TBH

[don2]

Has anyone or would you use plywood for making a top bar hive? I have enough 5 ply 5/8 to make several, if I wanted that many.
Thought about putting a 2x4 length wise on each side to prevent warping, or would that be necessary? Not worried about weight. d2

[Maggiesdad]

I'm going to be trying some just to see what happens. I'm not worried about weight either, which was one of the cons in the reading I've done on it. Mangum says watch the sides on the 4 and 5 footers, they can belly out with time and a honey load, causing problems for comb interchangeability. He puts stiffeners on his big boys.

[don2]

I also gave that some thought. I believe there might be some way to have a tension rod across the top about center of the length. although my first thought of having a 2x4 on the outside about half way down and the full length of the hive body.

I just watched a video of one being made from 2x12's for the hive body.  no swaying there I bet. d2

[don2]

I got my body parts cut out.  now to get some glue and screws. I made mine for 19 " top bars. can switch between it and the Lang hive if need be. May just start out on an integrated system. d2

[Michael Bush]

I've only used plywood.