Crafting A Wooden Wedding Cake Stand: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rustic weddings are all the rage, and a wooden wedding cake stand is a fun DIY project that can add a unique touch to your special day. You can make a simple yet elegant wooden cake stand using a few basic materials and a bit of creativity. This project is perfect for crafty brides-to-be who want to add a personal touch to their wedding décor. Whether you're going for a rustic, vintage, or modern farmhouse look, a wooden cake stand can be customised to suit your style. So, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let's get started on creating a beautiful and unique wooden wedding cake stand!

Sourcing the wood

For a rustic-looking cake stand, you can use wood from chopped-down trees. This type of wood will be rough and uneven, so be prepared to do a lot of sanding and measuring to get the pieces flat and even. If you're going for a more polished look, you can purchase wood circles or plaques from craft stores or online. These typically come in various sizes and can be made from materials such as Baltic Birch or Routed MDF. Baltic Birch is a high-quality furniture-grade plywood with a nice wood grain face, while Routed MDF is an engineered wood made from small wood fibers pressed together to make a dense composite.

Another option is to use wooden candlesticks or candle holders as the base for your cake stand. You can often find these at thrift stores, Goodwill, or the Dollar Store. Just make sure the base is sturdy enough to support the weight of the cake.

Once you've sourced your wood, you'll need to cut the pieces to the desired size and shape. If you're using a wooden plaque or circle, you may need to drill holes for screws or use wood glue to attach the pieces together. Sanding and staining the wood can also help create a smooth, finished look.

Remember to choose wood that is food-safe, especially if you plan to place food directly on the stand. Some finishes may require curing for up to 30 days to ensure they are food-safe.

Sanding and measuring

Sanding:

• Start by using sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and surfaces on your wooden pieces. Pay extra attention to the base and plate pieces as these will be the most visible parts of your cake stand.
• Continue sanding until you achieve a desired level of smoothness. Remember, the more you sand, the smoother your pieces will become.
• Once you're satisfied with the smoothness, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any grit or dust that may have accumulated during the sanding process. It is important to remove all residue before moving on to the next step.

Measuring:

• After sanding, take measurements of your wooden pieces to ensure they fit together properly. Use a level to check if the surfaces are flat and even.
• For the base, aim for a height of around 5 inches and a width of about 4 inches. This will provide a sturdy foundation for your cake stand.
• For the plate piece, a width of approximately 11 inches and a thickness of 2 inches is recommended. This size will accommodate most wedding cakes comfortably.
• If necessary, continue sanding and measuring until your pieces fit together snugly and evenly. You may need to make adjustments to ensure the base and plate are level and stable.
• Once you are happy with the measurements and fit, you can proceed to the next steps of assembling and finishing your wooden wedding cake stand.

Attaching the base to the plate

Step 1: Prepare the Base and Plate

Before beginning the assembly, ensure that the base and plate are properly sanded and smoothened. This step is essential to create a flat and even surface for a sturdy connection. Measure the pieces with a level to achieve the desired evenness. If necessary, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces.

Step 2: Drilling the Holes

To attach the base to the plate securely, you will need to drill holes in both pieces. Start by marking the centre of the base and the plate. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to find the centre accurately. Once the centres are marked, use a drill press or an electric hand drill to create sink holes in the bottom of the base. Drill smaller holes for the screws all the way through the base, ensuring they align with the holes in the plate.

Step 3: Attaching the Base and Plate

Line up the top of the base with the bottom of the plate. Take your time with this step to ensure a proper fit. Maneuver the pieces until they align correctly. Once you are satisfied with the alignment, use an electric screwdriver to screw the base into the plate. Tighten the screws until the base is firmly attached to the plate, being careful not to overtighten and damage the wood.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After attaching the base and plate, give the entire structure a final light sanding to ensure a smooth finish and remove any splinters that may have been raised during the drilling process. You can then apply a protective finish to the wood. Options include mineral oil, as suggested by Life at Cloverhill, or a polycrylic protective finish, as recommended by My 100 Year Old Home. This step will help protect your wooden cake stand and ensure its longevity.

Additional Tips:

• If you prefer a more rustic look, consider using Baltic Birch wood, which showcases the natural wood grain and notches when stained.
• For a more sophisticated and finished look, Routed MDF wood provides a smooth face and decorative edges.
• When using wood glue to attach the base and plate, consider using a weight to apply pressure during the drying process, as suggested by First Day of Home.

Painting and finishing

Once you've assembled your wooden wedding cake stand, it's time for the finishing touches: painting and sealing.

If you're going for a rustic look, you might opt for a simple wood stain to showcase the natural beauty of the wood. Start by lightly sanding the wooden pieces to smooth out any rough edges and remove any dirt or splinters. Then, using a foam brush, apply the stain to your wooden base, wiping off any excess. Allow the stain to dry for 2-3 minutes, then use a clean cloth to wipe away the excess stain, going along with the grain of the wood. Repeat this process for the other side of the base and the edges, allowing the piece to dry for about an hour.

If you're using chalk paint, you can skip the sanding step, as chalk paint dries quickly and doesn't require sanding or priming. Apply 1-2 coats of paint, waiting about 2 hours between coats. Once the paint is dry, seal the stand with a clear wax to give it an antique, vintage look. Apply a thin coat of wax with a wax brush, then wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth. Before the wax dries completely, apply a thin coat of dark wax to the grooves and edges of the stand for a distressed look. Allow the wax to cure overnight before buffing to your desired sheen.

For a more modern look, you could paint the stand with a fun colour like pink or grey. Apply the paint thinly and evenly to all areas of the stand, wiping off any excess. Once the paint is dry, protect your stand with a coat of polycrylic finish.

If your stand will be in contact with food, it's important to use a food-safe finish. According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all wood finishes are food-safe once they have been fully cured, including polyurethane varnish. Allow at least 30 days for the finish to cure before using your stand with any food.

Decorating and styling

Sanding and Smoothing

Before you begin decorating, it's important to ensure that your wooden cake stand has a smooth finish. Use sandpaper to lightly sand any rough edges or uneven surfaces on the wood. This step will help create a smooth base for your paint or stain and ensure a professional-looking finish. After sanding, remember to wipe away any dust or grit with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Painting or Staining

Painting or staining your wooden wedding cake stand is a great way to add colour, personality, and protection to your creation. You can choose from a variety of paint types, such as chalk paint, acrylic paint, or even spray paint, depending on the look you want to achieve. For a rustic or vintage aesthetic, consider using wood stain to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. Don't forget to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate drying time between coats.

Embellishments and Details

Once you've chosen your paint or stain, you can take your cake stand to the next level with embellishments and decorative details. Consider adding wooden beads, as suggested in one of the tutorials, for a unique touch. You can also experiment with different types of glue, such as silicone glue, hot glue, or Gorilla glue, to attach additional elements securely. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider incorporating glitter or metallic accents into your design.

Protective Finish

To ensure the longevity of your wooden wedding cake stand, it's important to apply a protective finish. This step will help seal and protect the wood, making it more durable and easier to maintain. In the tutorials, suggestions for a protective finish include mineral oil, polyurethane sealant, and polycrylic protective finish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate curing time, especially if your cake stand will be in contact with food.

Styling for the Big Day

When it comes to styling your wooden wedding cake stand for the big day, the possibilities are endless. You can decorate it with fresh flowers, greenery, or other rustic touches that complement your wedding theme. Consider coordinating the cake stand with other DIY elements, such as centrepieces or table decorations, for a cohesive look. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different styling options to make your cake stand a stunning focal point at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions