I use the plastic beehives that are available from Better Bee Hives (.com.au) and find that they are very cost effective and are a great design. The parts go well together and the price is very affordable when compared to the other plastic hives on offer around the place. The lid by example was $27.50 and others are selling their for $44. I had a good look at the more expensive options before I made my choice and am very happy with the decision and subsequent savings I made. Talking to the people that import these (from Greece apparently) and they advised that they have been importing these for more than 3 years now and that they are pleased with the responses that they have had from the beekeepers that use them. They also had a range of colours which is something new in the world of plastic hives so I opted for egg yolk yellow (as they describe it) and am very happy (as the bees appear to be) with the decision.
Add to this the optional extras also available from the same supplier and frankly these hives are second to none, they also appear to be the most cost effective plastic hive available today which is also a nice reason to buy as it helps my $$$ go further.
Hey, just my 2 cents worth.