Best Drafting Boards and Buyer’s Guide

Any professional architect will understand the value of a good drafting board. There are several brands, types, and varieties of drafting boards available in the market. Naturally, when there are so many options available, it can get more than a little confusing to make a choice.

The first thing to do, in that case, is to figure out your exact requirements. What is the scale of the projects you will be working on? Is the drafting board for your office or home or both? How much time do you expect to spend with the drafting board or table, on an average? The following is a basic buying guide followed by a review of some of the best drafting boards for architects:

Things to Consider Before Buying

As an architect, before you set out to buy a drafting board for yourself, there are a few things you will need to consider. After all, it is not like buying a sketching pad for your art hobbies. As a professional architect, you will have some specific requirements that only a good drafting board can fulfill. The following are things you should be mindful of when buying a drafting board:

Size

The size makes a big difference. As an architect, you will often have to use the drafting board to make large plans and draw up blueprints. So if the drafting board is too small, that may not serve your purpose. Similarly, if the drafting board is too big, you may have trouble finding a place to put it in your office or at home. It is like the “Goldilocks Principle” — the size of the drafting board has to be ‘just right’.

So, before you set out to buy a drafting board, think of what your requirements are and choose one that is the appropriate size for the work you intend to do.

Price

Whenever you are setting out to buy anything, the budget is naturally a concern. In fact, the first thing you do is decide the type of product you are looking for and then set a realistic budget accordingly. So think of what size and dimensions you are looking for and decide your budget. If in the amount you have to offer, the type of drafting board you want to buy does not seem feasible, you may have to either expand your budget or set your sights closer to something you can afford more easily.

Setting the budget before you go out to buy something is important. This puts a limit on how much you end up spending.

Features

Different drafting boards have different features to offer. Some are adjustable, some are mobile, some offer attached straightedges, etc. It is up to you to decide which features are the most useful to you and which ones you are willing to forego for something different. The following are some basic features a drafting board should offer you:

Adjustable

When you are working on large plans and designs, you will often need to work around different angles and keep tilting the board to find a better vantage point to work in. For a board to have adjustable settings, therefore, is of utmost importance. Most drafting boards offer an adjustability range at least from flat to 80-degrees.

If your drafting board also comes with a stand or if you are working with a drafting table instead of just a board, even the height should be adjustable.

Mobility

You also need to consider mobility. If it is a drafting board, it should be large enough to allow you to work easily but should also be light enough that you can carry it around if it is required. Often the drafting boards made of solid hardwood end up being too hard to carry, even though their strength and sturdiness is a sure advantage.

If you are working with a drafting table, you may want to go with one that has wheels and is mobile. This is especially useful for larger architectural firms as you can simply move the table or the stand with the plans to present in a meeting or to the clients.

Storage

Storage is also very important. When you are working, where are you going to keep all your drawing tools, like pencils, pigment markers, rulers, protractors, etc? Most drafting boards have a broad lip at the bottom which can be used to hold your drawing tools. Some even have pencil holders attached.

With a drafting table, there is a lot more scope for great storage. You can expect drawers, pull out trays, etc.

Add-ons

Some drafting boards come as a set, while some are simple, straightforward drafting boards. You could opt for one that also comes with a set-square, a protractor, rulers with markings, etc. There are also drafting boards that come along with straightedge parallels so you can align your plans and ensure your lines are straight. These add-ons are not necessary, but if you get a good deal on a drafting board that has all these things to offer, it simply means you do not have to seek all these tools externally.

Best Drafting Board for Architects

The following is a review of some of the best drafting boards for architects in the market. In choosing these products, all the factors mentioned above have been considered. Each product, more or less, ticks most of the aforementioned factors. The features, disadvantages, and advantages of each product will be explored in the following section:

US Art Supply

Constructed with beechwood and finished with natural oil, this handcrafted drafting board with six adjustable settings is perfect for your architectural plans. The working area is wide (26” wide x 20-1/2” tall). With this drafting board, you can turn any regular tabletop into a drafting table. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The working area is 26”-wide and 20-1/2”-tall
  • There is also a pencil holding ledge and a drafting T-square
  • There are six adjustable settings, from a flat angle to an 80-degree angle
  • The drafting board is handcrafted with seasoned beechwood and finished with natural oil

Pros

  • The six different adjustable settings allow you to draw at the most comfortable angle
  • With this versatile drafting board, you can turn any regular tabletop into a workstation
  • The pencil holding ledge and the drafting T-square makes working a lot easier and convenient

Cons

  • Some customers said they were not as impressed with the construction
  • Some customers complained that the drafting T-square was not as steady as promised
U.S. Art Supply Large 18-1/2' Wide x 14-1/8' (A3) Tall Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board
842 Reviews
U.S. Art Supply Large 18-1/2" Wide x 14-1/8" (A3) Tall Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board
  • Large Working Area of 18-1/2" Wide x 14-1/8" Tall
  • Beautifully hand crafted from seasoned beechwood, and finished with natural oil

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Martin

This parallel straightedge board has an anti-warp aluminum body, that gives it strength and stability. It has six different adjustable settings. There are different sizes you can opt for in the series — the larger the board, the more angle adjustment you are likely to get. The locking device allows you to lock into any angle you want to draw in. On the sides of the unit, you will find large knobs that are used to align the straightedge with the work, allowing you to stay parallel and draw in straight lines. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The stand is adjustable with as many as six settings
  • The high-resin construction prevents the board from breaking
  • There is a locking device to lock into whichever angle you want to work in
  • The anti-warp aluminum body accords the straightedge board with strength and stability
  • There are large knobs on either side of the unit to adjust the straightedge to align parallelly with your designs and artwork

Pros

  • The adjustable settings allow you to work in whichever angle you feel comfortable in
  • The straightedge means you do not have to worry about your lines not being parallel or straight
  • The body is meant to be sturdy, thanks to the high-resin construction and anti-warp aluminum body

Cons

  • The board is as heavy as an entire table and therefore, not portable, some customers felt
  • Some customers complained that the side knobs were not as tight as they would have liked
Martin Universal Design 24' x 36' Deluxe Adjustable Parallel Straightedge Board, White Melamine, 1 Each (U-PEB2436K)
206 Reviews
Martin Universal Design 24" x 36" Deluxe Adjustable Parallel Straightedge Board, White Melamine, 1 Each (U-PEB2436K)
  • The only parallel straightedge board utilizing an anti-warp aluminum body straightedge for strength and stability
  • Equipped with a five-position adjustable stand to create a 10 to 45 degree angle

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SoHo

This all-wood drawing board has a working area of 19-3/4″ x 29-1/2″. The size is big enough to accommodate whatever project you are working on, whether architectural or any other artwork. There is a convenient bottom lip, which will allow you to have all the drawing tools you need at hand. There is an integrated base, which allows you to adjust the board at any angle you feel comfortable in, from flat to 80 degrees. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • Foldable and weighs 8.3 lbs
  • There is a bottom lip to hold the drawing tools
  • The smooth, maple-colored surface is 19.75” x 29.5” in size
  • The integrated base allows the user to adjust the working angle from flat to 80 degrees

Pros

  • It folds easily and weighs only 8.3 lbs
  • At 19.75” x 29.5”, the working area is extremely large
  • You can turn any regular tabletop into a drawing table
  • There are five adjustable settings, from flat to an 80-degree angle
  • The bottom lip forms a convenient holder for all your drawing tools

Cons

  • Many of the customers felt that the structure was not as sturdy as promised
  • Customers also complained about the poor packaging when the board arrived
SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75' x 29.5' Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel, 5 Positions, Natural Beechwood Finish
828 Reviews
SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75" x 29.5" Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel, 5 Positions, Natural Beechwood Finish
  • This large, smooth drawing board turns any tabletop into a Professional drafting table
  • The large integrated base Allows you to easily adjust the angle from flat to 80 degrees; 5 positions

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Studio Design

This offering is a vintage design table, which will elevate any room it is placed in. Since it is a whole table, naturally, it will not be as easily portable. It does, however, have an antique finish which will add the perfect touch of decoration to your home, office or whichever room you choose to put it in. It has several adjustable angles, from flat to 90 degrees. The frame is made with solid hardwood, which makes it extremely stable. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The antique table has adjustable angles, from flat to 90 degrees
  • The dimensions of the work surface are 42-inch (W) x 30-inch (D)
  • There is a built-in groove to place your drawing tools, like pencils, rulers, etc. There is also a 24-inch pencil ledge

Pros

  • The working surface is a large 42-inch (W) x 30-inch (D)
  • There is a built-in pencil groove, with a 24-inch pencil ledge
  • The elegant, antique table lends a regal look to whichever room you put it in
  • The adjustable angles range from flat to 90 degrees, making it easy to work in whichever angle you are comfortable in

Cons

  • Some of the customers on Amazon felt that the table was not easy to assemble
  • Other customers found the table to be a little unstable
Recommended
Studio Designs Vintage Drafting Table - Antique Design Solid Wood Drafting Table with Built-In Pencil Groove and Pencil Ledge - Angle Adjustable Work Surface
1,522 Reviews
Studio Designs Vintage Drafting Table - Antique Design Solid Wood Drafting Table with Built-In Pencil Groove and Pencil Ledge - Angle Adjustable Work Surface
  • VINTAGE DRAFTING TABLE: Classic, antique design with a rustic finish that is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century furnishings;...
  • BUILT-IN PENCIL GROOVE AND PENCIL LEDGE: Designed with a 24"-wide pencil groove and pencil ledge for storing writing utensils...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Frylr

This lightweight, durable and high-quality drawing board table set has a lot to offer. The A3 drawing board set has a drafting head-lock mechanism with a straightedge and free-swing setting. The set comes with two parallel rulers and two corner clips. There is a quick release paper clamp on both sides of the unit that helps to secure whatever project you are working on. There is an automatic 15” indexing or locking system. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The workspace is A3 in size with a parallel motion which slides into a groove and can be locked into place for convenience
  • The set comes with two parallel rulers, two corner clips, a 180-degree protractor marked with equidistant lines and two paper clamps
  • There is also a 15” indexing and locking system. The rulers are graduated to 150 mm and can slide left and right, locked at any position, etc

Pros

  • Despite having a lot to offer, the set is quite lightweight and portable
  • The rulers can be moved and locked into whichever position you like
  • The A3 workspace is large and comfortable enough for most projects
  • This drawing set offers several tools you will require to draw your plans. The protractor, set square, etc., are already included in the set so you do not have to reach for an external tool

Cons

  • The shipping and packing of the product weren’t the best
  • The drafting board is good for drawing basic blueprints but not for professional-level plans
Frylr Metric A3 Drawing Board Drafting Table with Parallel Motion and Angle Metric Measuring System 20” X 14.5”
475 Reviews
Frylr Metric A3 Drawing Board Drafting Table with Parallel Motion and Angle Metric Measuring System 20” X 14.5”
  • DRAFTING INSTRUMENT KIT: Only Metric Measurement Made of high quality acrylic, lightweight and durable. Ergonomic designed A3...
  • DETACHABLE 3 RULERS: T-Sliding Ruler/Triangle/L-Shape Ruler, T-shaped ruler can be locked on both sides of the board, sliding...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ZENY

This adjustable drafting stand is useful for several different purposes. Use it as a drawing table, a computer table or even as a writing table. The glass desktop can be adjusted from 0 to 60°. The stand is also mobile, thanks to the four smooth-rolling casters, two of which can be locked so you can stop at any position easily. There is a lot of storage space to hold all your drawing tools. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The stand weighs 99 lbs
  • The overall dimensions of the stand are 41.25”(L) x 24” (W) x 31.5” (H)
  • The four 360° swivel casters, two of which can be locked into position, make the stand portable
  • The height can be adjustable from 31.5″ to 49.5″. The glass desktop can be adjusted from 0 to 60°
  • There is a tempered safety glass on top and the stand is built with a sturdy, durable, heavy gauge steel construction

Pros

  • The drawing table is extremely versatile and allows you to angle your work however you deem comfortable
  • It is constructed with tempered glass (for the workspace) and heavy gauge steel construction for the rest of the structure
  • The four 360° swivel casters make the stand portable. Two of the casters also have a locking system so you can hold the stand in place
  • There is plenty of storage space — single shelf below the desktop, two slide-out drawers on the side, four removable single-slot supply trays, etc

Cons

  • Assembling the table could be laborious and tricky
  • Some customers felt that the product was okay for the price
  • The side storage isn’t the sturdiest and can feel a little flimsy
ZENY Adjustable Drafting Table, Glass Art Table Artist Drawing Desk Craft Table, Tilting Draft Table Desk on Wheels
1,807 Reviews
ZENY Adjustable Drafting Table, Glass Art Table Artist Drawing Desk Craft Table, Tilting Draft Table Desk on Wheels
  • Adjustable Drafting Table - The angle of the glass desktop can be adjusted from 0 to 60 ° to meet your different needs, it...
  • Drafting Table with Rolling Wheels - This drawing desk is crafted with 4 smooth-rolling casters (2 that locked),360°swivel...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Thoughts

As an architect, you will spend several hours poured over a drafting table or board, drawing up your plans and sketches. In that scenario, if you do not have the support of a good product, your work will not be satisfactory. It will be inconvenient to work, you may have to take several breaks to find a comfortable angle or position to work in, eventually pushing your deadline further. In the end, having bad equipment can simply take the joy out of doing something you love doing.

The products mentioned above are some of the best and most useful in the market. Each 0f them tick off most of the factors mentioned in the buying guide above and are, therefore, worthy options for you to consider. So find one that suits you the most and enjoy drawing up your detailed architectural plans!

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