they can be used as hives the only thing is they are not stable in high winds, 8 framers aren't as stable in high winds like 10's are, its all mathematics, sure with a good wind break you can have all you want and do fine, they will be stacked tall but is that what you really want, while doing removals in homes seems they always in a 2 story want to build in the floor of the second story, all comb is build long ways instead of up like a tree, they do fine there, why not go with with something you wouldn't have to worry about wind blowing over every time the wind blows!!!