Choosing Rectangular Bases for Your Miniatures
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right rectangular base depth and size for your wargaming miniatures, with practical decision rules and trade-offs for 15mm and 45mm deep options.
Quick answer
Choose a 15mm deep rectangular base for standard infantry and light vehicles where a low profile keeps the focus on the model; pick a 45mm deep base for larger models, scenic elements, or when you need extra room for basing materials.
Why base depth matters more than you think
The depth of a base directly affects how your miniature sits on the tabletop and how much space you have for texture, tufts, or rubble. A shallow base (15mm) keeps the model low and stable, while a deeper base (45mm) gives you room to build up terrain or add a nameplate without the base looking cramped.
Both depths are precision laser-cut from high-quality MDF with smooth edges, so the choice comes down to the model and the look you want.
Size options and corner style flexibility
Sarissa Precision rectangular bases come in a range of sizes and you can choose between square or rounded corners. Rounded corners can give a more natural, worn look, while square corners keep a clean, uniform appearance for rank-and-file units.
Because the depth and size are independent, you can pair a 45mm deep base with a small footprint if you want a thick base for a single figure, or a 15mm deep base with a large footprint for a vehicle that sits low.
Decision rules for choosing base depth
- Standard infantry or light vehicle: Choose a 15mm deep base. It keeps the model close to the table surface and looks proportional to most 28mm to 32mm scale figures.
- Large model or scenic base: Choose a 45mm deep base. The extra depth gives you room to add texture paste, rocks, or a nameplate without the base looking top-heavy.
- Mixed unit basing: If you want a uniform look across a unit that includes both infantry and a heavy weapon team, use the same depth for all bases. 15mm works for most mixed units unless the heavy team has a large scenic element. Check the model's own base tab or slot before ordering – some miniatures have pre-drilled holes that expect a specific depth.
- Corner style choice: Square corners give a crisp, military parade look. Rounded corners suit ruined urban bases, natural terrain, or any setting where you want the base to blend into the table.
Base options at a glance
- Rectangular Bases – 15mm Deep: Precision laser-cut bases available in a range of materials with a choice of square or rounded corners. The 15mm deep base works well when you want a low, unobtrusive foundation that keeps the miniature as the main visual element.
Rectangular Bases – 15mm Deep - Rectangular Bases – 45mm Deep: Precision laser-cut bases available in a range of materials with a choice of square or rounded corners. The 45mm deep base provides extra vertical space for scenic basing, nameplates, or larger models that need a more substantial footprint.
Rectangular Bases – 45mm Deep
Which base depth fits your project?
Best for
- Gamers who want a low, unobtrusive base for standard infantry and light vehicles
- Players who need extra vertical space for scenic basing or nameplates on larger models
Not ideal for
- Very small-scale models (e.g., 6mm or 10mm) where even a 15mm deep base may look too thick – consider thinner material options
- Display dioramas that require a deep, multi-layer base – a 45mm base may still be too shallow for that purpose
