Bases for terrain

[StreetBushido]

After a long hiatus I'm getting back into the swing of scratch building terrain.

Previously, when I've built houses and such, I haven't really used bases for my pieces of terrain. The closest I've come is just a piece of thin cardboard on which to put the building materials.

Now when I'm gearing back up to build stuff, though, I've planned to build a simple wooden shed. And I realize that it will be very fragile, and I want it to sit on a base both for added stability and for something to grab onto when moving it around.

What's good to use as a base?

I'm thinking MDF, which seems huge in general these days. I can't decide on a thickness, though. 2 mm? 3?

How about cork? I'd be afraid of it crumbling. Maybe paint it with watered down PVA-glue? Gesso? Do sheets of cork warp?

[Silent Invader]

Look at any of Jimbibbly's projects on here but especially the Samurai houses. He bases each building on, I think, MDF and turns them into mini dioramas rather than standalone structures.

[OSHIROmodels]

Further to SI's comment, I use 2mm hardboard generally (or 2-3m acrylic) and chamfer the edges and as long as there isn't too much 'empty' space I haven't had a problem with warpage.

cheers

James

[HerbyF]

I have a number of building that I have left baseless. But a lot of my other features are on a number of different types of base. Some are on old CDs, these work really good but only come in one size, but are very durable & don't warp. Sheet card stock I flimsy & warps easily, wouldn't recommend using it. Heavy card/art board works pretty well, can be cut to shape in about any size, is fairly durable but can warp if it gets wet or in larger pieces. This comes in both cardboard & dense foam varieties. MDF or hard board is about the most durable and is best for larger bases but is a little harder to cut & use. And then thin precut plywood, comes in a number of shapes & sizes from hobby or craft out lets. I use a lot of these because they are convenient. Pretty durable, but I recommend painting or coating the under side to prevent warping. Hope this is helpful. 

[StreetBushido]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

I've gone and bought a sheet of 2mm MDF that seems to fulfill my purposes just fine. 

[Peithetairos]

MDF works well, but it pays off to apply some Shellac to seal the MDF. Warping due to moisture is eliminated this way. If you have a Dremel you can also bevel the edges for a more naturalistic look.

[FramFramson]

If you have a Dremel you can also bevel the edges for a more naturalistic look.

+1, this is what I do.

[Mako]

Styrene sheets.

Get the sign stuff from a store, which is cheaper than buying in a hobby shop.

It comes in several thicknesses, and is a much better option than most materials.

[dampfpanzerwagon]

Styrene sheets.

Get the sign stuff from a store, which is cheaper than buying in a hobby shop.

It comes in several thicknesses, and is a much better option than most materials.

I agree. I get most of my plastic card for free - ex-advertising signage from a local DIY store. It comes in many different thicknesses and strengths. I prefer the plastic card that you can score or damage with your nail and this is easier to cut.

Tony