IVAR BEEHIVE

Project Overview

This guide provides instructions for transforming an IKEA IVAR cabinet into a functional beehive. This advanced DIY project requires careful cutting, assembly, and modification of the original furniture piece.

Original Product Information

Original Product: IVAR – 400.337.63

Materials and Tools Required

Materials

• Outdoor Furniture Wax
• #8 Pan Head Robertson Square Socket 1½" Screws (approx. 24)
• 24x Medium Hive Frames (Standard Size: 19" x 9")
• 3x Queen Excluders (Standard Size: 16" x 20")

Tools

• Pencil
• 1/8" Drill Bit
• Power Drill
• Table Saw
• Chop Saw

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Wear proper safety gear when operating machinery.

Instructions

Step 1: Disassemble the Cabinet

Illustration: An IKEA IVAR cabinet with arrows indicating the removal of shelves, shelf pins, and doors. Remove all shelves, shelf pins, and doors from the IVAR cabinet. Set these components aside.

Step 2: Drill Ventilation Holes

Illustration: The rear of the IVAR cabinet is shown with a drill indicating where to drill ventilation holes. Drill ventilation holes through the bottom two shelf pin holes on both sides near the rear of the cabinet.

Step 3: Apply Protective Wax

Illustration: A hand holding a cloth is shown applying wax from a bottle to the exterior of the IVAR cabinet and its doors. Apply natural outdoor furniture wax to the exterior of the IVAR cabinet, including the doors. This protects the wood.

Step 4: Cut Shelving Components

Diagram: Two rectangular pieces labeled 'SHELF 1 18" X 30"' and 'SHELF 2 18" X 30"'. Below, cutting lines for a table saw are shown on both. Shelf 1 is divided into four 6-inch sections. Shelf 2 is divided into three 6-inch sections, with additional angled cuts indicated by a chop saw. The final output shows three 6" x 18" rectangular pieces and six 5" x 5" triangular pieces.

Action: Cut SHELF 1 (18" x 30") into four 6-inch wide sections using a table saw. Cut SHELF 2 (18" x 30") into three 6-inch wide sections using a table saw, then cut angles on these sections using a chop saw. This process yields three 6" x 18" rectangular pieces and six 5" x 5" triangular pieces.

Step 5: Assemble Shelf Structures

Diagram: Shows shelf brackets being attached to shelf pieces, and then the assembled shelves being attached to brackets. A measurement of 12 inches is indicated between brackets. The diagram implies multiple such assemblies.

Action: Assemble the shelf pieces with brackets as shown. Ensure there is 12 inches between brackets. This process creates the necessary shelf structures for the beehive.

Step 6: Mount Shelves Inside Cabinet

Illustration: The IVAR cabinet with three shelves mounted inside. Arrows indicate placement under door hinges. Measurements for shelf spacing are shown: 9½ inches between the top and middle shelves, 9½ inches between the middle and bottom shelves, and 9 inches from the cabinet base to the bottom shelf. Screws are indicated with 'x24'.

Action: Mount the shelves inside the cabinet. Position the top shelf beneath the door hinges. Measure and mount the shelves as indicated: 9½ inches spacing between the top and middle shelves, 9½ inches spacing between the middle and bottom shelves, and 9 inches from the cabinet base to the bottom shelf. Use approximately 24 screws for mounting.

Step 7: Secure Cabinet to Wall

Diagram: Shows the IVAR cabinet being secured to a wall using mounting brackets. Close-up views show the specific mounting hardware (part numbers 102646 and 108458) and how they attach. 'x2' indicates two brackets are used.

Action: Use IVAR mounting brackets (part numbers 102646 and 108458 shown) to secure the unit to the exterior wall. Two brackets are used for stability.

Step 8: Install Hive Components

Illustration: The IVAR cabinet with hive frames and queen excluders placed on the shelves. 'x24' indicates the number of frames, and 'x3' indicates the number of queen excluders.

Action: Hang the medium hive frames and place a queen excluder on all levels of shelving.

Step 9: Modify Doors for Bee Entry

Diagram: Shows the two cabinet doors. Dashed lines indicate where to cut a 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch square from the bottom corner of each door for bee entry. A magnified view shows the cut area.

Action: For bee entry, cut off a 3/4" x 3/4" square from the bottom corner of each door as shown.

Step 10: Reattach Doors

Illustration: Shows the doors being reattached to the cabinet using hinges. Arrows indicate the direction of attachment. The final image shows the doors closed and fastened with screws.

Action: Reattach the doors using hinges. Close and fasten the doors shut with screws.