Buying Guide
Where to Buy Mosaic Baseplates and Connector Pins in the US
You have generated a custom mosaic with BMBrick. You already have the image design, the color layout, and the parts list. Now you need to buy the physical building supplies: baseplates, pixel pieces, optional connector pins, optional backing board, and optional frame or wall-mounting hardware.
Direct answer: For most US BMBrick users, Webrick baseplates are the simplest starting point. Use Webrick 48x48 #4186 for 48x48, 96x96, and 96x144 mosaics. Use Webrick 32x32 #3811 for 64x64. Use Amazon for baseplates, frames, backing boards, and mounting supplies. Use LEGO Pick a Brick, BrickLink, or BrickOwl only when you want official LEGO parts.
Best for: BMBrick users who have generated a custom mosaic design and need to buy the blank building materials to build it physically.
Avoid: Users who want a pre-made mosaic kit. This guide helps you buy the supplies for the custom design you created with BMBrick.
Recommended setup: Use Webrick as the default source for baseplates and pixel pieces. Use Amazon for display and mounting accessories. Use official LEGO channels only for premium or advanced builds.
Who This Guide Helps
BMBrick users who have generated a custom mosaic design and need to buy the blank building materials to build it physically.
Who Should Skip It
Users who want a pre-made mosaic kit. This guide helps you buy the supplies for the custom design you created with BMBrick.
Bottom Line
Use Webrick as the default source for baseplates and pixel pieces. Use Amazon for display and mounting accessories. Use official LEGO channels only for premium or advanced builds.
Three Baseplate Strategies
Choose based on your experience level, budget, and mosaic size.
Strategy 1: Big Baseplates — Cheapest
Use large flat baseplates (Webrick 48x48 #4186 or 32x32 #3811). Fewest pieces, lowest cost. Works perfectly for 48x48, 64x64, 96x96, 96x144. Some sizes (48x64, 48x96, 64x96) need mixed sizes or slight trimming.
Strategy 2: 16x16 Universal Plates — Most Flexible
Use Webrick Plate 16x16 #91405. Every BMBrick size divides cleanly by 16. Zero cutting, zero waste. More pieces to order but guaranteed perfect fit for any size.
Strategy 3: LEGO Art Panels — Official LEGO
Use 16x16 thick panels (LEGO 65803) + Technic pins (2780). Most complex and expensive. Only for builders who want official LEGO Art-style construction.
What to Buy by Size
Two flat baseplate options for each size. Strategy 2 (16x16 plates) always works. Strategy 1 (big plates) is cheaper when the size fits cleanly.
| BMBrick Size | Pixels | Big Plates | 16x16 #91405 | Backing Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48x48 | 2,304 | 1 x #4186 | 9 (3x3) | Optional |
| 48x64 | 3,072 | Mixed — use 16x16 | 12 (3x4) | Recommended |
| 48x96 | 4,608 | 2 x #4186 (1x2) | 18 (3x6) | Recommended |
| 64x64 | 4,096 | 4 x #3811 (2x2) | 16 (4x4) | Recommended if hanging |
| 64x96 | 6,144 | 6 x #3811 (2x3) | 24 (4x6) | Strongly recommended |
| 96x96 | 9,216 | 4 x #4186 (2x2) | 36 (6x6) | Strongly recommended |
| 96x144 | 13,824 | 6 x #4186 (2x3) | 54 (6x9) | Required |
Common Mistakes
Overcomplicating It
Most users do not need 54 separate 16x16 thick panels + hundreds of pins. Flat baseplates are simpler. Use big plates when the size fits, or 16x16 #91405 for any size.
Forgetting the Structure
Do not buy only pixel pieces. You also need baseplates, and for large builds: backing board, frame, mounting hardware.
Skipping the Backing Board
For 96x96 and 96x144, plan the backing board and frame before building. The baseplate holds the bricks. The backing holds the weight.
Wrong Baseplate Type
Flat 48x48 = simple builds. 16x16 thick panels (LEGO 65803) = LEGO Art modular. Thin classic baseplates = tabletop only.
No Spare Parts
Buy 3–5% extra pixel pieces for common colors. Avoids delays from lost or damaged pieces.
Default BMBrick Buying Path
Webrick — Best Default Source
Webrick covers both pixel pieces and baseplates in one order.
Key baseplates:
- Baseplate 48x48 #4186 — cheapest per-stud, best for 48x48 / 96x96 / 96x144
- Base Plate 32x32 #3811 — for 64x64, 64x96
- Plate 16x16 #91405 — universal, fits every size perfectly
Amazon — Baseplates, Frames & Mounting
Amazon is useful for blank baseplates, connector pins, shadow box frames, backing boards, and mounting hardware. Many listings bundle 9 panels + pins.
- Good searches:
48x48 brick baseplate,LEGO compatible baseplate,shadow box frame for LEGO mosaic,foam board backing - Best for: fast delivery, easy returns, buyer reviews
Official LEGO Channels
For official LEGO builds, use Part 65803 (16x16 thick panel) + Part 2780 (friction pin). More complex and expensive, but right for premium gifts.
- LEGO Pick a Brick — search
65803 - BrickLink — search
Technic, Brick 16 x 16 x 1 1/3 with Holes - BrickOwl — search
LEGO Brick 16 x 16 x 1 1/3 with Holes
How Do Flat Baseplates Stay Together?
Flat baseplates do not connect to each other. They have no Technic holes on the sides. The backing board does all the work.
- Step 1: Attach baseplates to a rigid backing board (foam board, MDF, plywood) with double-sided tape or adhesive dots
- Step 2: If using a frame, the frame presses against the edges and holds everything in place
- Step 3: Build the pixel art on top — once complete, the mosaic is rigid and ready to hang
Frame & Backing Board
Baseplates make the mosaic buildable. The backing board makes it wall-safe.
- 48x48: backing optional
- 64x64: backing recommended if hanging
- 96x96: backing strongly recommended
- 96x144: backing + frame required
Where to Buy Backing Boards
Foam Board — Light, Cheap
Best for 48x48 to 64x64. Search Amazon for 'foam board 20x30' or 'foam board 24x36'. Also available at Dollar Tree, Walmart, craft stores. Lightweight, easy to cut with a knife.
MDF Board — Rigid
Best for 96x96 and larger. Search Home Depot or Lowe's for 'MDF board 1/4 inch'. Can be cut to size at the store. Heavier than foam board but much more rigid.
Plywood — Strongest
Best for 96x144 and serious wall art. Search Home Depot or Lowe's for 'plywood 1/4 inch sheet'. Strongest option. Can be cut to size at the store.
Acrylic Sheet — Display Grade
Best for premium display pieces. Search Amazon for 'acrylic sheet 24x36'. Clear or colored options. More expensive but looks professional.
Official LEGO vs Compatible Parts
Choose Webrick / Compatible If
Budget matters. Mosaic is large. You want one-stop ordering for pixel pieces + baseplates.
Choose Official LEGO If
Premium gift for a LEGO fan. You want LEGO Art-style modular structure. You are comfortable with BrickLink or PAB.
Choose Amazon If
You need fast delivery, buyer reviews, frames, backing boards, or mounting supplies.
eBay — Backup Channel
eBay is useful for small batches, replacement parts, and US-based sellers with visible feedback.
- Search:
LEGO 65803,48x48 LEGO compatible baseplate,Technic connector pins - Check: seller feedback, official LEGO vs compatible, shipping location
Quick Reference by Size
48x48 — 2,304 pixels
1 x #4186, or 9 x 16x16. Backing optional.
48x64 — 3,072 pixels
12 x 16x16 #91405 (3x4). Big plates don't fit cleanly — use 16x16. Backing recommended.
48x96 — 4,608 pixels
2 x #4186 (1x2), or 18 x 16x16. Backing recommended.
64x64 — 4,096 pixels
4 x #3811 (2x2), or 16 x 16x16. Backing recommended if hanging.
64x96 — 6,144 pixels
6 x #3811 (2x3), or 24 x 16x16. Backing strongly recommended.
96x96 — 9,216 pixels
4 x #4186 (2x2), or 36 x 16x16. Backing strongly recommended.
96x144 — 13,824 pixels
6 x #4186 (2x3), or 54 x 16x16. Backing + frame required.
Before You Buy — Check Reviews
Amazon
Search reviews for: fits LEGO, tight, loose, warped, bent, sturdy
Webrick
Check part availability, color options, bulk matching
BrickLink / BrickOwl
Check seller rating, store location, minimum order, shipping cost
Search: site:reddit.com LEGO mosaic baseplate, LEGO 65803 mosaic
Final Recommendation
For most US BMBrick users: use Webrick as the default source for baseplates and pixel pieces. Use Webrick 48x48 #4186 for 48x48, 96x96, and 96x144 mosaics. Use Webrick 32x32 #3811 for 64x64. Use Amazon for baseplates, frames, backing boards, and mounting supplies. Use LEGO Pick a Brick, BrickLink, or BrickOwl only when you want official LEGO parts. Use backing boards and frames for large wall displays.
FAQ
Do I need connector pins?
For flat baseplate builds (Webrick 48x48 or 32x32), usually no. Use a backing board or frame instead. Connector pins are only needed for LEGO Art-style 16x16 thick panel builds (Part 65803).
Which Webrick baseplate should I buy for 48x48?
Buy 1 x Webrick Baseplate 48x48 #4186. It maps directly to a 48x48 BMBrick mosaic.
Which Webrick baseplate should I buy for 64x64?
Buy 4 x Webrick Base Plate 32x32 #3811, arranged in a 2x2 layout. Do not use 48x48 baseplates — they do not map cleanly to 64x64.
Which Webrick baseplate should I buy for 96x96?
Buy 4 x Webrick Baseplate 48x48 #4186, arranged in a 2x2 layout.
Which Webrick baseplate should I buy for 96x144?
Buy 6 x Webrick Baseplate 48x48 #4186, arranged in a 2x3 layout. Mount to a backing board for wall display.
Do I need a backing board?
For 48x48, optional. For 64x64, recommended if hanging. For 96x96, strongly recommended. For 96x144, required for wall display.
Where To Go Next
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