Despite popular belief, drafting tables are still important today. A lot of people have switched to drawing tablets but there are still professionals who prefer the classic drafting table. It’s an essential tool if you belong to a profession that deals with precise and technical drawing or drafting.
It’s also important for students who are studying to become engineers, architects, or designers. Some institutions even require drafting boards because students need to master technical accuracy. It only shows how important drafting tables are in the training and development of individuals in the industry.
sponsored message
Some drafting tables are simple and easy to use while some have more features than others. Some are quite expensive and some are more budget-friendly. Some drafting tables can be heavy and sturdy while others are light and portable. Choosing the best one can be tough if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
In this article, we will be discussing the things you need to keep in mind when choosing a drafting table. We will then follow it up with product recommendations for the best portable drafting tables on the market.
8+ Best Portable Drafting Tables in 2022
- Studio Designs Vision Craft Station — The best portable drafting table in 2022 overall (Editor’s Choice)
- US Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Wood — The best budget portable drafting table
- Pacific Arc Table Top Drawing Board — The best value portable drafting table
- Koh-I-Noor Portable Studio Drawing Board with Carrying Case — The best lightweight portable drafting table
- Staedtler Drafting Table — The best portable drafting table for accurate measurements
- Martin Universal Design Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board — The best smooth finish portable drafting table
- OneSpace Craft Station — The best premium portable drafting table
- Alvin Portable Drafting Board — The best portable drafting table for beginners
What is the Best Portable Drafting Table available?
Studio Designs Vision Craft Station is the best portable drafting table that is available. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best drafting tables available and choose what is right for you.
How to Choose the Best Portable Drafting Table
A drafting table is important to any profession that requires accurate and precise measurement in their drawings or sketches. It’s useful for both students and professionals. If it’s your first time purchasing a portable drafting table, here are the things that you need to consider. Knowing what factors to look for will help you make the most out of your purchase.
sponsored message
Portability
Portability means that something is easy to move around or bring with you. There are a lot of heavy and sturdy drafting tables in the market. These are great if you have the space to put them in. But if you’re the type of student or professional who has limited space, then portability is definitely something to keep in mind. It’s also great for individuals who are always on the go.
Keep in mind though that if you’re working on large paper sizes, a portable drafting table may not be the best for you. Since they’re easy to move or bring with you, these tables tend to be smaller in size.
Size of the Table
In looking for the right drafting table, you have to take into consideration the size of paper that you usually work with. A good rule of thumb is that your drafting table always has to be one size larger than your paper. This will make sure that you can properly place your paper on the table and have it laid out without creasing it.
Accessories
Do you work with different kinds of pencils in your projects? Do you work with tools other than pencils? Do you want them conveniently placed somewhere you can easily reach for them? These are questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a drafting table.
If you want a place to store your tools, then you should choose a drafting table that can accommodate this need.
Style
sponsored message
There are different types of portable tables that are available. They are
- Four-post table: This is the strongest of all as they have a strong base of four legs. These tables will not tumble when you lean on them.
- Pedestal table: The top part of these tables is tiltable. The adjustment of the working area is easy because you can do so with a lever or a foot pedal.
- Fold-a-way table: These are the inexpensive ones. These can be easily folded so you can bring them with you anywhere you go.
8+ Best Drafting Tables in 2022
1. Studio Designs Vision Craft Station
Best editor’s choice
Dimensions: 40.75″W x 25.75″D x 30″ – 49″H at full tilt | Height: 49 inches | Weight: 48 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Free Standing | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: No
StudioDesigns Vision Craft Station drafting table is an attractive drafting table with a tempered safety glass tabletop. The body is made with durable heavy-gauge, powder-coated steel. This makes sure that it can take your weight when you lean on it while you work. Overall, this drafting table has a modern aesthetic and it looks absolutely amazing.
The workspace is 90 cm by 60 cm. This is big enough to accommodate a wide range of papers. It’s perfect for individuals who work with large paper because they can easily and comfortably spread out their paper. You can even tilt the table between 0 to 70 degrees so you can find that perfect angle to work on.
To make your workflow even smoother and more seamless, this drafting table comes with storage for your tools. It has four removable brush and pencil trays on both sides of the working area. It even has a small cabinet on the lower right for more of your tools.
As for portability, this table is easy to move around. It comes with four wheels located on each leg of the table. This makes it easy for you to place the table anywhere you want. After you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your work, you can lock the table so they don’t accidentally move while you’re working.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Attractive design | ➖ Height cannot be adjusted |
| ➕ Storage drawers | |
| ➕ Tiltable workspace |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Overall Dimensions:40.75"W x 25.75"D x 30" - 49"H at full tilt, Main Work Surface 35.5"W x 23.75"D
- Tempered Blue Safety Glass Top, Top Angle Adjustment from Flat to 70 Degrees
- 3 Plastic Molded Slide out Drawers for Storage (for use on left or right side)
- Heavy Gage Powder Coated Steel Construction for Durability, 23.75"W x 2"D Storage Pencil Ledge
- (4) Casters for Mobility with 2 Locking, Four Removable Side Trays for Supplies
2. US Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Wood
Best budget drafting table for artists
Dimensions: 26.25 x 21 x 3 inches | Height: 7″ to 15″ | Weight: 7.09 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Free Standing | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: Yes
sponsored message
US Art Supply drafting board is a beautifully hand-crafted drafting table that is made from seasoned beechwood. To make sure it’s sturdy, moisture resistant, and of high quality, it has been finished with natural oil.
The base of this board is 26 by 19.5 inches. That’s large enough to fit most paper sizes. It weighs around 5 lbs so it’s not suggested to be put on your lap. It’s still better to have it placed on a tabletop. It comes with rubber feet so the wood won’t scratch or damage your tabletop or any other surface you’ll be putting this on.
You can adjust the angle of the working area at six different angles. This makes it easier for you to find the optimum angle for your work. It also comes with a sturdy ledge where you can place the pencils that you work with. Aside from that, it even comes with a T-square to help you make accurate and precise lines.
It’s a great foldable drafting table that can be kept in small spaces. When folded up, it’s only 4 ¼ inches thick. It’s a great option for when you don’t have enough space to have it placed permanently on a tabletop.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Made up of premium wood | ➖ It may tend to slide away from you when you put pressure on it |
| ➕ Portable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Beautifully hand crafted from seasoned beechwood, and finished with natural oil
- 6 Adjustable settings from flat to a 80 angle so you can find your perfect drawing angle
- Comes with a sturdy pencil holding ledge and a drafting T-Square
- Extra Large Working Area of 26" Wide x 21" Tall
- Turns any tabletop into a professional drafting table environment
3. Pacific Arc Table Top Drawing Board
Best value drafting table
Dimensions: 16 Inches x 21 Inches | Height: 18″x24″ inches | Weight: 11.75 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Table mounted | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: No
The Pacific Arc Table Top portable drafting table has a Melamine coated finish. This makes sure that the surface you’re working on is smooth and free from any bumps or dents that can affect the quality of your work. The working area is 16″ x 21″ so that’s enough space for you to work on.
This drafting table also comes with a straight edge that you can attach to the working area. The straightedge is made of high-quality aluminum with soft rubber edges that enhance grip, comfort, and control. It glides up and down the working area smoothly for ease and comfort. It also has a cross-wire and pulley system underneath it so it’s always parallel.
This drafting board has metal legs that are dipped in rubber. This nifty little feature makes sure that your board won’t slide while you’re using it.
Overall, it’s a great portable drafting table that is both sturdy and easy to bring around.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Affordable | ➖ Straightedge gets stuck sometimes |
| ➕ The working area has a smooth finish |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PROFESSIONAL SOLID CONSTRUCTION- The drafting board with parallel bar is made of smooth Melamine providing a bump free surface. The blade has an aluminum straight edge with soft rubber edges for...
- THE PERFECT PARALLEL BAR- The crystal clear bar is 0.12 Inches and includes inking edges to minimize smudging. The drafting straight edge glides smoothly up and down the board while cross-wire and...
- PORTABLE DRAFTING BOARD- Equipped with folding metal legs that are set at an angle to prevent collapse and includes rubber dipped ends to prevent scratching. Able to be used in a elevated position or...
- MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE-If our drawing board isn't what you're looking for, we offer a money-back guarantee, backed by Amazon
- THE PERFECT GIFT-Gift this portable drafting table with parallel bar to the architect, drafter, artist, or engineer in your life. Give them a practical, memorable gift that will further their...
4. Koh-I-Noor Portable Studio Drawing Board
Best lightest drawing board
Dimensions: 20.5 x 15.5 x 2 inches | Height: 7″ to 15″ | Weight: 3.45 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Table Mounted | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: Yes
The Koh-I-Noor Portable Studio Drawing Board is made out of sturdy plastic. Because it’s made of plastic, this drawing board is easy to carry and bring with you anywhere you go. To make things even more portable and easy for you, it comes with a vinyl case where you can store the board. The case can also hold paper sizes of up to 14 x 19 inches.
The height and tilt of this board can be adjusted according to your needs. It also has paper clamps on three areas to secure your paper while you work. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for a drafting board that you can easily set up on any tabletop.
If you’re just starting out on drafting and sketching, this is a great entry-level drafting table. If you’re also someone who is always on the go, this is perfect for you. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and easy to set up.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Lightweight | ➖ The working area is small for large papers |
| ➕ Portable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Vinyl case transports and protects drawings and sketches; Case fits paper sizes up to 14" x 19"
- Drawing board has reversible feet and elevates drawing surface from 7" to 15" high
- Paper clamps in three areas to secure media
- Locks at any angle or automatically sets and locks in 15 degree increments
- Graduated in inches with scales on top and sides
5. Staedtler Drafting Table Drawing Board
Best drafting table for accurate measurements
Dimensions: 16″ x 21″ | Height: 7″ to 15″ | Weight: 4 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Free Standing | Inclination: No | Portability: Yes | Foldable: No
The Staedtler Mars 661 Drafting Table was made specifically for creatives who deal with accurate and specific drawings. It has a parallel drafting arm with a double-sided scale so you can make sure that all of your measurements are correct.
Once you’ve positioned the rulers in their positions, you can lock them in using the single-hand double locking mechanism. To make sure that you’ve locked it in place, you’ll see a color indicator change when it’s locked.
This is made with sturdy, break-resistant plastic. This guarantees that despite its lightweight material, you’ll be able to lean on it while drawing without worrying about it breaking. It also has non-slip rubber feet so it won’t slide away from you if you add pressure to it.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Durable | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Smooth surface | |
| ➕ Non-slip rubber feet |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Made of sturdy, break - resistant plastic
- Non - slip rubber feet
- Convenient single hand locking mechanism
- Twin rail for exceptionally smooth even gliding of the ruler
5. Martin Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board
Best straightedge drafting table
Dimensions: 29 x 23.5 x 3.25 inches | Height: 20″ x 26″ | Weight: 8.23 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Table Mounted | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: Yes
The Martin U-PEB2026K Adjustable Angle Parallel Drawing Board is made out of anti-warp aluminum. It also comes with its own custom-fit straightedge which can be very helpful when you want to make precise, clean, and accurate straight lines. Aside from aiding you in drawing, it also helps you keep your paper flat on the board.
The working area is 24″ x 36″ so it’s perfect for a full sheet of paper of that size. It also has a very smooth finish so you’ll be able to easily work without worrying about your paper getting wrinkled.
It’s simple to set up on a flat surface and very easy to adjust. It has multiple tilting adjustments so you’ll be able to customize the angle at which you work. To prevent the drawing board from slipping away from you while you draw, it comes with rubber feet. It makes the board stable and sturdy.
Because of its size, it’s easy to fold and bring it anywhere you go. It’s also very sturdy so you have the assurance that it won’t easily break. It is worth noting though that this drawing board is a bit on the heavier side compared to the other boards on this list. So despite its portability, some users may not find it easy to just carry it around.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Solid construction | ➖ The board cannot tilt beyond 30 degrees |
| ➕ Sturdy on flat surfaces | |
| ➕ Easy to clean |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 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
- Each side of the unit has large knobs for adjusting the straight-edge to align with the artwork/drawing and stay parallel
- High resin particle board to prevent board breakage
- Includes comfortable easy-to-grip handle for easy transport
7. OneSpace Craft Station
Best premium design table
Dimensions: 24 x 41.25 x 49.5 inches | Height: 20″ x 26″ | Weight: 40.5 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Free Standing | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes | Foldable: No
The frame of the OneSpace Craft Station is made out of heavy-duty silver steel that is both sturdy and durable. It can support up to 130 pounds so you don’t have to worry about anything when you lean on it while you’re working.
The work area is 41.25 inches wide and 24 inches deep. It’s lifted to a height between 31.5 to 49.9 inches high. It also easily tilts up to 62.5 degrees so you can work easily and comfortably. It’s made out of strong and durable tempered safety glass so it can support your weight if you lean on it while you work.
As for storage, it comes with 2 easy slide-out drawers where you can place your tools. It’s located right underneath your table so you don’t misplace it and it’s easily accessible. It also has slots on both sides of the working area for tools that you usually use.
But, if it’s such a large setup, doesn’t that mean that it’s hard to move? As for portability, this drafting table comes with 4 smooth-rolling wheels. This allows you to easily move it around without having to carry the whole thing. Once you’ve found the right place for it, you can just lock in the wheels and the table won’t move.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Budget-friendly | ➖ Height not adjustable |
| ➕ Strong steel frame | ➖ Drawers can come in the way while drawing |
| ➕ High-quality glass surface |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Unique in that supplies won’t fall out when Raised to any angle; easily tilts to 62.5 degrees
- Distinctively artist and draftsman friendly; ample Blue tempered safety Glass work surface
- 2 easy slide out drawers for convenient storage; removable single-slot and multi-slot supply trays on each side
- Heavy-duty silver Steel frame; desktop supports up to 130 pounds; 4 smooth-rolling casters (2 that Lock)
- Measures 41.25 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 31.5 - 49.5 inches high
8. Alvin Portable Drafting Board
Best drafting table for beginners
Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 2 inches | Height: 20″ x 26″ | Weight: 10 pounds | Table Mounted or Free Standing: Table Mounted | Inclination: Yes | Portability: Yes
The Alvin Portable Drafting Board is a great option if you’re going for a portable drafting board that is easy to set up. It’s been trusted by creatives since 1966 so you’re assured that it is a high-quality drafting board. There are multiple sizes to choose from when it comes to the work area. Your options include the following sizes:
- 18 x 24 inches
- 20 x 26 inches
- 23 x 31 inches
- 24 x 36 inches
- 30 x 42 inches
It also comes with an attachable straightedge that is made of aluminum. It’s a convenient way to create accurate and precise straight lines. It slides smoothly over your working area and it comes with a locking system that helps keep it in place.
The legs of this drafting board prop up the working area up to 12 degrees. It’s also coated with rubber so it doesn’t slide away from you when you lean on it while you work. This also protects the surface you’re working on by preventing any scratches.
If you’ve noticed, this product is very similar to one of the drafting boards we’ve previously discussed. The difference is that this board comes at a lower price. It’s great for individuals who are on the go and sticking to a budget.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Portable | ➖ Straightedge is prone to bending and damage |
| ➕ Lightweight |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Superb Quality - Fully assembled and equipped with features that would help you create an accurate drawings and drafts. Made with a white, aluminum straightedge, acrylic blade.
- Brake Mechanism - Straightedge has brake mechanisms on each end for secure, positive locking in any location on the board. Brakes keep straightedge from slipping or jumping if the board is jostled.
- Versatile Blade - Use the crystal clear acrylic blade with inking edges underneath and blade clearance with melamine board. Acrylic blade size: 0.12 inches, blade clearance: 0.19 inches.
- Adjustable Design - Features top-mounted adjustment knobs and folding metal legs to prevent any mid-project interruption or collapse. Particle Board substrate is 0.63" thick for added durability.
- A Professional's Choice - Our PXB drafting boards have been the professional's choice for drafting tools and drawing supplies for over half a century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes drafting tables better options for creatives compared to regular tables?
Drafting tables can be adjusted to a certain angle. This makes it easier for creatives to work for longer hours compared to a flat table because the surface is facing them better. Compared to a flat table, working with a drafting table helps creatives have better posture while working.
Are drafting tables only limited to drafting?
Technically, you can use these tables also as normal tables but it’s not suggested since it may damage the surface. Smoothness is an important factor in drafting tables so it may be best to only use it for drafting.
Is it better to get a drafting table or a drafting board?
This depends on the space that you have available. If you have enough space for a big setup, then get a drafting table. It’s easier to work with large papers with a drafting table. If your space is limited, then it’s better to stick with a drafting board. It can turn any surface conducive for drafting and when you’re done, simply fold it up and store it away.
Who can use drafting tables?
Any creative who works with paper can use a drafting table. It’s an especially useful tool if you work continuously for long hours. It’s also great if you’re working with projects that need to be precise and accurate.
Is storage important when it comes to buying a drafting table?
The answer depends on the preference of the individual. You can continue working without having storage for your tools but it can be a convenient feature to have.
Related Posts
- Best monitors for designers
- Best budget monitors
- Best touch screen monitors
- Best ultrawide monitor
- Best monitor with webcams
8+ Best Portable Drafting Tables in 2022 (July)
Drafting tables are a great investment if you’re in the creative industry. It allows you to work for hours on end without getting neck pain. It also helps you work with better posture because you don’t have to look down when you’re working.
We have discussed the things you need to look for in choosing a drafting table. These factors are important because they will help you get the most out of your purchase. We have then followed up with product recommendations of the best portable drafting tables on the market. These are great options to choose from because they fit the needs of most creative individuals.
But at the end of the day, the best table will always be the one that fits your personal needs. Take your time in choosing which one to get. Good luck!