There are several types of hives used in this country. The most common is the Modified National which takes the form of a square box, it can easily be made and is convenient to use. There is a ready second hand market in this popular hive which is used by most amateur beekeepers. Floor Brood box where the queen is confined and the young bees are raised Queen excluder, which is a wire mesh device that confines the queen to the brood box Honey boxes which are known as 'supers' and are placed above the brood box and queen excluder. The number required is dependent upon the honey flow but, in a good year, can be 4 or 5, which can yield about 100 pounds of honey.
Tools required are a smoker and hive tool.
The smoker is used to subdue bees during manipulations and burns dry rotten wood or other suitable fuels. A hive tool is a lever which is used to prise apart boxes and frames which the bees have stuck together with propolis. Cost This can vary tremendously depending on whether new or second hand items are bought. Many parts can be made cheaply if you have some DIY skills. To buy new equipment is expensive.