Short answer: choose resin for small, highly detailed pieces like scatter and miniatures, and FDM for large, sturdy structures that get handled every session. Both are 3D printing — they just excel at different jobs. Here's how to decide for your D&D table.
The quick comparison
- Resin (SLA): fine detail, smooth surfaces, best for small-to-medium pieces
- FDM (filament): tougher, cheaper at large sizes, best for big builds
When to choose resin
Resin captures crisp detail — rivets, wood grain, faces — that makes a piece look great up close. It's the right pick for scatter terrain, small set pieces, and anything with fine sculpting. The trade-off is that resin is more brittle, so it suits pieces that sit on the table rather than get tossed in a bag.
Best resin buys
A 15-piece Scatter Pack for clutter and cover, or a Large Set Piece as a detailed centerpiece.
When to choose FDM
FDM prints in tough filament that shrugs off handling, and it's far more economical at large sizes. That makes it ideal for large structures — towers, keeps, and buildings up to 7 inches — that anchor a battlemap and take abuse session after session.
Best FDM buys
An FDM Large Structure when you need real table presence and durability.
Detail vs. durability
This is the core trade-off. If a piece is small and stays put, prioritize detail (resin). If it's big and gets moved a lot, prioritize durability (FDM). Many tables mix both: FDM buildings surrounded by resin scatter.
Do I need to paint them?
All our terrain ships unpainted so you can match your table's palette. New to painting? See our beginner painting guide. Want it done for you, or need a specific build? Commission a custom piece.
Ready to build your table? Browse all scatter and terrain.