Away from foot traffic. Bees fly in a direct line from the entrance. Position the entrance so the flight path doesn't cross areas where people walk.
- Near water and forage. Bees need a nearby water source and ideally 2+ miles of diverse flowering plants within foraging range.
Good placement — morning sun, sheltered from wind, near flowering plants.
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Shop SkogHive →Frequently Asked Questions
Do Flow Hives come pre-assembled?
Most Flow Hive models come as flat-pack components that require assembly. The Flow Frames themselves arrive pre-assembled. Assembly typically takes 1–2 hours for a first-timer.
Do I need to glue the wooden joints?
No. The finger joints are designed to fit without glue. Bees will seal any small gaps with propolis naturally. Gluing can make future disassembly for cleaning very difficult.
Can I put bees in immediately after assembly?
If you've painted or oiled the exterior, wait until the finish is fully dry and the smell has dissipated — usually 48–72 hours. Bees are sensitive to chemical odors.
How long does assembly take?
Most people complete assembly in 1–2 hours. If you're painting first, factor in drying time — usually 24–48 hours between coats.
Do I need a queen excluder?
Yes, strongly recommended. Without a queen excluder, the queen may lay eggs in your Flow Frames, which makes harvesting messy and can damage the frames.
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