How to Use Dowel Rods in Stacked Cakes – A Guide for Stability and Support
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By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies
Stacked cakes are stunning – but only when they stay standing. One of the most important tools to make sure your cake is safe and stable? Dowel rods.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dowels: what they are, when and how to use them, how many you’ll need, and what type is best for your cake projects.
🎂 Want to learn how to assemble your cake at the venue? Read:
How to Assemble a Cake On-Site – Tips for Weddings and Big Events
What Are Dowel Rods – And Why Do You Need Them?
Dowel rods are thin support sticks inserted vertically into cake tiers.
Their purpose is simple but crucial: they carry the weight of the upper tiers, so your bottom cake doesn’t collapse, bulge, or crack.
Without dowels:
- Cakes can sink or tilt during transport.
- Your buttercream or fondant may crack.
- You risk a total cake disaster.
Whether it’s a two-tier birthday cake or a five-tier wedding showpiece, dowels are non-negotiable for safe stacking.
Types of Dowel Rods – Which Should You Use?
There are several kinds of dowel rods on the market.
Here's how they compare:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden dowels | Strong, affordable | Absorb moisture, harder to cut |
| Plastic dowels | Hygienic, reusable options | May bend if too thin or soft |
| Hollow plastic straws | Lightweight, easy to use | Only for light cakes |
| Stacking kits | Perfectly even, professional look | More expensive, need storage space |
How Many Dowels Do You Need Per Cake Tier?
Here's a general rule of thumb:
| Cake Tier Diameter | Suggested Number of Dowels |
|---|---|
| 6" (15 cm) | 4 dowels |
| 8" (20 cm) | 5–6 dowels |
| 10" (25 cm) | 6–8 dowels |
| 12"+ (30+ cm) | 8+ dowels |
Always measure each tier’s height and cut dowels to that exact length –
Use a Cake Order Form to record dimensions during planning!
Step-by-Step: How to Insert Dowel Rods into a Cake
- Insert one dowel straight into the centre of the tier.
-
Mark where the dowel meets the top of the cake and remove it.
-
Cut the dowel at the mark using scissors (for plastic) or a dowel cutter.
- Use the cut dowel as a guide to cut the rest to the same size.
-
Insert 4–8 dowels evenly in a circle or square shape depending on cake size.
- Place a cake board on top of the dowels before stacking the next tier.
Need help transporting? See our guide:
How to Package and Transport Cakes Safely
Reusable Cake Stacking Kits – A Modern Alternative
If you’re stacking cakes often or working on weddings and events, a reusable stacking kit is a fantastic option.
These sets include separator plates and sturdy dowels that fit perfectly together.
Pros:
- Extremely stable
- Cleaner separation between tiers
- Ideal for tall or show cakes
Cons:
- More expensive upfront
- Take up more space
What Size Dowels Should You Buy?
- For most home bakers, 30 cm length is ideal – it allows room for trimming to fit any tier.
-
1 cm thickness is great for support without taking up too much space inside the cake.
- Always keep a few extra dowels in case of miscuts or last-minute changes.
Want to plan ahead for big cake orders? Download our:
Weekly Cake Planner and Cake Order Capacity Template
Final Tips for Perfectly Stacked Cakes
✅ Always use a cake board between tiers
✅ Don’t reuse wooden dowels
✅ Refrigerate your cake before delivery
✅ Take a photo of your dowel layout for reference
✅ Practice stacking at home before your first delivery!
Dowel Cutting & Placement Guide
Looking for help visualising where to place your dowels?
➡️ Download our printable guide with clear diagrams for different cake sizes and layouts!
Need dowels? Browse our collection at
Makai Cake Decorating Supplies – Cake Stacking Tools