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Got a question or need help? Reach out via the form, and a member of our team will get back to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSGot a question?
We got answers.
Products
- What’s the difference between deep, medium, and shallow boxes?
The difference is in the height of the box, deep being the biggest at 9 5/8''(243mm ) , medium 6 5/8'' (169mm) and shallow 5 3/8''(146mm) depth. deep box can be used for brood or oney box but medium and shallow boxes are typically used as honey supers.
- Are the boxes compatible with 8-frame or 10-frame systems?
Yes, Alliance produce woodware suitable for 10 frame of 8 frame hives.
- Are the frames compatible with Canadian/USA extraction equipment?
Alliance frames has been tested with most commonly used extraction system and it works great.
- Are the boxes and frames pre-assembled or flat-packed?
Alliance specialise in kitset (unassembled) woodware and all our woodware comes in flat-packed form. Our high precision cut woodware is a lot easier to assemble saving you time and money.
- How long does it take to assemble a flat-pack product?
Assembly time can change with product type. However, Alliance woodware is a lot easier and faster to assemble because of precise craftmanship. You don't have to re-machine any of Alliance components as they fit together effortlessly.
- Do you offer boxes with pre-drilled holes for screws or nailing?
Yes, Alliance boxes come with pre-drilled holes for easy assembly. However if you don't want holes you can place a special order.
- What is the difference between standard and commercial grade?
Alliance standard grade boxes has tighter grade specifications as compared to commercial grade. Standard grade has no edge knots or knots at the handle cut to keep outmost strength.
- What tools are required for assembly?
It depeding how you choose to assemble your woodware. For best result boxes can be assembled using screws and frames with staple gun.
- What staples work best with Alliance frames?
For best result we recommend using 18ga stable with 3/8'' (10mm) crown and 1 1/4'' (32mm) legs.
- Does Alliance frames suit all plastic foundations?
Yes, Alliance frames fits all the commonly used foundations. Frames has a special narrow top bar groove and wider bottom bar that help with easier assembly and holing the foundation firm at extraction extraction.
- Can you help with custom size beehive woodware?
Yes, if you have an idea about custom size product we can surely help make it a reality. Get in touch with our team.
- How does Alliance premium grade box compare to existing select grade?
Alliance premium grade box has is made from 100% clear grade timber without even smallest knots whereas select grade can have small imperfections such as tiny knots, gum pockets.
- How should I store Alliance product before assembly?
Product should be stored in original packaging away from direct sunlight and inside a contained storage space maintain moisture content.
Timber
- Do the boxes come waxed or untreated?
Alliance produces a natural product and beekeepers can decide how they wish to preserve their woodware after assembly. Our woodware is not waxed or painted leaving options open for beekeepers.
- What type of wood is used in Alliance hiveware?
Alliance uses sustainably grown New Zealand Radiata pine know for its higher strength, straight grains and knot fee lumber.
- Why is Radiata Pine ideal for beekeeping?
Radiata pine is well suited for beekeeping because it offers longevity, greater stability and superior finish after machining making assembly effortless. It perform equally well in cold and warm weather.
- Is the timber sustainably sourced?
Yes, we are FSC certified company and we make sure we look after our resources and use plantation gown sustainable timber only.
- What’s the benefit of kiln-dried timber for hiveware?
With our special seasoning kilns we can ensure each piece of lumber has a unform 12% moisture content enabling us to produce a stable product that can adapt to weather challenges.
- How do you ensure there’s no warping or sap stain?
We process our logs in controlled environment and kiln dry in unique way to eliminate blue sap stain and produce a stable product with unform moisture content that helps to minimise twisting and warping.
- What is the moisture content of the wood?
12%
- Is the timber chemically treated?
No, our box and frames are all natural. Only the cleats used in bottom board are treated with bee friendly chemical for longevity
- Do you use glue in any part of the construction?
No, Alliance boxes are proudly made from single piece board sourced from large diameter Radiata logs.
- How is your lumber different from other beekeeping suppliers?
Alliance uses New Zealand Radiata lumber which is a lot more stronger and durable than widely used white pine. Our lumber has the straightest grains which offer super strength and its less prone to slitting/cracking while assembly.