It seems like this must already be somewhere in the forum but I can't find it.

I would love to know what people use for cake boards other than the thin cardboard ones or plastic ones. I love the look of a thicker board with the top decorated in fondant and the sides wrapped in ribbon, but I don't know how/where to get the boards. Is it foamcore? Do you cover it in plastic wrap and put fondant on top? Alternatively, are there resources for cake boards that look like decorative paper? I can only use something I can cut myself with a craft knife (I do not have a handy husband or a saw).

Thanks so much in advance.

I used several different options in the past. I've bought the cake drums boards which are just several layers of cardboard covered with foil. I like this option because the work is already done for you. You can buy the Wilton brand at most craft stores that sell cake decorating supplies. The cake decorating store have them as well.

Also, You can tape or glue together 4 or so cake cardboards and then cover them with fancy foil and make the same thing yourself.

I've also bought foamcore board and cut my shape out with an exacto knife. Taped or glued two layers together and then covered them in fancy foil. This option is very sturdy. Once I've got my cake done I cover the board with fondant and finish it with a ribbon. I use a non-toxic glue stick to attach my ribbon to the board. Works great and looks very professional.

I use two layers of 1/4" foamcore, cut with a sharp boxcutter, glued together with tacky glue. I roll the fondant directly onto the foamcore, no glue, no plastic wrap, just fondant against foamcore. When it's covered, I sometimes add a pattern with small cutters or texture sheets, then glue a ribbon around the edge with tacky glue.

Thanks for the help! I am operating under the "there are no dumb questions" premise.

I have 3/4 inch plywood circles (or squares) cut at Home Depot. I cover them with white contact paper and then proceed with fondant, ribbon or other finishing techniques. These boards are not about to bend and I get them back to be reused over and over again.

I've used a couple different options.

I've used cardboard boxes cut down and stacked. Taped them together securely. Then, wrapped in foil. I've often bought the $1 store colored tablecloths and covered the board, securing with a strong tape.

I've also used the large 1/4 in. foamcore board, cut in half, stacked and tape together. I usually cover it with something. Colored table cloths or gift wrapping paper (if I use this, I also go over it with plastic wrap or Press and Seal plastic wrap.) Though, I haven't used a ribbon on the sides in the past, I know that you could add it. I've only used a ribbon on one of my cakeboards (The Strawberry shortcake girl-it's in my photos if you want to see it.) But, I wrapped it along one side of the board and then added stickable items (hearts, etc.) onto the ribbon.

Hope this helps!! Good luck!