Warre Quilt Box

Add the characteristic insulated upper section of a Warre hive with the Warre Quilt Box from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies.

Designed to sit between the upper hive box and lid, the quilt creates a dedicated space for breathable insulating material. This can help buffer temperature changes while supporting moisture movement through the upper part of the hive.

For beekeepers who want to maintain the traditional Warre structure, the quilt is an important component rather than simply a decorative spacer.

A Different Approach to Hive Insulation

The Warre quilt does not use sealed insulation in the same way as a modern foam panel.

Instead, the box is filled with loose, dry and breathable material.

Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies suggests attaching flyscreen or hessian across the bottom before adding suitable filling material.

Possible fillings include crumpled newspaper, dried gum leaves, wood shavings or similar dry absorbent material.

The goal is to create a breathable buffer above the occupied hive while preventing loose material from falling down onto the bees.

Position Between the Hive and Lid

The quilt sits above the upper box and underneath the Warre roof.

This placement allows it to interact with warm, moisture-laden air rising from the colony.

Used with the classic Warre lid, it creates an upper system intended to help regulate both temperature and humidity.

The filling should remain dry and clean. Inspect it periodically and replace it if it becomes damp, contaminated or compacted.

Wax-Dipped New Zealand Pine

The quilt box is made from plantation-grown New Zealand radiata pine.

It is supplied assembled and wax dipped to improve longevity.

Product Specifications:

• 22mm timber thickness
• Internal dimensions: 308 × 308mm
• Plantation-grown New Zealand radiata pine
• Assembled
• Wax dipped

These dimensions are designed to match Hornsby’s Warre equipment.

Useful Through Changing Seasons

The quilt can contribute differently throughout the year.

During cooler conditions, the insulating material helps create an additional buffer above the colony.

During warmer periods, the breathable upper arrangement can work together with the ventilated Warre roof to support air and moisture movement.

The bees still regulate most of their hive environment themselves, so the quilt should be viewed as supportive equipment rather than a substitute for good site selection or seasonal management.

Complete Your Warre Top Section

A Warre hive built without its quilt misses one of the features that distinguishes the system from a conventional Langstroth stack.

Pair the quilt box with a compatible pitched Warre lid for a more complete traditional configuration.

Order the Warre Quilt Box from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies. Our team includes beekeepers familiar with Warre systems, so for advice on suitable filling materials, lids or hive setup, call 02 9477 5569 or email info@hornsby-beekeeping.com.