Look, let's be real. That flat board you put under a cake? It matters more than people think. It's not just a tray. It's the base that holds your creation steady. Pick a bad one, and your cake might not make it out the door in one piece. This choice is about more than buying supplies. It's about who you work with. A good supplier saves you stress. A bad one costs you money, time, and customers.
This guide cuts through the sales talk. We'll go over what truly matters when you look for someone to make your cake drums. I'll also share a few names that often come up in baker conversations—some big factories, some smaller shops—to help you start looking.
Part 1: Three Things That Separate Good from Bad Forget the fancy sales pitches. Before you call anyone, know what you need. Price is important, but don't let it be your only question. Check every maker against these three points.
1. The Stuff It's Made From
This is the most important part. The material decides everything.
Safety First: A good maker will talk freely about FDA or LFGB standards and other food safety rules. Ask for the certificates. If they can't show them or sound unsure, move on. Your cake sits right on this board.
Choose the Right Material for the Cake:
Thick Cardboard: Your everyday choice. Great for single-layer cakes and lighter desserts. A smooth, coated surface looks better and resists moisture a little. Ask about GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM means a thicker, stronger board. Just say, "What's the GSM on these?"
MDF Board: Your choice for heavy cakes. Wedding cakes, fruitcakes, anything very heavy needs MDF. Good ones have a waterproof seal. This seal stops fridge moisture or cake syrup from soaking in and warping the board. They cost more, but you can wash and reuse them many times.
Corrugated Board: Often used for bigger, cheaper bases. It can be strong, but check the edges. Low-quality corrugated board has rough, flaky edges that look messy.
The Warping Problem: A board can look perfect new. The question is, what happens in your bakery? A professional maker controls their storage area so humidity doesn't ruin the boards before shipping. Ask them directly: "How do you keep boards from warping?" A weak answer means trouble later.
2. What Can They Actually Do For You?
A nice catalog is fine. But can they make exactly what you need?
Sizes and Shapes: Do they have all the sizes you use? From small 4-inch circles for petit fours to 18-inch or bigger boards for large cakes? What about shapes? Can they make squares, hexagons, or ovals? If you have a special shape, can they cut it for you?
The Truth About Custom Work: This shows if a maker is just an order-taker or a real partner.
Printing: Ask if they use digital printing (good for colorful, detailed logos) or offset printing (sharper for text, better for large orders). Always get a physical sample of printed work. Feel it. Does the ink come off? Are the colors right?
Fancy Finishes: This makes your packaging look premium. Hot foil stamping (shiny metallic print), embossing (a raised pattern), and spot UV (a shiny coated area) add a luxury feel.
Important Details: Get clear answers on MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). Is it 200 boards or 2000? What’s the lead time—how long from your final okay to delivery? Will they send you a physical proof to check before making your full order?
3. It Has to Work, Not Just Look Good
A beautiful board is useless if it breaks or the cake slides off.
Function is Key: The surface needs a little grip. A very shiny, smooth surface is risky. Many good boards have a slight texture. Feel the edges. Are they smooth (bevelled) or rough? Rough edges catch on things and look cheap.
Built for Heavy Cakes: For tiered cakes, the best makers help you. Do they sell boards with pre-drilled holes for support dowels? This makes cakes much more stable. Is the thickness right for the size? A wide board needs to be much thicker than a small one so it doesn't bend.
Made for a Busy Kitchen: Think about your workday. Are the boards easy to stack and store? If they come in a box, can you take one out easily? Do they have size marks or notches so you can find what you need fast?
Part 2: A Look at Some Known Makers
Here are a few makers that bakers talk about. This is not a "best" list. The right one for you depends on what you need.
1.
What They Are: A very large, full-service factory. They have been doing this for many years.
What They Do Well: They are a complete supplier. Cake drums, boxes, cupcake carriers—they make almost all bakery packaging. This is good if you want to order everything from one place. They handle large, complex custom orders for clients worldwide. Their big size often means good prices for large orders.
Good For: Bakers who need high volume, many options, and strong custom work at a good price. They ship internationally often. Also good if you want matching designs on your boxes and boards.
Remember: With a big factory, clear contact is key. And always get samples first. Pay for exact samples before you approve the full order.
2. Cake Supply Warehouse (USA)
What They Are: A tough, reliable supplier.
What They Do Well: Durability. Their drums, especially MDF, are known for strength and a good waterproof seal. This is important if you refrigerate cakes. They keep many standard sizes and shapes in stock.
Good For: Busy commercial bakeries and professional cake decorators in North America. If you need strong boards for heavy cakes and need them fast (no overseas shipping wait), they are a top choice. This is for bakers who value toughness over fancy looks.
Remember: Check what they have ready to ship. Their stock can help you in a pinch.
3. Bakemart Solutions (Canada)
What They Are: A maker focused on beautiful design.
What They Do Well: Luxury finishes. Think matte coatings, metallic foil in colors like rose gold, and subtle glitter. Their boards feel expensive. They know for a wedding cake, the base should look special too.
Good For: High-end bakeries and wedding cake specialists. If your customers want stunning presentation and you charge more for it, these details matter.
Remember: The fancy finishes cost extra. Be clear on pricing before you order.
4. DecoBake Industries (USA)
What They Are: A true leader in eco-friendly packaging.
What They Do Well: Real sustainable options. They use materials like bagasse (from sugarcane), high recycled content, and compostable coatings. They can usually provide proof of their environmental claims. The boards work as well as regular ones.
Good For: Bakeries with strong environmental values. Using their products shows your brand cares.
Remember: If being "green" is key, ask exact questions. "Is this industrially compostable?" "What's the recycled percentage?"
(Don't Forget Local Makers)
Always look for smaller manufacturers near you. They often offer:
Faster delivery.
Much smaller order minimums, great for testing.
Part 3: Three Steps Before You Buy
You have quotes. Before you sign or pay, do these three things.
1. Test Samples Hard. This is essential. Order the exact type of board you want. Then, test it like you want to break it.
* Get it wet. Does it warp?
* Put heavy weight on it (use sugar bags).
* Leave it in the fridge.
* Try to bend it.
* Try to scratch the print.
* Does it feel solid?
2. Talk to Their Other Customers. Ask the salesperson: "Can you connect me with two bakeries like mine who use your boards?" A good maker will have happy clients. Ask them: "Is the quality always the same?" "How do they fix problems?" "Would you buy from them again?"
3. Know the Real Cost. The price per board is just the start. Ask:
* "Are there setup fees for my custom design?"
* "What is the final shipping cost to my door?"
* "What are the payment terms?" (e.g., 50% now, 50% later).
* "What is your policy for damaged or wrong shipments?"
Final Word
Choosing your cake drum maker is a big business choice. It affects your work, your costs, and your brand. Time spent finding the right partner is worth it. Ignore the sales talk. Ask the detailed questions. Test everything. The right maker won't just send you boxes; they'll be a reliable part of your work, letting you focus on baking great cakes. Know what you need, do your research, and find a partner who helps your business—and your cakes—stay steady.
SGS
FSC
BSCI
Related Products
Post time: Jan-14-2026