Sustainably sourced timber

Sustainability is one of our core values at Flow, so we work closely with our suppliers to ensure we only use sustainably sourced timber for our Flow Hives.

All our timber suppliers are required to meet our strict wood sourcing policy, which prioritises responsible forest management and environmental care. We favour FSC®-certified timber and are steadily increasing the proportion of FSC across our product range. Where FSC isn’t available, we source timber certified under other credible schemes such as PEFC and Preferred by Nature.

Our goal is to ensure every hive is made from responsibly sourced timber that supports healthy forests and thriving communities. Know a great FSC-certified supplier? We’d love to hear from you.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) aims to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. FSC is the scheme preferred by organisations like WWF and Greenpeace. Read more about FSC.

PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) works throughout the forest supply chain to promote good practices in the forest and to ensure that forest-based products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Read more about PEFC.

Western Red Cedar

Our premium Flow Hive 2+ are manufactured in Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata). Cedar is a beautiful timber with a remarkably fine and stable grain structure. It is sustainably sourced in North America.

Characteristics of Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is often used as a hive timber in the USA, UK and other regions, because of its durability. It's not uncommon to find feral honey bee colonies living inside hollow Western Red Cedar trees.

Premium timber option and the most durable of the Flow Hive timber options
Its fine grain minimises shrinkage and swelling
Lightweight
Built-in natural preservatives provide resistance to borers, termites, rot and fungus growth
Fine texture and straight grain with growth rings often visible
Beautiful, rich colour variation ranging from yellowish-white colour to pale brown through to a richer dark brown
Maintain a natural timber finish by oiling or staining to accentuate its natural colour variations.

Paulownia

Our Flow Hive 2 is manufactured using Paulownia (elongata). It’s a super lightweight timber with an extraordinarily fast growth rate, at around five years from seed to mature tree, making it an icon for sustainability.

Characteristics of Paulownia

Paulownia is very light, fine-grained, and warp-resistant. It has natural insulative qualities – great news for cold climates and overwintering.

Our Paulownia is treated using a thermal treatment process that makes the wood stronger, more resistant, and longer-lasting.

Highest strength-to-weight ratio
It’s durable and more resistant to decay and weathering
Thermal treatment enhances its durability and longevity
It's lightweight making it easier to lift when caring for your colony
Natural insulating qualities
Highly sustainable
Preferred by Nature certification
Requires two coats of weatherproof sealant (such as low voc exterior house paint)

Araucaria

Our most economical hives are made from Araucaria (Araucaria Cunninghamii) or Hoop Pine – a premium Australian native cabinet timber highly regarded for its stability. Our Araucaria is sustainably harvested from timber plantations.

Characteristics of Araucaria

Araucaria is a first-class softwood with very few growth rings, knots or prominent grain.

Our most economical hive
Fine, even grain that is warp resistant
Australian native softwood timber
Sustainably harvested
Varies in colour from white to cream or light brown
Easy to paint making it the perfect canvas to create your own personalised hive design
Requires two coats of weatherproof sealant (such as low voc exterior house paint)