I think I'd just buy the eight frame boxes since it's already a standard and there are plenty of gadgets available for them.
Thanks for the replies. My problem was finding the smaller boxes or nuc's. I either have to order them in with expensive shipping or build some myself, which I don't have the tools for the dado joints.
So, I was built these because the lumber I am buying is exactly 11 1/4" wide and I can easily cut the rabbet joint. I was trying to do it less expensively with less waste. The only part I lose is the 1 inch strip I cut out of the main side board. Another reason I built these was I have stopped buying the expensive tops and bottoms. I have used the single 3/4" plywood for the tops with a small hole in the bottom box for better ventilation or another entrance. I also tacked on a cedar bottom to keep it more square and to minimize the rot I get with the other materials.
Anyway, I built several of these at 11 1/4" wide by 19 7/8" and they look pretty good to me. They hold either 6 or 7 frames each and it will save my back. I have three stacked and they do not seem top heavy, however, they are not filled with honey.
Thought I'd share for those who like to build their own but everyone is different...
Give Western Bee a call, they are north of you in Poulson, MT. They are easy to deal with, have the lowest prices on wooden ware, and for your area (or mine) have the cheapest shipping. Buy their budget or 2nds boxes. You get a few knots and once in a while a chipped or cracked board but you can save the price of shipping buying the cheaper boxes. Also, if you buy in lots of 6 you get a break, if you buy 11 you get a bigger break, and so on. Those bulk buying discounts can also pay for the shipping.
They will sell you any size you want: 5 frames nucs in deep or medium, 8 frames in 13 3/4, 13 7/8, 14 0, and 14 1/4, as well as 10 frame. All 8 & 10 frames can be obtained in deeps, mediums (Illionis), shallows, and you can even get western sized supers 7 7/8.