AJuff Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I'm getting a western cedar hive and have been advised by the carpenter to protect it even though cedar is an excellent wood. He suggests Osmo protection oil but it costs a fortune. I read somewhere that cuprinol has changed it's formulation under EU rules and is no longer guaranteed safe for bees. Any thought or advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I've heard that about Cuprinol too ... surprising because I believe it was only last year that they were sponsoring a whole stand at Grand Designs with an observation hive. I haven't done anything to mine. I know a beekeeper who has cedar hives that are around 30 years old and still looking good - it should last a good while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stehaggan Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Can I hi-jack this thread a little, I am about to purchase a hive and have seen redwood and cedar, the cost is quite difference, could anyone shed some light of the pros and cons of each and if i would be better spending the extra on cedar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Nothing needed for cedar, it has its own oils. It will age with a lovely silver sheen. You can oil it and some people do. It remains that reddish colour if oiled. Cedar is very light and redwood is heavier if I remember correctly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stehaggan Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 ah thanks OSH X will cedar last longer than redwood then overall do yuo think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Considering cedar hives can last 30 years and redwood maybe similar I think the decision must go with weight. I just like the look of cedar. Mind you I have just got a polyhive from Modernbeekeeping and have painted it purple/orange/blue and green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stehaggan Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Ive not seen the polyhives in reality, how would you compare them with wooden ones, do you think they will last as long and can you still use the same frames on the inside etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 We were strongly advised to buy cedar over pine on our course a couple of years ago because it will last for a long time, but I don't know anything about redwood. As I understand it, you don't have to treat it with anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Redwood is what suppliers call Deal, it is a type of pine. It is about 20% cheaper than Cedar. I'm sure polyboxes would last some time as long as you don't knock them about. I am interested in the overwintering capabilities and I'm hoping to take a cedar National, a cedar 14 x 12 and a poly 14 x 12 through. If you want to go for cheap then get a ply hive from Fragile Planet to use as a template and make your own. Their build is a little rough but it will give you a pattern to work from. There are plenty of plans on internet too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
