MDF Movement Tray Sizes for Different Base Types
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Find the right MDF movement tray size for your miniatures. This guide covers standard trays, conversion trays, and skirmish trays for 20mm, 25mm, and 50mm round bases.
Quick answer
Match your tray to your base size and formation needs: standard trays for uniform ranks, conversion trays to adapt round or smaller bases to a new footprint, and skirmish trays for loose spacing.
Understanding tray types and base compatibility
Standard movement trays hold figures on identical square or rectangular bases in tight ranks. The MDF upper frame and lower base keep each miniature in place, with a 1/4" (6.35mm) border per side. These work best when every model in the unit shares the same base size and you want a clean, uniform look.
Conversion trays solve a different problem: they let you field round-based models in a ranked formation, or centre smaller bases inside a larger footprint. For example, a 10 x 6 25x25mm conversion tray accepts 20x20mm bases and centres them so the unit occupies the same frontage and depth as 25x25mm based figures. This is useful when rules require a specific base size but your miniatures are based differently.
Skirmish trays space models further apart. The 14x8 Skirmish Tray for 20x20mm bases places each cutout 1/2" (12.7mm) apart with a 1/4" (6.35mm) trim. That consistent gap keeps unit spacing predictable when you place multiple trays side by side, which matters for games where model coherency or line-of-sight depends on exact distances.
Choosing between frame height and base options
Most trays let you select the frame height to match your base thickness. If your miniatures sit on standard slotted bases, a low frame is usually enough. For thicker resin or lipped bases, a taller frame prevents models from popping out during movement.
Some trays also offer a base option: you can order the tray with a solid lower base or without it. A base adds stability and protects the underside of your miniatures, but it also adds weight and cost. If you plan to magnetise the tray for storage, a base gives you a flat surface to attach magnetic sheet or rare-earth magnets.
Decision rules for choosing your tray
- Base size match: Measure your miniature's base width and depth. For standard trays, every cutout must match that exact size. For conversion trays, the cutout fits your base but the outer footprint matches a different base size. Always measure your actual bases before ordering; tray dimensions are listed as columns (width) x ranks (depth).
- Formation type: Use a standard movement tray for tight ranked units. Use a conversion tray when your base size differs from the required footprint. Use a skirmish tray when your rules require spacing between models (e.g., 1/2" apart).
- Frame height selection: Choose a low frame for standard slotted bases and a taller frame for thicker resin or lipped bases. The frame height must match your base thickness to hold models securely. If you are unsure, select the taller option; you can always file it down, but you cannot add height.
- Base option: Order with a solid base if you want extra stability or plan to magnetise the tray. Order without a base if weight or cost is a concern and your miniatures already sit flush on the table. Trays without a base may flex under heavy models; consider reinforcing with a thin sheet of plasticard if needed.
Product facts
- 2x1 Movement Tray for 20x20mm bases: MDF Movement Tray consisting of MDF upper frame and lower base. Frame border measures 1/4" (6.35mm) per side. Available in different frame heights and with or without a base. The 2x1 size is ideal for small units or command groups where you want a compact, rigid base that keeps models aligned.
2x1 Movement Tray for 20x20mm bases - 7 x 4 Conversion Tray for 50mm Round Bases: MDF conversion tray consisting of MDF upper frame and lower base. Allows round-based models to be used in a ranked fashion. If your army uses 50mm round bases but your game system expects ranked movement, this tray converts them without rebasing.
7 x 4 Conversion Tray for 50mm Round Bases - 10 x 6 25x25mm Conversion Tray for 20x20mm bases: Conversion tray for 20x20mm bases to have them centred and have a frontage and depth of 25x25mm based figures. All trays listed as Columns (width) x Ranks (depth). This tray lets you field 20mm-based miniatures in a game that requires a 25mm footprint, saving you from rebasing your entire collection.
- 14x8 Skirmish Tray for 20x20mm bases: MDF Skirmish Tray with cutouts 1/2" (12.7mm) apart and a 1/4" (6.35mm) trim. Select frame height to match your bases. The consistent spacing ensures that when you place multiple skirmish trays side by side, the gaps between models remain uniform across the whole unit.
Who should use which tray
Best for
- Players who need to field round-based models in a ranked formation without rebasing
- Wargamers using 20mm or 25mm bases who want consistent spacing for skirmish rules
- Collectors who prefer a clean, uniform look with tight ranks for their infantry units
Not for
- Oval or irregular base shapes that do not fit the rectangular cutouts
- Very large single models (e.g., monsters or vehicles) that need individual movement trays
- Players who require magnetic pre-installed trays without modification
