With the FF Method there are a few things you must get right. A perfectly level hive platform is one of them. Simply use shims between cement blocks to create a level platform for the hive to be placed on. We recommend the 2" concrete cap block. When stacked it's still a low profile platform that doesn't sit too high off the ground.
For about $7 you'll have a fantastic and durable hive stand.
Why is leveling so crucial?
I think the easiest way to explain is to imagine a hive setup that leans to the right. The bees don't know that and don't care. They will draw their combs straight down using gravity to guarantee the combs are perfectly vertical. So when the beekeeper goes in to inspect what will they find? Well, all the combs will be perfectly vertical, perpendicular to gravitational pull, while the hive leans to the right. When the beekeeper goes to remove a frame he will lift and it won't come out. It's cross-combed diagonally over to the adjacent frame's bottom bar. All the combs start from the top comb guide and are perfectly vertical. But the hive is not perfectly vertical. So the comb will start at the top of one frame then proceed downward at a diagonal relative to the frames and end up affixed to the bottom bar of the adjacent frame.
Level, perfectly vertical hives result in combs that stay on the same frame from top to bottom. The nice part is you only have to level the blocks up once if you're on solid ground. So put the time and attention into getting it perfectly level and you will be free from leveling-related cross-comb!
Pro Tip: You will have cross-comb to the same degree your platform is out of level. And it won't be the bees fault! Make your platform perfectly level.
See the shims sticking out between the cement blocks?
After I've leveled the blocks I usually snap off the
shims so they are flush with the blocks.