Replies

1. 
   roy.unit8c | Dec 28, 2022 09:01am | #1

   I was a beekeeper for eight years. I bought kits out of Eastern White Pine for the hives. Each finger joint got yellow glue and one nail. The hives were painted with latex. They lasted fine in a hot, humid climate (central Arkansas). One hive that came with my first bee colony was painted with a clear varnish (probably a Marine type). It was old when I got it and still lasted. Of course bees put a resin called propolis in every crack and crevice on the inside of the hive to seal it against ants and for climate control. I sold all the hives with bees about six years ago for $300.00 a piece.

1. 
   Outcycling | Dec 28, 2022 11:19am | #2

   I’ve had bees and currently still have several hives but they are just nailed together, no glue needed.
   I am in the uk an it’s wet a lot so the finish would need to seal it somehow.

2. 
   _mj_ | Dec 28, 2022 11:25am | #3

   I'd do just what you said and accept as many years as I got out of it. All outdoor project begin to self-destruct as soon as you place them outdoors.

1. 
   Outcycling | Dec 29, 2022 04:06am | #5

   I guess but frustrating

3. 
   rob_ss | Dec 28, 2022 07:20pm | #4

   Paint it.
   Paint will keep the moisture out as will most any exterior finish.

1. 
   Outcycling | Dec 29, 2022 04:07am | #6

   Made of oak and Wenge. Sacrelige to paint it! But thinking of applying copious layers of a outdoor clear finish. Maybe a boat vanish? Or silken?