Generally speaking, drafting boards and tables are used by architects, painters, and engineers.
But they are also useful to other artistic professionals like fashion designers, cartoonists, tailors, filmmakers, cartographers, interior designers and the list goes on.
In this article, we will provide you with the best drawing boards along with a detailed comparison between their features.
Image | Product | Price |
  | SoHo Urban ~Best Adjustable Drawing Boards | Check Price |
  | Falling in Art ~Best Adjustable Drawing Boards | Check Price |
  | Martin Universal Design ~Best Adjustable Drawing Boards | Check Price |
  | US Art Supply Extra Large ~Best Adjustable Drawing Boards | Check Price |
  | ALVIN ~Best Adjustable Drawing Boards | Check Price |
  | SD STUDIO DESIGNS ~Best Adjustable Drafting Table | Check Price |
  | ZENY ~Best Adjustable Drawing Workstations | Check Price |
  | Studio Designs 10053 ~Best Adjustable Drawing Workstations | Check Price |
  | SD Studio Designs 13326 ~Best Adjustable Drawing Workstations | Check Price |
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Why You Should Have an Adjustable Drawing Board?
Reason n°1:
You might say that hand drawing is becoming unnecessary, due to the rise of Computer-aided design technologies. But let me tell you that many experienced architects and designers are still using drafting boards. Why? According to them, the best way of expressing your idea is by drawing it on paper and a drafting board before refining the drawing using CAD software.
Therefore, drawing tables and boards are still relevant especially in the early stages of designing a project. They can give you the ability to view your work from various angles and different perspectives, which will lead to more creative and remarkable work.
If you are studying architecture, design, or engineering, you are most likely using hand drawing in your school projects. Adjustable drafting boards will help you better learn and develop your design skills before using computer-aided design software.
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Reason n°2:
It goes without saying that comfort is key in order to get better performance and productivity. Whether you are an architect, an engineer, a draftsman, you certainly want to avoid neck pain resulting from long hours of work.
Reason n°3:
You’re not risking much by just grabbing one. Adjustable drafting boards and tables aren’t expensive anymore. Prices are within reach for most people.
All in all, if you want to avoid neck pain, increase your creativity, and work comfortably, go ahead and get a drawing board as soon as you can.
How to Choose A Suitable Drawing Board or Table?
Drafting tables have different mechanics and materials depending on the manufacturer and the type of the drawing table. It is crucial that you find the one that satisfies all your needs.
When choosing a drafting table, several factors need to be taken into consideration.
Size - Work surface :
The work area is a very important element to consider. Usually, the drawing board surface is dependent on the scale of the artwork you prefer.
So, take a quick second to think of the daily items you will be using on the board or the table.
If you don’t like your hand running off the edge and your work requires a lot of space, then you should probably opt for a massive drawing board (24”x36” for example).
On the other hand, if it’s just smaller drawings then a board with a size larger than the paper you will be using, or at least equally sized will do it.
Storage – How much space do you have :
Usually, drafting tables take up a large amount of space.
Therefore, the first thing you need to consider is the amount of space available for the drawing board.
Whether in the closet, under the bed, against the wall, define a specific location where you’ll store your board after getting done with it.
If the space is limited, the best drafting table for you would be a fold-away drafting table. These tables are easy to store when not in use and are generally smaller in size.
Price - What is your budget:
Prices can range anywhere between $39 (sometimes less) and $160.
Of course, those with more of an intermediate or professional level of experience, a pricier drawing board could have everything you want that fully justifies the cost.
If you are a student or you are on a budget, don’t worry because our selection of drafting boards and tables include reasonably priced items.
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Weight :
Are you going to use this drawing board in your studio or take it out with you?
Weight matters if you need to change your location regularly.
For example, if you are an art student going back and forth to school, or an engineer who travels a lot, or an artist who likes to get inspiration outside his studio.
No matter is the scenario, take time to consider the weight you need for your future drafting board based on your current circumstances.
Material :
Drafting boards come in many different types of materials, like Masonite, Melamine Resin, Beechwood, Basswood, Plastic… Each material has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Typically, drawing boards with a solid wood core stand up well to wear and tear. They cost a little more than hollow boards and are heavier to carry.
Drawing boards with a melamine finish look good and are a cinch to wipe clean. The finish also helps to protect the board from nicks and scratches.
Some drawing boards come with a bare, unfinished surface. While they aren’t as attractive as some other boards, unfinished boards are a good choice for schools on a budget.
If you’re looking for an affordable board that is easy to carry, you should take a look at drawing boards with honeycomb cores.
Adjustment :
Check if the adjustment technique is convenient for you, if the number of adjustment positions is enough to work in all kinds of situations.
You need to consider the angles to which your drafting table can be adjusted before buying it.
Features and Extras :
First of all, do you need a drawing board or a drafting table or a full workstation?
Do you need a T-square? A pencil holding ledge? Do you need storage where you can put your drawing tools? Do you need a metric system?
Answering these questions will give you an idea about the extras you want your drafting board to have.
Comfort is very important. So, don’t hesitate to invest in an adjustable drafting board. It’s definitely worth it.
Best Adjustable Drawing Boards - Reviews
1. SoHo Urban Artist – Medium Size
SoHo Urban Artist Drawing Board Extra Large 5-Position Adjustable Wood Drafting Table
- Working Area: 29.5 x 19.75 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 29.5 x 19.75 x 3 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Material: Made of smooth maple, colored surface
- Adjustments: 5 Adjustable positions, from flat to upright at an 80° angle
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Budget: Under $50
- Extra: A functional bottom lip to hold drawing tools like pens
Soho drawing board offers plenty of room for any piece of paper or sketch pad you might bring along. It can lie flat or be tilted up almost completely straight.
The highest setting is at 75 degrees.
Compared to US Art Supply, Soho is heavier.
What customers are saying
Customers liked the large and sturdy Soho board. Compared to its price, it does a great job.
Just be careful when changing the height and the angle setting of the Soho table, the cylindrical stick in the back is bendable and can get wobbly.
2. Falling in Art - Box Easel with Storage Drawer
Falling in Art Adjustable Solid Wood Table Sketch Box Easel with Storage Drawer
- Working Area: 13.14 x 9.71 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 13.2 x 10.2 x 2 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Wooden Palette Size: 7 3/4” W x 11 3/8” L x 1/8” H
- Material: Made of wood
- Adjustments: 4 Adjustable positions 30°,38°,48°and 54°
- Weight: 3.84 pounds
- Budget: Under $30
- Extra: A functional bottom lip to hold drawing tools like pens + Three wooden compartments can place small tubes of paints, brushes, pencils and more
Falling in Art is a compact drawing board offering 3 different storage compartments. It comes with a palette that can easily fit inside.
The board is a sturdy piece of wood that you can bring with you wherever you go.
You can adjust it the way you need it to be as it has 4 different adjustable wooden board angles. It was designed to be easy to store and hold.
What customers are saying
Customers like the sturdiness of the product. They find it useful and good for the money. But what they appreciate the most is the storage compartments; they can fit pencils, erasers, and more. They only wish if it had a more secure hook or a locking mechanism.
3. Martin Universal Design
Martin Universal Design Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board, Medium, Silver
- Working Area: 24 x 18 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 24 x 18 x 3 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Material: Metal
- Adjustments: 5 angles of adjustment
- Shipping Weight: 10 pounds
- Budget: Under $100
The straightedge is suitable for both ink and pencil. Each side of the unit has large knobs for adjusting the straight-edge to align with the artwork/drawing and stay parallel.
What customers are saying
The board was founded sturdy by customers who loved the handle on the product and the leg adjustments.
Light enough to move easily, but sturdy when placed and stays put. Worth the money.
4. US Art Supply – Large Size
US Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing & Sketching Board 26″ Wide x 20-1/2″ Tall
- Work Surface: 26 x 20-1/2 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 26 x 20-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Material: Made of Beechwood and finished with natural oil
- Adjustments: 7 Adjustable positions, from flat to upright at an 80° angle
- Shipping Weight: 7.55 pounds
- Budget: Under $50
- Extra: It Comes with a sturdy pencil holding ledge and a drafting T-Square
The board can fit pretty much anywhere when lying flat: under the bed, in the closet, against the wall…Put it on your desk or any tabletop and you’ll have a professional drafting table environment.
What customers are saying
They like the large work area and the sturdiness of the board. They praised the adjustment options the board offers, wishing for an additional step height between flat and the first height level.
Some customers received a dented T-square ruler but they said that what matters the most for them was the board, so it wasn’t a big deal.
If you aren’t in need of a large board, you can use the smaller size of this one. It’s also made of beechwood and finished with natural oil. Here are some of the main differences:
U.S. Art Supply Large 18-1/2″ Wide x 14-1/8″ (A3) Tall Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board
- Working Area: 18-1/2 x 14-1/8 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 18-1/2 x 14-1/8 x 2-3/8 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Adjustments: 5 Adjustable positions, from flat to upright at an 80° angle
- Weight: 2.95 pounds, lightweight
- Budget: Under $40
- Extra: It Comes with a sturdy pencil holding ledge
What customers are saying
Happy buyers of this board love its size, they said it fits perfectly well on their
desks especially diamond painters.
It’s easy to store and sturdy. They think it’s a great purchase for the money.
5. ALVIN
Alvin PXB36 Portable Parallel Straightedge Board 24″ x 36″
- Work Surface: 36 inches x 24 inches (Length x Width)
- Drawing Board Size: 36 x 24 x 2.8 inches (Length x Width x Thickness)
- Material: Aluminum straightedge, acrylic blade, melamine top surface
- Adjustments: Features top-mounted adjustment knobs and folding metal legs to prevent any collapse.
- Shipping Weight: 19.2 pounds
- Budget: Under $150
- Extra: A handle on the top, for portability
Since 1950, Alvin has been the professional’s choice for drafting tools and drawing supplies.
What customers are saying
Customers think that Alvin board is well built and very sturdy. For full time professional drawing, but also a great backup option to CAD drafting.
There were some minor complaints about the slide bar and the price. Sometimes, it gets caught on the drawings and the space between it and the board is a bit too large.
Best Adjustable Drafting Table - Review
Vintage Rustic Oak - SD STUDIO DESIGNS
Vintage Rustic Oak Drafting Table, Top Adjustable Drafting Table Craft Table Drawing Desk Hobby Table Writing Desk Studio Desk, 42”W x 30”D
- Working Area: 42 x 30 inches (Width x Depth)
- Overall Dimensions: 42 x 30 x 36 inches (Width x Depth x Height)
- Material: Made of Oak wood
- Adjustments: Adjustable angle table top from flat to 90 degrees
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Budget: Under $160
- Extra: Built-in pencil groove with 24 inches pencil ledge
When flat, it’s 34 inches tall.
In the same product category, you can also get similar related designs like the Ponderosa table, Americana Table or the glass top drafting tables.
What customers are saying
Customers loved the attractive design and the fact that the table is made of real wood.
The board is not shipped assembled. The assembly duration might vary but will not last more than one hour. They think it’s great for the price and easy to put together.
The customers service is great.
Complaints were about the table wobbling a little bit when lying flat.
Best Adjustable Drawing Workstations - Review
1. ZENY
ZENY Height Adjustable Drafting Draft Desk Drawing Table Desk Tiltable Tabletop w/Stool and Storage Drawer for Reading, Writing Art Craft Work Station
- Table surface: 34 x 23.62 inches (Width x Depth)
- Overall Dimensions: 55 x 23.62 x 28-35.8 inches (Width x Depth x Height)
- Material: Constructed with quality MDF board and supported by powder coated iron legs.
- Adjustments: The top table adjusts from 0 – 45 degrees
- Weight: 59.8 pounds
- Budget: Under $110
- Extra:
- Two drawers for your drawing tools (12x 18 inches each)
- Pen container that slides up and locks into place (3.9 x 3.5 inches)
- Rubber feet to prevent scratching the floor (Made of ABS material)
- Stool for drawing, painting and crafting (12.2 inches diameter x 20.87 inches height)
What customers are saying
After their purchase, here is what most buyers said about ZENY height adjustable drafting desk:
- Nice looking, attractive design
- Large storage compartments
- Very stable due to the rubber pads on the legs
- Double work surface, multi-purpose Countertop
- Great for kids and draftsmen
The only complaint was about the assembly, it might take you some time to set it up.
2. Studio Designs 10053
Studio Designs 10053 Vision Craft Station in Silver / Blue Glass
- Work Surface: 35.5 x 23.75 inches (Width x Depth)
- Overall Dimensions: 40.75 x 25.75 x 30- 49 inches (Width x Depth x Height)
- Material: Blue Glass Top, plastic storage, heavy Gage Powder Coated Steel
- Adjustments: They go from flat to 70 Degrees
- Item Weight: 48 pounds
- Budget: Under $140
- Extra:
- 3 plastic molded slide-out drawers for storage
- Storage Pencil Ledge (23.75 x 2 inches)
- 4 Casters for mobility with two locking
- 4 removable side trays for supplies
What customers are saying
Assembly instructions are easy to understand and follow, therefore the procedure won’t take long.
The desk comes with two options: wheels and caters. You get to choose based on your preferences.
The tabletop supports only 25 pounds of weight, which won’t be an issue if you’re just drawing or writing on it.
Overall, customers found it strong, durable, and safe to use.
3. Studio Designs 13326
SD Studio Designs 13326 Comet Center with Stool, Black/White, 50″ W x 23.75″ D x 29.5″ H
- Work Surface: 36 x 23.75 inches (Width x Depth)
- Overall Dimensions: 36 x 23.75 x 29.5-35.5 inches (Width x Depth x Height)
- Material: Heavy gauge, powder-coated, metal frame
- Adjustments: With a tilting desktop, adjustments go from flat to 40 degrees (using brackets)
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
- Budget: Under $100
- Extra:
- Three storage drawers (12.75 x 12.75 inches)
- Storage Shelf Under Desk Top (15.5 inches wide x 14.25 inches deep)
- Pencil ledge (24 inches wide)
- Padded stool (20.5 inches height)
- Available in 7 colors
What customers are saying
SD Studio Designs 13326 is easy to put together, it took the customers about 20 minutes to assemble it.
It’s very sturdy, table surface is smooth, and the drawers help keeping the supplies more organized
A great option for kids, teenager and small sized persons.
Best Adjustable Drafting Board for Beginners
A good drawing board is the foundation of practicing art. If you’re a beginner then you’ll need a quality board to last a while as you dive more into practice and exercise.
Take into consideration these factors:
- Weight: You want your board to be lightweight and portable as you’ll be bringing it back and forth to school.
- Price: You don’t want it to be very expensive.
- Sturdiness: It should be strong and sturdy as you are in the process of learning, you ‘ll go through a lot of experiences and mistakes.
The best option respecting the criteria above is the US Art Supply large or medium size, but they don’t have a handle.
Another great option is “U.S. Art Supply Newport Medium Adjustable Wood Table Sketchbox Easel, Premium Beechwood”. It’s lightweight, portable, not expensive and contains organized storage.
Here are some of the features:
- It folds down to a compact box with carry handle.
- The storage sketch box is divided into a 4-compartment interior, so you can store and organize sketch pads, paints, brushes, markers, pens, paper and other essential art supplies.
- The folded dimensions are: 15.75 inches wide by 11.75 inches deep by 4.5 inches high, and when adjusted it can go up to 28 inches high.
- Risk free purchase with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re looking for a cheapest option, we suggest a sketch tote board like this one.
23 by 26 inches, made of tempered hardboard, it has a comfortable handle that allows portability, a sturdy clip and rubber band to hold sheets and pads of paper.
Lightweight, great for the classroom or studio. It’s not as sturdy as the previous board but it will get the job done.
Best Adjustable Drafting Board for Architects and Professionals
Among the top 10 products we’ve chosen, we think that Martin is the most suitable board for architects.
It’s a large board (24 inches by 36 inches board size), made of high resin particle board to prevent board breakage.
Its stand allows for six different adjustable positions. And most importantly, it has a handle, a great choice for portability.
Some Techniques To Make Your Board Last Longer
As any other tool, drawing instruments, like boards, need to be taken care of in order to prolong their service life. Here are some instructions you can follow to do that:
- If you aren’t using the board, store it in a safe place like the closet or under the desk.
- Avoid using pins to fasten your paper to the board. You can use instead tapes or clips.
- Do not use blades or knifes to cut something on the surface of your drawing board.
- Try to always cover the surface with cardboard or thick paper.
Final Thoughts - Best Adjustable Drawing Boards and Tables
As an engineer, an architect, a designer or an art student, you’ll spend long and long hours poured over a drafting board. Therefore, it’s crucial that the latter should be a good quality product providing the most comfortable angle or position to work in. You don’t want the joy of drawing to be taken away from you because of a bad equipment.
In front of the large variety of drawing boards and tables, finding the right one for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we made sure to choose the best and most useful ones out there.
We hope that we gave you insights about drawing boards market. What’s your favorite one? Let us know in the comment section below.