I am also starting a hive this spring after thinking and reading about it for a number of years. I am in Maine and a zone 4, but being at the top of a hill with the wind whistling I think it is probably closer to a zone 3 in spite of what the zone maps say! If the only thing worrying you is climate, I don't think you need to change your plans. There are many people here and in other areas colder than yours who do quite well with THBs. There is a TBH maker in Bath, Maine who has several how-to videos, including one on how to winterize your hive. Usual disclaimers---I am not affiliated in any way, but I have been to their site a number of times for information. You can find their videos at www.goldstarhoneybees.com Several TBH sites I have visited have recommended a black roof in cold weather areas to absorb more heat from the sun. It is also recommended that you go for full sun rather than dappled sun when you site your hive if you are in an area of severe and lengthy winters. However, from what I have read, I don't think a zone 5 really qualifies as a particularly tough winter area. And your summers are significantly warmer and longer than ours. If I were you, I would contact people on one of the many TBH sites or natural beekeeping sites and ask what they would recommend as far as winterization for your zone. I have been reading a lot on both sides of the Langstroth/top bar hive question as I have tried to make a decision on which type of hive to get. Both have advantages and both have people who are convinced that their way is the only way to go and they will give you lots of reasons for their opinions. Personally, I have given more weight to the opinions of those who have tried both types of hives because I think they have a greater basis for comparison. It is a fascinating debate no matter which way you go! I can also tell you that from reading both scientific studies and anticdotal stories, the TBH is often consisdered a better choice for cold weather areas. They are usually constructed of thicker wood than a traditional Langstroth which helps with condensation problems, and they are constructed in such a way that there is empty air space between the follower boards and the exterior wall of the hive. This can be left as just an insulating air cushion, or stuffed with insulating material. Either way, the brood is in the center of the hive, between the followers and well away from the cold wall of the exterior box. I guess what I've gotten out of all of this is that whatever you decide to get, living in northern areas shouldn't rule out top bar hives. You may go with something different for other reasons, but temperature worries shouldn't be the dealbreaker. You also mentioned Warre hives. I found a good side by side comparison of Warre vs horizontal TBH at this site www.biobees.com Have you decided where you are getting your bees yet? That's on my list of things to decide and accomplish in the next day or two! I'm sooooo excited to finally be starting on this hobby!

In addition to my earlier comment. It's funny how you can have an image in your head and it turns out to be different. The ¾ part I was describing is actually when I turned around from my kitchen island towards the stove. There is approx. a large meter between the two. When I actually light the stove, I look over the bar and it's not in the way. Only if I hang a tea towel over the top bar, it can get in the way, but that is why I hang it over the lower bars. Also if you look at pictures of lacanches many other lacanche owners do the same.

The more round, the less the chipping.

Thanks for all of the suggestions! Acrylic is an interesting idea, though I'd like the table to tie in with the rest of my wood patio furniture and was hoping to repurpose what I've already got on hand--CDX plywood (table base), birch slats (top detail), marine grade epoxy--rather than spend money on new materials. The input is much appreciated, lots of good stuff to consider!