Some people call them drawing boards. Some people call them drawing tables or architects tables. But most people name a multipurpose table used by contractors, architects, artists in their art studio, and designers a drafting table. They use the drafting table for crafts, drawing, writing, model building or sketching, sewing, piecing things together, or making pretty much anything that requires a work surface.
In this guide to drafting tables, we will outline the different types available, along with the pros and cons of each. A model that is perfectly suited to the kind of work you are doing can make a big difference in the quality of work produced. Ideally, the user should find one that adjusts easily, is comfortable, and fits the room and décor where you will be working.
Best Drafting Table
It is also important to choose one designed for your specific needs. Let’s take a look at a few of the different types available.
- A four-post design model is the strongest type available and will provide the greatest stability in use. Four-post designs also tend to be reasonably priced, making them ideal for a home office or school environment. Although four-post designs will normally not last as long as a professional one, they tend to be good value for the money.
- But for users who need more features and durability than a four-post offer, a professional model is the way to go. Professional models are most commonly used by architects, drafters, and engineers. Artists may also take advantage of the greater durability and expanded features. On the downside, they will normally be the most expensive type to buy. If you are using yours in a professional environment, or need the highest degree of versatility and stability, a professional one will be well worth the extra money.
- Wood versions of the traditional “slanted” style are the type most of us are used to seeing. These can be made of a variety of hardwoods and in many different styles. It is also possible to have one custom-made to your specifications. Some professionals choose to go this route, having a computer mounting system attached directly to the table.
- Wood is also a good compromise between stability, versatility, and price, and are favored by many engineers or artists. Prices begin at just a few hundred dollars, while contemporary designs made of more exotic woods can easily fetch several thousand.
- Another type is known as the artist table. This will normally allow its work surface to be tilted to 90°. This allows artists to sketch or paint at a variety of different angles, taking full advantage of available light in the room. This is sometimes called a “tilt table,” because of its 90° tilt feature. However, these are not only used by artists. Drafters, for example, often appreciate the extended tilt radius, and even some architects had been known to work exclusively on a 90° tilt artist model.
1. Glass Futura Craft Station Table – Best professional drafting table
The Glass Futura Craft Station Drafting Table by Studio Designs is a work of pure art. The Glass Futura Craft Station comes in 43″W x 24″ D x 31.5″H with a tempered blue or silver safety glass top of a 61 cm pencil ledge. Its work surface measures around 38″ x 24″ giving you much workspace and ease. It has a top angle adjustment up to 35 degrees to suit your personal taste. Features include three molded plastic slide-out drawers for storage and a pencil storage drawer. It has two removable side trays for supplies and a slide up pencil ledge. To ensure its durability, this drafting table is constructed of heavy-gauge steel which includes four-floor levelers for added stability. The other web, expert reviewers from The architects guide, Wiki ezvid and Concept art empire all highly recommend this table.
The Glass Futura Craft Station is great for crafting, drafting and drawing. Assembly for this drafting table is required and it is covered by a ten-year warranty by the manufacturer. Most people have often complained about the assembly instructions, but given the time and analysis, it is actually really very simple.
The Glass Futura Craft Station Drafting Table Features:
- Tempered safety glass top
- Slide out drawers
- Adjusts up to 35 degrees
- Large work surface
- Sturdy construction
- Stylish design
The Glass Futura Craft Station Table is best suited for:
- Arts and crafts
- Architect’s and student’s
- Serious artist
- Glass is safety glass
- Drawers can be left out for more leg room
- Glass top allows lighting for easy tracing
- Can be tricky to put together
- Not very portable due to weight
- Poorly designed pencil catch makes using at-square difficult
2. Glass Futura Tower Drafting Table – Best drawing table
If you’re looking for a drafting table which offers both comfort, quality and good looks, the Glass Futura Tower in Silver/Blue would be the perfect choice for you. The main work surface offers plenty of space with its 21 x 33 inches and the tabletop adjusts from 0 to 40 degrees. With this drafting table, you won’t have to worry about storage either, it comes with removable art trays which offer plenty of room for your pens, brushes, pencils and other supplies you might need to have close by.
These Glass Futura Tower Drafting Tables feature an extra large supply drawer, which measures 10 x 24 inches, two cup holders for water bottles or whatever else you’d want to drink, a 24 inch slide up pencil ledge, a 9 x 24 inch shelf for storage, tempered blue safety glass top and shelf and a combo magnetic/cork board with 4 magnets. With this Glass Futura Tower, you will be working comfortably for years to come and it will look great in your home too.
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Glass Futura Tower Drafting Tables Features and Specifications
- Plenty of space with the 21-inch x 33-inch workspace
- Tabletop adjusts from 0 to 40 degrees
- Four removable trays for all your supplies
- One extra large 10-inch x 24-inch drawer for supplies
- Two cup holders for all of your drinks
Drafting Tables – The Reviews
One reviewer had done a lot of research looking for a cheaper version of another table from the same manufacturer as this Glass Futura Tower in Silver/Blue or other similar drafting tables when he came across the Glass Futura Tower. Though it was $50 more than he intended to spend, he is now very happy that he did. The buyer said that it is solid, sturdy and offers a lot of space for your materials, even his daughter loves using it while she’s drawing and doing her homework. The customer also said that it looks very sleek and fits in great with the rest of his house. He did think it was a bit big but nothing they couldn’t get used to. The reviewer would happily recommend it to others.
Across the web, expert reviewers from The 10 pro, Jons guide, and Concept art empire all highly recommend this table.
Another customer said that he received the table in perfect condition and with all the pieces ready to be set up. The instructions were only images but still very easy to follow, in no time he had the Glass Futura Tower assembled and ready to use. The reviewer said that these drafting tables are very sturdy but also quite lightweight, most of the weight is in the glass pieces which are beautiful. The buyer could not be more excited about the table, which now has him working with the most comfortable and gives him plenty of storage space. The reviewer said he would happily recommend these drafting tables to others and he is very sure that they will not be disappointed.
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3. CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Table – Best drafting table for architects
Featuring a very sturdy 11/2 inch tubular steel construction with a powder coated finish, the CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Table Cherry Woodgrain Top/Black Base is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a table that will offer both space and comfort. You will have plenty of working space with the 28-inch x 20-inch laminate tabletop, which is combined with left and right storage trays to create an overall 28-inch x 48-inch workspace.
These CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Tables Cherry Woodgrain Top/Black Base feature rounded top corners, a metal pencil ledge and two storage trays with compartments that 4 inches wide and include removable covers. You will also enjoy the one hand tilt mechanism, which allows you to angle your tabletop from 0 to 30 degrees, assuring you the most comfort when working. Also featured are two sets of four-drawer storage units, each measuring 7”W x 9”H x 10” D, a footrest crossbar with rubber thread and 29 inches of leg room. The table height adjusts from 28 inches to 32 inches with the top in horizontal position and 26 inches to 30 inches using the floor glides, both of these come included.
We have found the best price for CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Tables at Amazon – click here to check it out.
CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Tables Features and Specifications
- Left and right side storage trays
- Laminate top with rounded corners
- Tabletop which adjusts from 0 to 30 degrees
- Adjustable height: 28 inches to 32 inches with casters
- Adjustable height: 26 inches to 30 inches with floor glides
Drafting Tables – The Reviews
One reviewer said that with these CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Tables Cherry Woodgrain Top/Black Base, you are assured both good quality, a good deal and a very sturdy table. The buyer said that it was very easy to assemble, she’d done it herself within 3 hours and the instructions were easy to follow. Apart from a screwdriver, it comes with all the tools you need to use. She did experience a couple of downsides, such as the table being really difficult to adjust in height. The buyer also thinks that the storage boxes are a bit too small and since they come attached to the table, you can’t change them either. Otherwise, the reviewer could not be happier with the table and looks forward to working with a lot more comfort.
Another reviewer bought this CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Table Cherry Woodgrain Top/Black Base because of the extra storage and could not have been happier with her purchase. Her mother even told her she’d made a really good buy, which only confirmed what she already knew. The buyer does warn you about spilling water on it and not drying it immediately. She failed to do that and it ruined that part of the tabletop. She also found it quite hard to assemble but once it was done, it worked like a dream, and would really recommend these drafting tables to others.
Drafting Tables Review found the best price for CraftMaster II Deluxe Drafting Tables at Amazon – Click here to check it out.3.
4. Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Table – Best art table
If you’re looking for drafting tables that will put less strain on your back, enhance your work performance and accommodate your every need, the Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Table is a great choice. Whether you’re a successful designer, engineer, architect or a student wanting a better place to study, these Safco drafting tables will not disappoint you. You can use it as a drafting table, a shelving area, workspace or for your computer and much more. The table can easily be lowered to a completely flat working surface or raised to perform as a standing height workstation.
The Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tabletop can be tilted to a 50-degree angle and it is adjustable and durable. The Split level workstation features a strong steel frame with a wood grain melamine top. You can adjust the from 26 to 37-1/4 inches. It is modern and it will soon become your dream workstation.
We have found the best price for Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tables at Amazon – click here to check it out.
Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tables Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 50 pounds per shelf
- Woodgrain melamine material
- Tilt tabletop 50 degrees
- Height-Adjustable from 26 – 37 ¼ inches
- Top dimensions: 47 ¼ inches x 10 inches
Drafting Tables -The Reviews
One customer is an illustrator and spends 8 hours a day drawing. She works on a Wacom and started to get shoulder and wrist pains. The reviewer then purchased on of these Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tables and could not be more pleased. The pains she previously had are gone and it simply works great for illustrating. The buyer said that the tilt of the table is absolutely perfect for preventing pain and keeping proper form. The customer said that the desk is sturdy, of great quality and very worth the price you pay. She would happily recommend it to anyone. Jenreviews.com says – It will be worth the investment for your complete drafting needs.
Another reviewer had been a little worried that these Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tables would be a little bit too low for him. He is 5.9 and wanted something he could work on daily without experiencing any aches and pains. The customer is a student and said that the table is large enough for him to spread out his textbooks, notebooks, flashcards and then keep his computer on the far end of the table. It works absolutely perfect for him. The reviewer did have a few problems with assembling the table, though the diagrams were easy enough to follow. In the end, it worked out and now he is enjoying the lack of hip, leg, shoulder and back pains. The delivery was also very quick and the product arrived without any damages at all. The reviewer absolutely loves that he purchased this drafting table and would happily recommend it to others.
We have found the best price for Safco Height-Adjustable Split Level Drafting Tables at Amazon – click here to check it out.
5. CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Table
Made from a very sturdy 11.2-inch tubular steel construction with a powder coated finish, this CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Table will not disappoint you. The laminate tabletop has rounded corners and the table features a one-hand tilt angle mechanism, which adjusts the tabletop from 0 to 30 degrees, making it a lot more comfortable to work on. With these drafting tables, you will no longer experience aches and pains when working for longer periods of time.
These CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Tables feature two three-drawer storage units which measure 7” W x 10” D x 7” H. The metal pencil ledge and plastic instrument tray comes included. The footrest crossbar has a rubber thread and with its 21 inches of legroom, you will have plenty of space to get comfortable. The height of the drafting table is also adjustable. It goes from 28 inches to 32 inches in the horizontal position using casters or 26 inches to 30 inches using floor glides, both sets are included.
We have found the best price for CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Table at Amazon – click here to check it out.
CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Tables Features and Specifications
- Height-Adjustable from 26 inches to 30 inches with floor glides
- Height-Adjustable from 28 inches to 32 inches with casters
- Tabletop adjusts from 2 to 30 degrees
- Laminate top with rounded corners
- Two sets of three-drawer storage units
Drafting Tables – The Reviews
One reviewer is so crazy about these drafting tables that he starts out by saying that “love” isn’t enough to describe how much this table means to him. It has saved him a lot of space in his house and he is able to do his projects with extreme come and ease because it is so adjustable. The customer says that it does not matter if you’re drawing, writing, working on your computer or anything else, these CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Tables will fit your needs perfectly. The buyer would happily recommend this product to anyone.
Another reviewer was not impressed. He expected it to be very sturdy since it was both advertised and it even looked sturdy in the picture. However, every time he would put just a little bit of his weight on it when writing it would shift and rock back and forth. The customer would like to send it back but the hassle of having to take it apart again keeps him from doing so. The buyer is not satisfied with his purchase. Another reviewer said that though the CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Table does have a couple of flaws, it is a great value for the money. What he did not like was the drawing diagrams, he said they were quite incorrect and made it difficult to put the table together. However, once he had it assembled by instinct he’s been really happy about his purchase. Obviously, you get what you pay for, but the overall quality does seem to be really good.
The CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Table is best suited for:
All around arts and crafts table
Artist or drafting table
Sturdy enough to use for any purpose
We have found the best price for CraftMaster Deluxe Drafting Tables at Amazon – click here to check it out.
- Ultra sturdy
- Plenty of storage
- Height and angle are adjustable
- A little difficult to put together
- Fixtures could be higher quality
- If parts are missing they are difficult to recover
6. MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables
Constructed by a heavy gauge steel base and a warp-free Cherry woodgrain laminate tabletop, these MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables Cherry Woodgrain Top/Black Base are perfect for both your workplace and at home. Though the tabletop is Cherry woodgrain laminate, you will not be missing out and thinking you should have bought one with real wood. The laminate is very sturdy, writing and drawing will not affect it or leave unattractive marks.
These MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables with Cherry Woodgrain Top come with rounded corners, a 23-inch pencil ledge, and a built-in 27-inch storage shelf. You will also enjoy how easy it is to adjust the height on your table, which goes from 27 inches to 40 inches with top in the horizontal position at 1” increments. Also featured if the ability to adjust your work surface angle from 0 to 30 degrees and both the casters and floor glides com included with your purchase.
We have found the best price for MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables at Amazon – click here to check it out.
MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables Features and Specifications
- Height adjusts from 27 inches to 40 inches
- Height adjusts in 1 inch increments
- 24″ x 36″ top with rounded corners
- Angle adjusts from 0 to 30 degrees
- Casters and floor glides both included
- Color: Cherry
Drafting Tables – The Reviews
One customer is quite impressed by what you get for the price. He uses the MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Table Cherry Woodgrain Top both as a drafting table, but also for his laptop and extra displays. The reviewer said that because of the top angled level, it works very well for all of these things. The construction is what your pay for, if you’re expecting the quality of an old wood type drafting tables you will be disappointed, but if you expect to get the quality you are paying for this drafting table will be a positive surprise for you. The reviewer said that the table does have a couple of sharp-edged but these are easy to smooth out with some sandpaper. The buyer is also happy with the laminate, saying that though he cannot comment on how well it lasts yet, it seems to be sturdy and no marks are left when he’s writing with a ballpoint pen. The reviewer does recommend that you only store lightweight books on the shelf, as it seems to flex and bow a bit if you put too much weight on it. This MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables also recommended by the topbest10reviews.
Another customer said that these MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Drafting Tables Cherry Woodgrain Top are perfect for you if you’re suffering from back problems. The reviewer is a doctor and uses the MiniMaster in her office to fill out patient charts and write prescriptions. She never has to lean over and thereby put the strain on her back, the table easily adjusts to her height. The reviewer also said that the table is very easy to assemble, very sturdy and stable. The buyer would gladly recommend these drafting tables to anyone else.
We have found the best price for MiniMaster FourPost Cherry Draftings Table at Amazon – click here to check it out.
7. Easel Master Art/Drawing/Craft Table – Best portable drafting table
The Art/drawing/craft Table, White, Tilt, and Height Adjustable by Easel Master Inc. is a sleek inexpensive design that would make a great first drafting table for anyone. This drafting table is lightweight and can be moved around at will. Perfect for that teenager or someone who moves around a lot. Can easily fit in dorm rooms. With an almost 90-degree angle adjustment, this table can be used for drafting or painting to anything in between.
Art/drawing/craft Table by Easel Master features:
- Drawing Top white
- melamine 24 x 36 inches
- featuring tilt adjustment from flat to almost vertical
- larger range of height adjustment
- Includes Floor levelers and Pencil Ledge
- White powder coat finish for metal bases
The Art/drawing/craft Table is best suited for:
- A budget drawing table
- A portable table
- A table for limited spaces
- Sleek design
- Lightweight and portable
- Cleans very easy
- Difficult to assemble
- Legs are a bit wobbly
- No storage spaces
Tips On How To Buy Drafting Tables
If you are planning to buy drafting tables there are many choices available today. These pieces of furniture, also called draughting tables, are intricate desks utilized for several functions. People use them for cartography, architectural and interior design, graphic design and other artistic purposes. Standard desks do not compare in that, they do not have as much space for the work functions. Not only that, these also come in various features that cater to different needs. Read this article to know the steps and some tips on what to keep in mind.
They come in several different designs and models. They can have simple style or a very intricate one. They can be heavy and sturdy, and light and compact. There are traditional, contemporary and modern versions. They come with tops of many different materials, including wood, metal, plastic and glass.
Familiarize yourself with the wide variety of features. There are some that provide pre-installed rulers as well as trays that keep your materials organized. There are even those that provide interior lighting. If you want to buy for beginner artists there are actually smaller types available. Many already come with chairs as part of the whole set. A set often gives the best all-around comfort. The chairs are usually adjustable in height and angle to give the best comfort possible.
Think about what you require first. Even long time back, people have been using these for all sorts of purposes. Are you going to use yours mainly for drawing, writing, drafting or reading?
The major difference between a standard desk and this is that the this has a top or platform that can be adjusted by angle. When you’re able to find the best angle for you, you get lots of advantages. For instance, you can adjust the angle if you want to avoid bending forward too much while working or injuring your back and wrists. In this case the design matters a lot when choosing yours.
Speaking of design, are you going to require a large or smaller one. You’ll also notice many different aesthetic designs. You might find that some designs are heavier or sturdier than another. You might also find that there are designs that provide a lightweight and compact product. As you can see, there are models for very individual needs. Find out where you’re going to place yours, be it in the home or office. Professional use will require a more complex and versatile set of features.
Think about stability. If you’re going to use it for a long time, they will need to be steady, not wobbly. They are typically adjustable, but how easily can they be adjusted? When looking for the perfect one for you, make sure that you’ll be able to adjust with ease. You wouldn’t want to spend an eternity just trying to angle your top each time.
Furthermore, you might want yours to have security features. There are those that provide lockable drawers so that your tools stay secure. Other features include a footrest crossbar, adjustable armrest and more legroom for optimum comfort.
If you have problems with space or are always on the go, you might want to get one that is lightweight, compact and can be folded. If you do some traditional drafting but still need a computer nearby, you can install a monitor arm, CPU holder, keyboard tray and mouse. Now that you know a bit about them, go ahead and buy drafting tables with confidence!