Basing Scenery

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**Ashtastic**

Hi,

I am in need of some advice, I am making some scenery / terrain pieces for my board to give it more character but I am struggling for ideas on what to base them on to give them a good sized footprint.

My local GW uses movement trays but I was hoping there would be a cheaper method.

Any ideas would be great.

**Todosi**

MDF or HDF at the local hardware store is your best bet. Strong, resilient and fairly inexpensive.

**Ashtastic**

Sounds solid thanks, I'll give it a go.

**Desubot**

Careful for warping. MDF or hardboard will warp with moisture. sealing them would be a good idea.

Edit: AS per below yeah smaller pieces is fine (sub 6"6 ish or longer pieces) But seal it anyway incase you spill drinks otherwise it will swell up and split a bit. also uneven pieces can be sanded down or felted to level it.

**chromedog**

My terrain is based on 3mm mdf.

Nothing larger than about 12"x12" though (roughly). Warping isn't enough of an issue with small pieces (and I have felt pieces glued to the underside to help stop the pieces sliding around on the table.

**doktor_g**

I prefer 1/4" MDF (Masonite). Smooth side down. Then foam core used to make the buildings with hot glue gun. Fast. Exact. Takes paint. Won't warp like I suspect the 3mm would when you paint one side. YMMV

**the_Armyman**

doktor_g wrote:
I prefer 1/4" MDF (Masonite). Smooth side down. Then foam core used to make the buildings with hot glue gun. Fast. Exact. Takes paint. Won't warp like I suspect the 3mm would when you paint one side. YMMV

Ditto. I've never had warpage with 1/4" MDF. I also bevel the edges at 45 degrees when I make my cuts with a jigsaw. I'm curious: is there a reason why you have the smooth side down? I've always gone with the unfinished side down to lessen sliding on the tabletop.

**oadie**

I would assume he puts it smooth side down to have the rough side up, giving a better key for gluing.

Personally, I prefer 1/8" to 1/4", unless the piece is massive and/or I want a stark border (like for a city board, where tall buildings weigh more and curbs define the roads.). A few simple precautions can avoid warping issues and the step is much less obtrusive, both to the eye and to top-heavy models.