Wedge Top Bar / Split Bottom Bar Wooden Bee Frames
These unassembled wedge-top-bar, split-bottom-bar wooden bee frames are the traditional choice for wax foundation. The wedge top bar has a removable cleat that pins a sheet of crimp-wire or wax foundation against the top bar, and the two-piece split bottom bar closes around the bottom edge — so the foundation is locked top and bottom. Available in deep (9 1/8"), medium (6 1/4"), and shallow (5 3/8"), in 10-packs and 100-packs, they ship flat and assemble with nails or staples and glue.
Features
- Wedge top bar (WTB) — a removable wedge cleat clamps wax or crimp-wire foundation tight against the top bar.
- Split bottom bar (SBB) — the two-piece bottom bar closes around the foundation so it can't slip out the bottom.
- Pre-drilled end bars — run support wire through the holes to hold heavy wax comb through extraction.
- Three sizes — deep (9 1/8") for brood, medium (6 1/4") for supers, shallow (5 3/8") for comb honey or shallow supers.
- Pack sizes to match your operation — 10-pack for a box, or 100-pack for a yard.
How it works
Wedge-top-bar frames are made for wax foundation. Snap off the wedge cleat from the top bar, slide the top edge of a wax or crimp-wire foundation sheet into the slot, then nail the wedge back down to lock it. Seat the bottom edge of the foundation between the two halves of the split bottom bar. For heavier wax foundation, thread support wire through the pre-drilled end-bar holes before the comb is drawn. Assembled frames hang in any standard 10-frame or 8-frame Langstroth box.
Before you order
- Pick your size: deep (9 1/8") for brood boxes; medium (6 1/4") for honey supers; shallow (5 3/8") for comb honey or shallow supers.
- Pick your pack: a 10-pack for a box, or a 100-pack for a yard.
- Foundation not included: these are wooden frames only, built for wax. Pair them with crimp-wire beeswax foundation in the matching size.
- Assembly required: frames ship flat; you supply nails or staples and glue.
Pairs Well With
- Deep Crimp Wired Beeswax Foundation — wax foundation sized for the deep wedge-top frames.
- Medium Crimp Wire Beeswax Foundation — wax foundation for the medium frames.
- Metal Foundation Support Pins — pin wax foundation into the pre-drilled end-bar holes so it can't sag.
- 10 Frame Beehive Woodenware — the unassembled hive body these frames hang in.
- Wooden Handle Frame Grip — lift finished frames cleanly during inspections.
- Stainless Steel J-Hook Hive Tool — pry and lift frames without crushing bees.
Specifications
- Sizes: Deep 9 1/8", Medium 6 1/4", Shallow 5 3/8"
- Bar style: Wedge top bar / split bottom bar (WTB/SBB)
- End bars: Pre-drilled for support wire
- Foundation: Built for wax / crimp-wire foundation; not included
- Pack sizes: 10-Pack, 100-Pack
- Assembly: Unassembled (ships flat)
- Brand: Blythewood Bee Company
FAQ
What is a wedge top bar? The top bar has a removable wooden cleat (the "wedge"). You snap it off, lay the top edge of a wax foundation sheet against the bar, then nail the wedge back to clamp the foundation in place.
What is a split bottom bar? The bottom bar is two pieces with a gap between them. The bottom edge of the foundation sits in that gap, holding it steady from below.
What foundation do these take? They're built for wax foundation — crimp-wire beeswax foundation is the usual match. Pair each size with the matching deep, medium, or shallow foundation.
Do I need to wire them? For heavier wax comb it helps. The end bars are pre-drilled so you can run support wire — or set foundation pins — before the bees draw the comb.
Deep, medium, or shallow — which? Deep (9 1/8") for brood boxes, medium (6 1/4") for honey supers, shallow (5 3/8") for comb honey or shallow supers — match the frame depth to your box.
