Hi All,

I've searched and not really found what I was looking for. Does anyone know where I can find inexpensive wood or MDF bases for dioramas? I'm thinking of something super simple, such as a 7"x14" base, with no cover, doesn't need to be prefinished, just a nice piece of wood that would serve as a starting point for a display base. I can't seem to find anything that simple, and inexpensive. I don't need or want exotic wood, pine would be fine, just cheap! I just need sizes that would allow me to display a variety of 1/35 scale armored vehicles, from WWII to modern tanks. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

Happy holidays to all!

Dollar, Dollar Plus, etc., stores usually have cheap unfinished wood plaques/bases in the arty/crafty section which are usuable. Arts and craft stores such as Michael's have similar, but usually of higher quality and higher price. Also some picture frames can be used (with a wooden insert instead of picture) as a base.

If you have a local awards shop, check and see what they have. I worked in one, for some time and found "bases" very affordable.

I just build my own.for about $25,i just go to Home Depot or Lowe's pick out the wood and some trim.All you need is glue,small nails and power tools.In 20minutes or so I can build my own bases in any size I need.And I have fun at the same time,it's pretty easy

What about cheap picture frames?



John

I have found inexpensive picture frames in a variety of sizes and depths at my local big box stores. You might check second-hand stores and pawn shops as well. And the leftover glass can be repurposed for PE work!

Lumber, saw, dust, miter box, glue, staples, clamps, sanding, more dust, stain, varnish, assembly time … bye-bye! ... Not sayin' that I don’t appreciate the effort of those who make their own custom frames. 🛠

Another member recently said in one of his threads: “I am no longer finishing the display bases as they only get shown on the net anyway.” ... Good point! 🤔

Cheers! 🍺
—mike

I agree with the posts above,awards shop have a uge choice of bases in any shapes,sizes,material and colors for affordable prices,my father in law have a shop like that and the suppliers catalogs are full of good stuff for as,but also picture frames ar cheap and easy

I've found wood from old pallets useful and they can be had for free

You could also check at a local hardware/home improvement store,(not Lowe's or Home Depot). There's two where I live and both have scrap bins where they toss leftover pieces of wood in various sizes. I've gotten useable bases from there for pennies on the dollar.

For my latest dio (Trench Horror) I used a tree slice. Looks very natural and they come in many sizes. Payed € 2,- for it

There used to be a small local factory that made plaques and bases such as that. They made small finished blocks for figures for me. One day the business closed down and they were throwing out box loads of finished, semi-finished, and redundant mahogany frames, bases, plaques, etc. which they told me to take if I wanted. Field Day!!

Goodwill or Value Village are two places I go to when I need a base. Pictures in frames are only 2 or 3 dollars, sometimes less.

Here's another idea. You might look around your house and see if there are any unused boards or shelves lying around. The base for the diorama I am currently working on:



came from extra shelves that came with an Ikea entertainment center. As you can see, I still have three more shelves left which could be used for future projects!

Circular bases such as displayed in this thread I have seen done with painted plastic bin lids. the beauty of this being that it is using a throw away item.

Craft department at Walmart sells small wooden plaques for decoupage work. There are ovals and rectangles. You can also find them at art supply stores like Michael's. They may need a little sanding, but wipe on some urethane stain, and you'll have a very nice result.

Plastic picture frames can also be a cheap starting point, and the opening allows you to incorporate sunken terrain features like foxholes, craters, and trenches.

Home Depot sells plastic crown molding that can be cut with a miter box and glued to the edges of any piece of styrene or acrylic that you've landscaped. You can create a custom sized base using this approach.

Michaels and Ac Moore or most craft shops have wooden bases of all shapes and sizes . and are pretty inexpensive.