Dinning tables are most common, but you could use a table tennis table for bigger games If you're building your own (usually 4x8 sheet plywood on frames), think about providing lots of storage space underneath to protect all of your carefuly made scenery.
Model railway type, can be highly detailed and realistic. A permanently built-in-place landscape. Some have the ability to change buildings or to rearrange trees planted in drilled holes to give some flexibility. The major disadvantages are that they take up space, aren't very flexible and can be difficult to move.
Combines the finish quality of a permanent terrain with greater flexibility. Some modelers prefer 600x600 mm squares or 600x1200 rectangles. I have seen some commercial and handmade hexagons (GHQ "Terrain Maker",Terrain Specialties and Geo-Hex)
Individual, small bases of trees, buildings, sections of roads and rivers allow a wide variety of different terrain each time you play. This is perhaps the most common for of scenery as it allows you to build up a collection without becoming overwhelmed by the size of your project. Most projects can, and probably should, be finished in an evening. The elements can also be combined with most other types of scenery if you wish.
Table cloth or baize over books can make a very playable terrain. Other books or foam polystyrene can represent buildings. Toy buildings can also be very effective here (try Playmobil.)
Predominately green landscape with buildings, roads, rivers, hills and mountains. Plants grow well but have usually been cut back to allow farming as this is the most predominately settled and cultivated environment. As a result, there are usually plenty of signs of habitation. This is probably the most commonly modelled and the reason most manufacturers like GW suggest your figure bases be painted green.
Predominately brown, yellow or grey landscape with few buildings and roads. Dunes, drifts and mountains are common but water and plants (other than cacti) are uncommon. Plants are common only where water occurs, either as rivers, wells or springs. Trees scattered at random don't look realistic in this environment, they usually cluster around water sources. Citadel Journal # 16 has desert terrain rules and new strategy cards for those who want to try this terrain.
Usually very green with large quantities of thick vegetation. Heavily forested areas are rarely well populated. When population is high, there is usually a lot of deforestation. An interesting terrain type here is the rice paddy. Hills and mountains in this environment are often cut into terraces {not unlike most wargaming hills.)
Usually white with very pale greys and blues. Almost non existent vegetation unless you're below the "tree line". Generally sparsely populated. Has potential if you include house rules for movement over ice and risk of heavy vehicles falling through!
Predominately water (or other liquids!) Could include islands or coast lines. Great for beachhead type assaults.
From ancient cities to peasant villages, high tech space stations and alien constructions, all are constructed landscapes. TBD
Volcanic, Deep Space Vacuum etc TBD
