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

Rustic weddings are all the rage, and a wooden cake stand is a perfect way to add a rustic touch to your special day. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating your own wooden wedding cake stand. We will discuss the materials you will need, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips for customising your stand to match your wedding decor. Whether you're looking for a simple or elaborate design, creating a wooden wedding cake stand is a fun and rewarding project that will surely impress your guests.

Sourcing wood

Ordering Wood Circles Online

Websites like CraftCuts offer custom wood circles in various materials, such as Baltic Birch and Routed MDF, which can be used as bases for cupcakes, donuts, or larger cakes. You can specify the size, thickness, and material, and they will cut the wood to your desired dimensions. This option provides a convenient way to obtain the necessary wood pieces for your cake stand, ensuring they are the correct size and shape.

Reusing Wood from Chopped Trees

Another option is to source wood from friends or family who have recently chopped down trees on their property. In the example provided, the author of the DIY project was able to obtain wood pieces for the cake stand base and plate by reaching out to friends of her mother who had recently cut down trees. This approach not only provides the necessary wood but also adds a unique, personal touch to the cake stand, especially if the trees hold any significance for the couple or the occasion.

Purchasing from Local Craft Stores

Alternatively, you can visit local craft stores to purchase wooden plaques or other wooden pieces that can be used for your cake stand. This option may provide you with ready-made wooden bases or plates that require less sanding and shaping. Look for unfinished wood circle plaques in the desired size, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter, to serve as the base for your cake stand.

Considerations

When sourcing wood for your wooden wedding cake stand, consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. For a rustic look, you may prefer wood with a visible grain that can be stained to enhance its natural character. Baltic Birch, for example, is a high-quality furniture-grade plywood with a nice wood grain that can be stained or painted. On the other hand, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is an engineered wood with a smooth surface that is excellent for painting.

Additionally, ensure that the wood you choose is safe for food use. Finishes like polyurethane varnish are considered food-safe once fully cured, typically after 30 days at room temperature. If you are short on time, you can use a cardboard or wax paper circle underneath your cake to ensure food safety.

Sanding and measuring

The first step in making a wooden wedding cake stand is to gather your materials. For this project, you will need a wooden base and a wooden plate, both of which should be cut to your desired size. Once you have your pieces, the next step is sanding and measuring.

Sanding is an important step to ensure your cake stand has a smooth, finished look. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to sand down the surfaces of the wood, moving in the direction of the wood grain. Pay extra attention to any rough or uneven areas, and sand until the surfaces are flat and even. Be sure to wipe away any sawdust with a tack cloth or damp cloth when you are finished.

Measuring and levelling are crucial to ensure your cake stand is stable and balanced. Use a level to check that the surfaces of your wooden pieces are flat and level. If they are not, you may need to sand them further or adjust the way they fit together. Mark the centre of each piece with a pencil, and use a ruler to draw guidelines to help you align the pieces when stacking them.

Once you are happy with the sanding and measuring, it is time to move on to the assembly. If you are using screws to attach your pieces, you may need to drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting. You can then stack and attach the pieces according to your chosen design.

After assembly, give your cake stand a final light sanding to ensure a smooth finish. You may also want to apply a protective finish, such as mineral oil or polyurethane sealant, to protect the wood and make it food-safe. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and curing time.

Drilling and screwing

To begin, use the drill to create sink holes in the bottom of the base. These holes should be slightly smaller than the width of your screws. Next, create smaller holes for the screws to pass through, this time drilling all the way through the base. Ensure the holes are lined up and straight by using a level.

Once your holes are drilled, it's time to attach the base to the plate. Line up the base with the bottom of the plate piece, manoeuvring it until it fits snugly. Then, use an electric screwdriver to screw the two pieces together. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as you don't want them to protrude through the other side of the base.

And that's it! You've successfully drilled and screwed your wooden wedding cake stand together. Now, you can move on to the next steps, such as sanding and finishing, to create a beautiful and sturdy cake stand for your special day.

Painting and finishing

Once you have assembled your wooden wedding cake stand, it's time for the finishing touches!

Start by sanding down your wood. This will ensure your cake stand is smooth to the touch and free of any splinters. If you're happy with the colour of your wood, you can apply a protective finish to seal and safeguard it. Mineral oil is a great option for this, as is a polycrylic finish.

If you'd like to paint or stain your cake stand, there are a few options. White paint will give your stand a simple, elegant look, while grey stain or a fun colour like pink will really make it pop. You can also showcase the natural beauty of the wood with a dark brown stain. First, prepare your workspace by covering it with a plastic garbage bag or plastic drop cloth. Shake your can of stain well, then open it with a screwdriver or nail clipper. Using a foam brush, dip into the stain and wipe off the excess on the rim of the can. Paint one side of your wooden circle plaque, going with the grain of the wood. Allow this to dry for 2-3 minutes, then use an old rag to wipe off the excess stain, again going with the grain. Repeat this process for the other side of the plaque, as well as the edge. Once you're happy with the colour, let the plaque dry for an hour or longer if you're in a humid area.

Finally, apply a coat of water-based/oil-modified polyurethane sealant to both sides of the plaque. Allow this to dry for 24 hours. This step is crucial, as it will make your cake stand food-safe. According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all wood finishes are food-safe once they have been fully cured, but it's best to let the sealant cure for 30 days before using your cake stand.

Decorating

When it comes to decorating your wooden wedding cake stand, there are a few different approaches you can take. You can paint it, stain it, or decorate it with beading.

If you want to paint your cake stand, you can choose any colour you like! Apply the paint thinly to all areas of the stand, and wipe off any excess. Once the paint is dry, cover the stand with a polycrylic protective finish.

If you prefer the look of stained wood, you can use wood stain to bring out the natural grain of the wood. Start by covering your workspace with a plastic garbage bag, as staining can get messy! Shake your can of wood stain well, then open it with a screwdriver or nail clipper. Using a foam brush, dip it into the stain and wipe off the excess on the rim of the can. Paint one side of your wooden circle plaque, going along with the grain of the wood. Allow this to dry for 2-3 minutes, then use an old rag to wipe off the excess stain, going in the same direction as the grain. Repeat this process for the other side of the plaque, then let it dry for an hour.

If you want to add some extra decoration to your cake stand, you can attach beading or wooden beads. For example, you can string wooden beads onto wire and wrap them around the base of the stand, securing them with wood glue.

No matter which decoration style you choose, your wooden wedding cake stand is sure to look amazing!

Frequently asked questions