Updated July 2026. Ritn3D is now the only floor plan converter that exports print-ready STL for 3D printing on Pro+ (10 STLs per month, rolls over). For multi-story houses, see the multi-story floor plan to 3D guide — you print each floor as a separate STL and physically stack them.
Two technologies, different strengths
FDM printers melt PLA filament layer by layer. SLA printers cure liquid resin with UV light. Both produce architectural models, but with different tradeoffs.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | PLA (FDM) | Resin (SLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Good (0.1–0.2mm layers) | Excellent (0.025–0.05mm) |
| Cost per model | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Print time | 2–12 hours | 1–6 hours |
| Post-processing | Remove supports, optional sand | Wash, cure, remove supports |
| Durability | Strong, slightly flexible | Hard, brittle |
| Best scale | 1:50 to 1:200 | 1:100 to 1:500 |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate (resin handling) |
When to use PLA
PLA is the default choice for most architectural models. It is cheap, easy to print, and produces clean results at standard scales.
Choose PLA when:
- Your model is 1:100 or larger
- You want a quick study model for internal review
- Budget matters (filament costs 1/3 of resin)
- You are new to 3D printing
- The model will be displayed indoors
White PLA gives the classic architectural model look. Sand lightly and spray with matte primer for a professional finish.
When to use resin
Resin excels at small scales where FDM resolution falls short. Window frames, thin walls, and fine details print crisp on resin.
Choose resin when:
- Your model is 1:200 or smaller (keychain, desk display)
- Surface finish matters for client presentations
- You need to print details smaller than 0.5mm
- You are making a closing gift where appearance is everything
The tradeoff: resin requires washing in IPA, UV curing, and careful handling of uncured resin. It is more work per print.
Our recommendation
Start with PLA. It handles 80% of architectural model use cases. Switch to resin only when you need detail at small scales or presentation-grade surface finish.
Both methods work with STL files from Ritn3D. Upload a floor plan, download the STL, and print on whichever machine you have. Get started free.