These parts must be continuously replaced over the lifetime of the hive. Most beekeeping supply companies make most of their profit from hive part replacements, not on the sale of the initial hive. The frames used in traditional bee hives require the use of comb foundations. Most established hives require a minimum of ten foundations per box, for each of the five to six boxes that make up the hive. In addition, foundations used for honeycomb must be removed, cleaned and stored each winter and then re-inserted in the spring.
Foundations typically require replacement every two to three years.
As with all bee hives, if the hive has too much space, then the hive will fail to thrive. If the hive has too little space, then the bees may decide to divide and swarm. Managing the more complicated traditional hive for maximum honey production and bee health is much more complicated. Manipulating the addition or subtraction of the boxes in a traditional hive is a labor intensive, demanding chore. Correct manipulation of the hive boxes can be a science in and of itself.