Movement Trays vs Skirmish Trays: Which Base Setup to Choose
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare MDF movement and skirmish trays for 20x20mm and 30x30mm bases, including cutout spacing, border trim, and how to pick the right tray size.
Quick answer
Choose a skirmish tray when you want tight, consistent unit spacing for 20x20mm bases, and choose a movement tray when you need a reinforced border and optional bases for 30x30mm models. The main trade-off is spacing control versus border strength and extra base support.
What separates a movement tray from a skirmish tray
Both are MDF trays with an upper frame and lower base, but they solve different tabletop problems. Skirmish trays for 20x20mm bases use cutouts spaced 1/2" (12.7mm) apart with a 1/4" (6.35mm) trim, so units placed side by side keep consistent spacing. Movement trays for 30x30mm bases use a frame border of 1/4" (6.35mm) per side and let you select the frame height and whether bases are supplied. If you want a quick reference for base tray sizes, compare the footprint each tray is cut for before ordering.
How to match tray size to your unit footprint
Tray size is not just about how many models you own; it is about how many bases fit in one rank and file. A 6x3 skirmish tray holds a small skirmish unit, while a 14x11 tray covers a large block. For 30x30mm bases, a 13x4 tray suits a wide line, and a 13x8 tray gives you a deeper block. Check your unit's maximum frontage and depth before choosing, because an oversized tray wastes movement space and an undersized one forces you to split units.
Spacing, trim, and border differences that affect play
Skirmish trays prioritize consistent spacing: the 1/2" (12.7mm) cutout gap and 1/4" (6.35mm) trim keep adjacent units aligned when you place trays next to each other. Movement trays prioritize a defined border, with 1/4" (6.35mm) per side, which protects the outer bases and gives you a clear edge to grip. The trade-off is that a thicker border adds a little footprint, while tighter skirmish spacing can make individual bases harder to remove if you have thick fingers or textured bases.
Frame height and base options: what to decide before checkout
Both tray types let you select frame height to match your bases, so measure your finished base height including any texture or magnets. Movement trays also offer a base option, meaning you can order the tray with bases for your miniatures supplied. That saves time if you are starting a new unit, but it adds cost and may not match a basing scheme you already use. Skirmish trays focus on the frame and lower base, so you bring your own bases.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Spacing consistency vs border protection: Skirmish trays use 1/2" (12.7mm) cutout spacing and 1/4" (6.35mm) trim to keep units aligned. Movement trays use a 1/4" (6.35mm) border per side for a stronger edge. Pick skirmish for alignment; pick movement for edge protection.
- Small unit vs large block: A 6x3 skirmish tray handles a small 20x20mm unit, while a 14x11 skirmish tray covers a large block. For 30x30mm bases, 13x4 is a wide line and 13x8 is a deeper block. Match the tray footprint to your maximum frontage and depth.
- Bring your own bases vs bases supplied: Skirmish trays focus on the frame and lower base. Movement trays offer a Frame Height & Base Option so bases can be supplied. Choose supplied bases only if you are not matching an existing basing scheme.
Product facts
- 6x3 Skirmish Tray for 20x20mm bases: MDF Skirmish Tray with cutouts 1/2" (12.7mm) apart and a 1/4" (6.35mm) trim, with a Frame Height Option. Keeps small 20x20mm units consistently spaced when placed alongside each other.
- 14x11 Skirmish Tray for 20x20mm bases: 14x11 Skirmish Tray for 20x20mm bases, with the same 1/2" (12.7mm) cutout spacing and 1/4" (6.35mm) trim, and a Frame Height Option. Holds a large 20x20mm block while preserving the same spacing rules as the smaller skirmish tray.
- 13x4 Movement Tray for 30x30mm bases: 13x4 Movement Tray for 30x30mm bases with a 1/4" (6.35mm) frame border per side, and a Frame Height & Base Option. Gives a wide 30x30mm line a protective border and the choice to include bases.
- 13x8 Movement Tray for 30x30mm bases: 13x8 Movement Tray for 30x30mm bases with a 1/4" (6.35mm) frame border per side, and a Frame Height & Base Option. Adds depth for larger 30x30mm units while keeping the same border and base choices.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Players using 20x20mm bases who need consistent unit spacing across multiple trays
- Skirmish games where tight rank and file alignment matters more than a thick outer border
- Large 20x20mm blocks that need a 14x11 footprint rather than several small trays
Not for
- 30x30mm units that need a reinforced 1/4" (6.35mm) border and optional supplied bases
- Players who want a deeper 30x30mm block and should choose a 13x8 movement tray instead
- Anyone who needs a tray size not listed here; other configurations are available on request
