Deep, Black Plastic Foundation with Double Beeswax

Our Deep Black Plastic Foundation with Double Beeswax Coating serves as the structural base of every strong beehive — much like a concrete slab forms the base of a home. Each sheet provides a durable foundation on which bees build their comb, storing honey and pollen on both sides and raising their young within the cells. The precisely molded hexagonal pattern guides the bees’ work, ensuring straight comb and consistent spacing throughout the hive.

Key Features and Benefits

• Standard deep size: Fits standard Langstroth deep frames.
• Black color: Makes spotting eggs and larvae easier for inspections.
• Double-coated American beeswax: Encourages faster comb acceptance and building.
• Durable construction: Made in the USA by Acorn Bee Plastics.
• 5.2 mm cell size: Balanced between standard and small-cell dimensions.
• Includes breakaway tabs: Allows for better bee movement between frames.
• Bulk freight shipping: Orders of 1,000 or more sheets ship by pallet.

Detailed Description

Each foundation sheet is manufactured in the United States by Acorn Bee Plastics, a company known for producing high-quality plastic beekeeping components. This foundation features raised cell walls, integrated communication holes, and strong, flexible construction, making it more durable and precise than similar products from Pierco, Mann Lake, or Premier.

The black background helps new and experienced beekeepers alike easily spot eggs and larvae during inspections — a key advantage when learning to evaluate colony health. Each sheet includes two perforated breakaway tabs that can be removed to allow bees to move freely between adjacent frames.

In 2015, we began sourcing foundation with twice the amount of beeswax applied compared to standard options. The thicker American beeswax coating dramatically improves comb acceptance and building consistency. Bees draw comb faster and more evenly, a difference immediately noticeable to both the bees and the beekeeper.

Additionally, each cell measures 5.2 mm in width, providing a naturally balanced size between small-cell and standard large-cell foundation. This size allows for natural brood rearing while maintaining the structural integrity of the comb.

For large operations, bulk orders of 1,000 or more sheets are shipped via freight pallet for safe and efficient delivery.

Here are the other types of frames and foundations:

Medium frames
Medium foundation
Medium frames with foundation
Deep frames
Deep foundation


Also, see our other Plastic Foundation, Frames, and Assembly Tools.

Read our Bee Foundation Sizes and Why it Matters blog post.