Nearly every piece of terrain is going to need some sort of base for stability. Besides, a base can really enhance the look of a finished terrain piece. Below are three types of the most commonly used materials a base is normally constructed from.

The first type, hardboard or masonite board, is the most preferred as it will resist warping best and weather the rigours of time. Then there is foamcore, a great cheap material that is easy to work with, but tends to warp if too much glue is used over its top surface area. Finally there is the king of cheap materials, cardboard. This stuff is everywhere and makes for a good terrain base, though it requires a bit more work to begin with. So check them all out, choose one and get to work!

1. Start by using a jigsaw to cut out an approximate square chunk of hardboard that will encompass your terrain piece. Using a marker, draw out the final shape of the terrain base and get ready to use the jigsaw again.
2. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut out the shape of the base that you drew with a marker. As you may be dealing with power tools, it's important to always take the necessary precautions. Wear safety goggles, ask a parent to help you, and always be very attentive and careful. Jigsaws are no joke and will clip a finger off if you are not careful. Please be safe!
3. Once your shape has been cut out of the hardboard, use a hobby knife to roughly bevel the edges. After the edges have been roughly bevelled, tighten things up by using a coarse grade sandpaper followed by a fine grade sandpaper to smooth out the edges.

1. Start by using a sharp hobby knife to cut out an approximate square chunk of foamcore that will encompass your terrain piece. We used a thicker foamcore, approximately 1/2 an inch, so as to prevent warping. Using a marker, draw out the final shape of the terrain base and cut along the line.
2. Next, cut into the foamcore at an angle to create a bevelled edge. Use a sharp, fresh hobby knife to do this as it will bring about the best results. Use caution when cutting! Finally, use a fine grade sandpaper to smooth out the bevel and finish off the base.

1. Cut out three or so squares of thick cardboard that will encompass your terrain piece. You should be able to dig up some cardboard with no problem at all, we used an old Mail Order box! Using some superglue (it's faster!) glue the squares together and wait for it to dry.
2. Next, cut into the cardboard at an angle to create a bevelled edge. Use a sharp, fresh hobby knife to do this as it will bring about the best results. Finally, use a fine grade sandpaper to smooth out the bevel. Use caution when cutting!
3. Find some filler and fill the corrugation of the cardboard with it. Do this all around the base. It is OK to use an excess amount because it can all be sanded down later. Let the filler dry completely before moving on. Once it is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out the bevel and ready the base for your terrain piece.

Next: Texturing Basics
Previous: Introduction