Whether you're a brand new LEGO builder or a seasoned expert, understanding basic LEGO building techniques can elevate your creations and open up a world of possibilities. Here are some fundamental techniques every LEGO fan should master in order to build like a pro.
Stacking Bricks
The most basic and essential LEGO building technique is stacking bricks. When you’re just starting out, this is the foundation for creating simple structures. By placing LEGO bricks on top of each other, you can create walls, towers, or any basic shape. Remember to stagger the bricks for extra strength—like laying bricks in real-world construction—this will make your builds sturdier and more resistant to collapse. This is a great technique for creating stable, elevated platforms for larger LEGO structures.
SNOT (Studs Not On Top)
One of the most popular advanced techniques is SNOT, which stands for “Studs Not On Top.” This LEGO building technique allows you to build sideways or at angles, adding more detail and complexity to your LEGO builds. Using special brackets and modified bricks, you can hide the studs and create smooth surfaces or intricate details like windows, doors, or even curved walls. This is often used in more sophisticated builds, including LEGO Architecture sets and LEGO Speed Champions sets. We'll be coving this technique in greater detail in a future article, so be sure to subscribe and continue expanding your LEGO building technique knowledge!
Interlocking
Interlocking involves connecting LEGO bricks in such a way that they reinforce each other. Rather than stacking LEGO bricks directly on top of each other, you offset them slightly so that the seams don't line up. This technique is great for adding stability and strength to large or complex builds, like LEGO castles or LEGO modular buildings. By interlocking your LEGO bricks, you ensure your model will stay together during play or display.
Using Plates and Tiles
LEGO plates and tiles are thinner than regular bricks and are used to add fine details or smooth surfaces to your LEGO MOCs. Plates can be used to build floors, roofs, or decorative elements without adding too much height. Tiles, which have no studs, are perfect for creating polished surfaces or paths, such as roads, floors, or walkways. Using these elements effectively can give your LEGO builds a clean, finished look.
Building at Angles
LEGO isn’t limited to just building up and down. Using hinge pieces and angled plates, you can create models that move away from traditional right angles. This is useful when building things like vehicles, aircraft, or any design that requires sloped surfaces. Mastering angles gives your LEGO builds a dynamic, more realistic feel.
Modular Building
This technique is used by both LEGO designers and fans to create large, detailed models that can be easily broken down into smaller sections for play or modification. It’s commonly used in LEGO CITY builds or sets like the LEGO ICONS Modular Buildings series. The advantage of modular building is that you can expand or change your model by swapping out individual sections. This method adds flexibility and is ideal for creating sprawling displays.
Color Blocking
Color blocking is a method where you use large sections of a single color to define specific parts of your build. It helps to break up different areas of a design, making it visually distinct and organized. For example, in a LEGO building, you could use a tan color palette for the walls, red for the roof, contrast the trim with an additional color. This technique is essential for making your LEGO builds look sharp and professional.
Greebling
Greebling refers to adding small, intricate details to the surface of your build to give it more texture and complexity. This is a favorite technique in sci-fi builds, especially for ships and machinery. By attaching small LEGO pieces like grills, levers, or round studs, you can give your model a highly detailed, mechanical appearance.
Bracing
Bracing is important when building larger LEGO models, especially those that might be handled a lot during play. By reinforcing the inner structure with long plates or beams, you ensure your model stays strong and stable. This is especially useful when building vehicles, bridges, or tall structures.
Using a Baseplate
LEGO baseplates are thin, flat pieces used as foundations for LEGO builds and MOCs. These are essential when creating large models or landscapes, as they provide a sturdy base that keeps everything in place. LEGO baseplates come in a variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to customize your build. For example, you might use green for outdoor scenes or gray for cityscapes.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these basic LEGO building techniques can take your creations to the next level. Whether you’re working on a simple structure or a complex model, these strategies will help you build with more precision, stability, and creativity. Happy building and be sure to subscribe as we add more building tutorials in the coming weeks!
