Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to build a beehive?
Last updated: 9 May 2023
How much does it cost to build a beehive?
You and many other people know the importance of bees in the world, which is why more and more homeowners are building beehives in their gardens; to encourage bee populations to thrive (and get delicious natural honey at the same time). In this guide, we answer the question, ‘how much does it cost to build a beehive?’
How much does it cost to build a beehive?
| Item | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beehive (flatpack) – Supply only | £100 | £750 | £400 |
| Carpenter hourly rate | - | - | £37.50 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The average cost to build a beehive depends on whether you’re going for a pre-made flatpack beehive, or getting a carpenter to build you a bespoke beehive. A flatpack beehive can cost anywhere in the region of £100 - £750 (depending on the size, style and specification) plus the time it takes for you to put it together.
If you’re looking for an easier life and looking for a bespoke beehive built from scratch, then a carpenter will charge you roughly £37.50per hour for general carpentry work. You will also need to know the cost of materials on top.
For carpentry prices, check out our cost guide.
To get accurate prices of how much it will cost to build a bespoke beehive, we recommend speaking to your local carpenters and asking for a quote of their costs.
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Other beehive costs
If you’re embarking on home beekeeping, there are a number of other costs for equipment that you’ll need to factor in on top of the cost of the beehive itself. These include:
A nucleus of bees (or starter colony) – £150
Bee suit – £100 - £150
A smoker – £20 - £40
Disposable gloves – £6 per box (100 gloves)
Honey extractor – From £175
Please note these are all average prices.
Top tip to save on beehive costs
Most local bee associations will have arrangements for you to borrow or hire certain pieces of equipment, so speak to them before you start spending money buying your own supplies and equipment – it could save you a lot of money.
Cost to build beehive quotes
As with every home improvement project, we always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from different carpenters in your area. You'll want to shop around to make sure you're paying a fair and competitive price for the work. And, thankfully, we've got a tool that makes finding multiple quotes super easy.
Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes: you post details about the work you need doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to build your own beehive?
It can be cheaper to buy a flatpack beehive to build yourself, but for best results, we'd always recommend hiring a professional carpenter.
Are beehives profitable?
As a general rule, if you’re planning to sell honey from your beehives then you will typically make a small profit – depending on the number of beehives you keep and how much honey you manage to sell. Don’t expect to be raking in millions, but each year you should at least make back what you spend on beekeeping with a little extra on top.
What is the best time of year to start a beehive?
Spring is the best time to start beekeeping in the UK. This is typically when bees are the most active in building their colonies. By starting your beehive in the spring you’ll give your starter colony enough time to build and stock a new comb ready for the winter.
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