Adding a Gantry Ladder to Your Laser-Cut Table
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to assemble and attach a laser-cut gantry ladder to your Zone Theta terrain. Step-by-step instructions for adding elevation and playability to your tabletop.
Quick answer
Assemble your laser-cut gantry ladder by dry-fitting the tabs, applying wood glue sparingly, and attaching it to a level-one gantry or stacked Habpod for instant elevation on your sci-fi table.
Why add a ladder to your gantry?
A gantry ladder is a small addition that changes how your terrain plays. It gives miniatures a clear path to elevated walkways, making line-of-sight and movement rules more interesting. Without a ladder, a level-one gantry is just a wall; with one, it becomes a tactical feature.
The Zone Theta ladder kit is designed to attach to all level-one gantries or stacked Habpods, so you can use it on different table layouts. Because it's laser-cut MDF, the fit is precise, but you still need to handle the parts gently to avoid breaking tabs.
How to assemble and attach your gantry ladder
- 1. Dry-fit the parts: Remove the laser-cut MDF pieces from the sprue. Gently press the ladder rungs into the side rails without glue to check that all tabs align. If a tab is tight, sand it lightly with fine-grit paper. Common mistake: forcing a tight tab can snap the MDF. Sand instead of push.
- 2. Apply glue to the tabs: Use a thin layer of PVA wood glue on each tab. Spread it evenly with a toothpick so excess doesn't seep onto visible rungs. Press the rungs into the rails and hold for 10 seconds. Too much glue causes messy drips that are hard to sand off MDF.
- 3. Let the ladder cure flat: Place the assembled ladder on a flat surface and check that it is not twisted. Let it cure for at least 30 minutes before handling. For a stronger bond, leave it overnight. A twisted ladder won't sit flush against the gantry. Curing flat prevents this.
- 4. Attach the ladder to the gantry: Align the ladder's mounting tabs with the slots on your level-one gantry or stacked Habpod. Apply a small amount of glue to the tabs and insert them. Hold steady for 15 seconds. Check that the ladder is vertical before the glue sets; once dry, repositioning is difficult.
- 5. Paint or weather after attachment: Prime and paint the ladder after it is attached to the gantry. This ensures the paint covers the joint seamlessly. Use a brush to reach between rungs. Painting before attachment can leave bare MDF at the glue joint.
Product used in this guide
- Zone Theta - Gantry - Level One Ladder (x2): These ladders attach to all level-one gantries or stacked Zone Theta Habpods. Supplied unassembled and unpainted in kit form. You can use the same ladder on different gantry layouts, and the unassembled kit lets you paint or weather each rung before final assembly.
Zone Theta - Gantry - Level One Ladder (x2)
