Various materials are used to construct miniature buildings and dolls houses. They each have pros and cons. Before you start construction, read about these materials to familiarize yourself with the tools, techniques, and characteristics of the various building materials.
Baltic Birch Vs Medium Density Fiberboard
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Gatorfoam / Gator Board
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Luan/Lauan Plywood
Luan/Lauan Plywood is often the material used for less expensive dollhouse kits. It is an easily worked material, but requires more finishing work than some other choices. In kits this plywood is often die cut and assembled using tab and slot construction methods rather than nails or screws.
Bookboard/Paperboard
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Creative PaperClay
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Creative Paperclay® is a useful medium for creating miniature plaster, stucco, pargetting, stone tiles, tiled floors and walls, landscaping rock and stone effects, or small three dimensional miniatures or sculptures. With handling properties very similar to fine clay, this is a safe, easy way to create strong lightweight miniatures which need no curing, other than a protective coat of sealant.
Wood Aging Effects
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This simple technique will turn new wood into aged silvered, brown or blackened wood within minutes of application. This is a great way to make repairs to items which have naturally weathered or to create the look of weathered boards or shingles on miniature buildings.
Wood Shingles
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Wood Shingle effects can be created in many scales using wood, wood veneers, paper tags or paper strips. The shingles can be shaped to particular patterns for siding, or used to create rustic or aged roofs.
