Maybe some of the more experienced beekeepers who also experimented can offer some information.
I have two standard Langstroth hives and I'm building two more, following the same basic pattern. I've read some of the previous posts regarding the DE hives and followed the discussions about rotating the frame positions in the standard Lanstroth hive 90 degrees. For me, it basically comes down to how I want to build my bottom boards.
For those of you who have used both type of hive orientations -- at the same time, even -- which have you found most to your liking? Particularly, which way seems better as far as honey yield, winterability, general health, pest control, ease of inspection, etc.? Is there any empirical data or measurable experience suggesting the superiority of either method, or is the advantage simply a matter of personal preference? I can certainly see the advantage of working from the back of the hive when inspecting, but is that the only tangible benefit?
I have time to decide how I want to build these, but I'd like to decide on the basis of real-world experience, rather than "wishful theory."
-- Kris