How to Add Ledges and Stilts to Multi-Level Terrain Builds

By Dwarven Forge - Miniature Terrain for the gaming community | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to incorporate ledges and stilts into your multi-level terrain builds for dramatic elevation and vertical gameplay.

Quick answer

To add ledges and stilts to a multi-level terrain build, start by planning your elevation levels, then anchor stilts securely, attach ledges using magnets or clips, and test stability before play. Use unpainted ledges for custom painting and ensure all connections are tight to prevent collapses.

Plan Your Elevation Levels

Before placing any pieces, sketch your build on grid paper. Decide how many levels you want and where ledges will create negative space, such as pits or chasms. Consider the footprint of your base and how stilts will support upper floors without blocking movement below.

Mark key access points like stairs or ladders.
Ensure each level has enough headroom for miniatures.

Choose the Right Ledge Pieces

Ledges come in straight and angled varieties. Straight ledges are ideal for rectangular rooms and straight drops, while angled ledges (like the Angled Ledges set) let you build curves, causeways, and extended edges. For ruined floors and reversible options, consider the Ledges (Unpainted) set, which offers double-sided pieces for negative space builds.

Use angled ledges for organic cave shapes or diagonal walls.
Double-sided ledges allow you to flip pieces for different textures.

Install Stilts for Support

Stilts are the backbone of elevated terrain. Place them under the corners and midpoints of upper floors to distribute weight evenly. For heavy builds, use multiple stilts per section. If you don't have dedicated stilt pieces, you can use stacked blocks or pillars, but ensure they are stable and won't shift during play.

Check that stilts are perpendicular to the base for maximum stability.
Avoid placing stilts in areas where miniatures need to move freely.

Attach Ledges Securely

Most Dwarvenite ledges use magnets or friction fits. Note that the anchor magnets in ledge pieces are fully enclosed to make them reversible, which slightly reduces magnetic pull. Test each connection by gently tugging; if it feels loose, consider adding a small amount of sticky tack or repositioning the piece. For permanent builds, you can glue ledges in place, but that reduces modularity.

Ensure magnets are aligned before pressing pieces together.
For unpainted ledges, paint before attaching to avoid getting paint in magnet sockets.

Test Stability and Adjust

Once assembled, gently press on each level to check for wobbles. If a section feels unstable, add more stilts or adjust the placement of ledges. Walk a miniature across the upper levels to simulate gameplay and identify any weak spots. Remember that taller builds may need a wider base for balance.

Use a level tool to check if floors are flat.
Consider adding a border or wall to prevent miniatures from falling off edges.

Step-by-step: Building with Ledges and Stilts

Plan your elevation levels: Sketch your build on grid paper, deciding how many levels and where ledges will create negative space. Mark access points and ensure headroom for miniatures. Checkpoint: Does each level have a clear purpose and access?
Select ledge pieces: Choose straight ledges for rectangular rooms and angled ledges for curves and causeways. Consider reversible options like the Ledges (Unpainted) set for flexibility. Mistake to avoid: Using only straight ledges for organic shapes, which can look blocky.
Position stilts: Place stilts under corners and midpoints of upper floors. Ensure they are perpendicular and distribute weight evenly. Use multiple stilts for heavy sections. Checkpoint: Can you press on the upper floor without wobbling?
Attach ledges: Connect ledges using magnets or friction fits. Note that enclosed magnets reduce pull, so test each connection. For loose fits, use sticky tack or reposition. Mistake to avoid: Forcing pieces together, which can damage magnets or edges.
Test and adjust: Gently press on each level and walk a miniature across to check stability. Add stilts or adjust ledges as needed. Ensure the base is wide enough for taller builds. Next step: Paint your unpainted ledges before final assembly for a cohesive look.

Product facts

Ledges (Unpainted): Create ruined floors, crumbling pits, precarious chasms, and other negative space builds with these double-sided pieces. Once sold out, this set will be retired and replaced with an updated set composition called Ruined Dungeon Floors - Ledges. Please note: The anchor magnets in all ledge pieces are fully enclosed inside each piece to make these pieces reversible. This diminishes the pull of the magnets a bit. These reversible ledges are perfect for multi-level builds with negative space, but the weaker magnets mean you should test connections and possibly use additional support.
Angled Ledges (Unpainted): Larger pieces with a 45 degree angle, for building large curves, extended straight edges, and treacherous causeways. Once sold out, this set will be retired and replaced with a new set composition called Ruined Dungeon Floors - Angled Ledges. Angled ledges let you create sweeping curves and diagonal drops, adding dynamic elevation to your terrain.