I buy mine in parts and assemble them myself and am a new beekeeper.
Although my wood is supposed to be kiln dried it always pays to let it season for a few weeks in the sun if you can.
I paint mine with whatever white paint I have, then coat the whole thing in a few layers of that white PVC glue that dries clear. (uv stabilised of course) coz I got buckets of the stuff.
For me glueing then nailing the joints works well.
If you have half a clue and the energy, just make templates from the first hive parts you buy then cut your own. If you already have the gear, id say you will save 90% in $$