8 Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Board

Our 8-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Board serves as the foundation of your hive, supporting the full weight of every box and frame stacked above it. This base design has become the standard among modern beekeepers because of its ability to improve ventilation and assist in managing varroa mites within the colony.

The screened bottom board allows debris and air to pass freely through the mesh floor while keeping the bees safely contained inside. Over the past decade, screened boards have grown in popularity due to their role in reducing mite populations and improving hive hygiene — which is why we include them by default in our beekeeping starter kits.

Crafted from durable, rot-resistant cypress wood, this bottom board is built to last through years of seasonal weather changes.

Key Features and Benefits

• Rot-resistant cypress construction: Naturally weatherproof 7/8" thick wood for long life.
• Screened ventilation: Allows airflow while helping manage varroa mites.
• Compatible design: Works seamlessly with our Small Hive Beetle Oil Pan Trap.
• Removable tray rail: Lets you insert a corrugated board to reduce drafts.
• Assembled and painted options available.
• Standard 8-frame fit: Designed for Langstroth hives.

Detailed Description

This screened bottom board replaces the traditional solid floor with a metal mesh surface, creating airflow throughout the hive and helping remove debris naturally. The screen acts as a false floor — bees cannot pass through, but waste and mites can fall through and out of the colony.

Each board includes a small rail underneath the screen where a corrugated tray can rest. This tray allows beekeepers to temporarily close off the screen to retain warmth or reduce airflow during colder months.

The board’s dimensions and fit are designed to work perfectly with our Small Hive Beetle Oil Pan Trap, which seals completely and keeps bees out of the oil or diatomaceous earth inside. The trap slides easily beneath the screen, making pest control simple and efficient.

You can order your bottom board assembled with Titebond Glue, staples, and nails for durability, or opt to have it primed and painted for added weather protection. Both screened and solid versions are available and have been trusted by beekeepers for decades.

See our other 8 Frame Hive Parts available at our store.

Read the Beehive Basic Components on our blog.

Watch our YouTube video to learn the pros and cons of Solid and Screened Bottom Boards.