What is a drafting table?
A drafting table is a specialized table with a large tabletop that has multiple adjustable degrees to meet the user’s various needs. The user of this kind of table ranges from professional artists, engineers, and architects to students who study related majors. Some drawing desks can be adjusted to different heights as needed, while some stay at a specific level all the time. Another feature of the drafting table is that it is always designed with pen/pencil slots for organizing your drawing supplies.
The history of the drawing board
The drawing board was born in 17th century and at that time it only belonged to the upper class. The gentleman would use the table for drawing, painting and reading large books or newspapers. The vintage drafting tables are heavy and made of oak and use a lead weight to keep the top at the wanted angles.The industrial revolution is an important turning point in the development of the drafting tables. As using lighter and cheaper materials, the draft board became more popular in the market and gradually entered the ordinary family.
A 19th century architect at the drawing board
Nowadays, buying a drafting table is as simple as buying a simple desk. While as the adoption of computer-aided design technology since the 1980s, there always has debates about whether digital drawing should replace drawing by hand, and without hand drawing, is the drawing table necessary?
On the one hand, drawing on the design software is more productive because if you make any mistakes, you can simply press the undo button to start over. Besides, you can edit your work easily, such as changing the color, moving the position, brightening the background and so on.
On the other hand, digital is only one medium while traditional art methods allow you to create with different media. For beginners, it’s necessary to learn how to draw by hand, because it helps you understand more details about drawing and show your personality and thoughts.
Thus, the hand drawing may not disappear in the future and the drawing table would still have its fans. Moreover, the contemporary drafting tables are constantly developing with changes in customer habits. For example, there is a kind of interactive drafting board that has an adjustable screen touch surface which promotes long-distance collaboration.
How to choose the best drafting table
1. Material
The drafting tables can be crafted of various materials, such as wood, metal and glass. It would need us to consider a few factors on selecting materials, like the use of the table, the style you like, the color you want and so on.
In the market, most desk tops are made of wood or wooden materials. Wood boards are sturdy and heavy which is suitable for long time use. With an old fashion style, professional artists and architects may prefer this kind of table.
Some are made of glass. Glass top drafting tables are designed for under lighting so that the draftsman could trace a previous drawing while making changes. Additionally, cartoonists would use them for drawing motion in moving picture cartoons.
If you value the aesthetic of the drafting tables, the vintage tables are ideal for you. They are usually made of oak and brass, very heavy and expensive.
If lightweight and portability are more important for you, looking for modern architectural drafting tables. Portable drafting tables always come with a steel frame and folding structure, so they are easy to move around, but not as sturdy as the oak frame. For students, this kind of table is affordable and very practical.
When considering the cleaning up, the glass top desks are better than wood ones. The glass top would keep smooth all the time and not easily to mar. You can simply use a damp cloth to clean up the stains. While you need to be more careful when working on the wood architectural drafting table and do not let the harsh or sharp stuff scratch the surface.
2. Dimension
The drawing desk can take up a large space. If you’re limited on space, you probably choose a portable or folding drafting board. These tables can easily be stored away when not in use, very convenient for small space. Usually, the drafting tables are adjustable which means you need a bigger space to work comfortably. Therefore, please consider the size and height of your drafting table in order to find the most suitable one for your room or office. And remember, the size of the tabletop is larger than the footprint made by the legs on the floor.
Different users have different working or studying needs, make sure to choose the tabletop that is large enough to place your paper, book and etc. If the table is used to check or edit engineering drawings, you may choose a table that allows you to open the bound blueprints and hold the complete set on the table. When one edge of the drawing hangs off, it’s very difficult to view.
For people who use the drafting boards to draw, sketch or paint, a larger tabletop would offer you enough space to place your reference books. Also, you won’t feel restricted and uncomfortable when working on a spacious surface.
3. Accessories
Many modern or contemporary drafting tables are more functional which meets new needs well. To fulfill your drawing needs in one piece of furniture, many adjustable drafting tables are equipped with storage drawers and pencil ledges to store all drawing supplies in one place. It’s more convenient for people who live or work in a small space. Moreover, some desks are sold with extra padded stool and desk light which will be very attractive to those looking for cost-effective architectural drafting tables.
Top 5 Drawing Desks from Costoffs
|
Product Name |
Color |
Weight |
Dimensions |
|
Costoffs Split Lever Draft Table |
Light Brown |
59.3 Pounds |
47.4x23.6x(27.4-36.4) inches |
|
Costoffs Glass Top Drawing Table |
Silver Gray |
44.4 Pounds |
40.9 x 23.6 x 31.5 inches |
|
Costoffs Folding Drafting Table |
Black |
53.9 Pounds |
50.4 x 23.6 x (29.9-45.1) inches |
|
Costoffs Glass Drawing Desk with Stool |
Transparent&Black |
62.6 Pounds |
(47.6-55.5)x23.6x(28-36) inches |
|
Costoffs Wooden Drafting Table with Stool |
Black |
55.9 Pounds |
50.5x23.6x(29.7-43.7) inches |
No.5 Costoffs Wooden Drafting Table with Stool
Having a versatile drafting table like this may help you to improve work productivity. This drafting table features a tilt angle adjustable tabletop that raises from 0 to 40-degree for different purposes. It serves perfectly as a tilting drawing table, or a spacious writing/computer desk. Its functional construction accommodates art supplies, computers, laptops, books, and more. Also, the curved silhouette makes this table an elegant piece of furniture in your room.
Key Features
Features a sturdy design that can support up to 158.7 lbs
Features a tabletop size of 35 inches by 24 inches
40 degree angle adjustments
3 fabric drawers and one open shelf for art/work supplies
No.4 Costoffs Glass Drawing Desk with Stool
A versatile drafting table like this will help boost your productivity and also save much space and money. This tilting surface table can work perfectly as a decent drawing table, a spacious writing/computer table or a light table. It provides sufficient storage space for stationery, paints and laptop. The spacious tabletop can be tilted up to 40 degrees from the horizontal and locked in 5 heights, and the extendable stand can be adjusted from 70.5cm/28’’ to 91cm/36’’ to meet your different requirements. The glass or metal surface is super easy to take care of and adds an airy feel to your home.
Key Features
40 degree angle adjustments
6 adjustable heights from 28’’ to 36’’
4 enlarged non-slip feet
Includes a padded stool
No.3 Costoffs Folding Drafting Table
This sleek drafting table can serve as a writing/reading table, computer table and workstation and can also be easily transformed into an easel for painting, drafting, sketching because of its angle-adjustable tabletop. Side table, drawers and book shelf provide ample storage space for your often-used items. Strong structure and X-shape design make this drawing table a piece of perfect equipment in your study and office.
Key Features
Large Storage Space
Adjustable main workstation
Includes a padded stool
Power-coated steel and wooden construction
No.2 Costoffs Glass Top Drawing Table
This stylish glass drafting table is constructed with premium steel frame and toughened glass desktop. Adjustable desktop angle can be easily adjusted from 0 to 60° to meet your needs and drawing habits. You will achieve a 35 x 24 inches of the main work surface to accomplish your drawing tasks without any restrictions. Protective filleted edges and rounded corners avoid undesired injury or damage. Two layers of non-woven cloth drawers and the stationery trays provide ample storage space for your stationery and drawing tools. The 360° swivel casters allow flexible mobility and the transparent glass top adds beautiful details to this practical desk.
Key Features
Tampered safety glass top and sturdy metal frame
Attached casters for easy movement
2 non-woven fabric drawers
4 embedded stationery trays for supplies
No.1 Costoffs Split Lever Draft Table
It is a perfect example of a drafting table that be equipped with multiple uses, including height/angle/pencil ledge adjustment and all-in-one storage options that appeal to professional artists, students and other users. The split surface offers you two drawing surfaces which allow you to displace reference pictures at the side table. Also, the side table can be slid under the tabletop to save space. The brown wooden finish not only takes the old fashion ‘drafting board’ flavor, but also easy to blend with your home decors. Plus the package has a comfortably matching stool so that you could get ready for work right after the easy assembly. By the way, this set piece is certified by EPA, so don’t worry about the harmful formaldehyde emissions.
Key Features
Split level comes with 2 drawing surfaces
Adjustable tilt of up to 60 degrees
Adjustable height
Sturdy iron frame with wooden top
Two storage drawers and one side tray for art accessories
How to install the drafting table of Costoffs?
The assembly would be very easy and we recommend 2 people to complete the installation together. Here is an exampled installation video from our drafting table series. More, we also provide detailed instructions for you to follow.
FAQ-what do users care about most?
Q: What is the use of drawing table?
A: A drawing board (also drawing desk, drafting table or architect's table) is a kind of versatil desk which you use to draw, write or sketch on paper or draft precise technical illustrations, such as engineering works or architectural drawings, or read a large format book or other oversized documents. In a word, the drawing desk can be used for any projects that require a table top with ample working space.
Modern drafting table designs provide users with a lot of flexibility in a single piece of furniture. For example, when stayed in a flat position, the work surface can be used for a wide range of projects, ranging from crafting, to model making and prototyping, to sewing and quilting projects. By tilting the table surfaces upwards, drafting tables are transformed into an ideal solution for life drawing and sketching sessions. Also, when it’s time to make formal presentations, drafting tables can be locked in their upright position to present drawings and other finished works of art for critiques or public gallery showings.
Q: Should I get a drafting table?
A: Drafting tables are helpful only to artists, engineers, and architects, but they are also ideal for students who are studying the arts, engineering, and architecture. With different kinds of tables for you to choose from, you will find the one that fits your needs at the same time won’t cost you much.
Q: Can you use a drafting table as a desk?
A: Of course you can, the drafting table features a spacious tabletop and serves the same function as a normal desk when they are in the flat position. Moreover, drawing desks could be more versatile than normal desks, for example, the adjustable tabletop allows you to work on the desk in different positions. There is ample storage space to place pens, files, books and so on, some drafting tables are equipped with easy-moving wheels which helps you work at any time any place.
Q: What angle is a drafting table?
A: The angle on drafting tables can vary. Some models may feature an adjustable angle from 0 to 70 degrees. Others may have a fixed tabletop that cannot be changed. Some people prefer to work at a 45-degree angle or more, while others find 30 – 40 degrees to be ideal. Your choice of seating (such as drafting table stools) or standing will also influence your choice.
Q: How tall is a drafting table?
A: Drafting tables can come in a variety of styles and dimensions and can be useful to a variety of purposes. We have three sized tables with different adjustable heights for you to choose from: 27-36inch, 30-45inch, 31.5-49inch.
Q: Wood or Glass Drafting Table?
A: It is depended on your needs. Glass has the advantage of always being a flat surface and is very difficult to mar so it will always be smooth. It also can add a light source underneath the top table. Besides, the glass top is also easy to take care of than wood ones. While, the wood drawing boards are more sturdy and heavy than glass ones, and they come with an old fashion flavor which may appeal to people who like more stylish furniture other than a simple functional desk.
Q: What type of chair do I need for a drafting table?
A: A drawing stool is most often the seat of choice for use with a drafting table. This special stool is made to swivel and typically measures 37 inches tall but is usually height adjustable. Most often, the armless and backless design allows the user to work over the table without restriction.
Conclusion
Hope the above content is helpful to you. After getting the suitable table, it’s also important to learn some cleaning and caring tips. Clean the wooded/glass surface regularly and wash hands before working. Cover the table top with paper for minimizing the damage caused by pencils. If there are stubborn tape residues or sticky patches, you can clean them with white spirit or other light liquid. If you have any further questions, welcome to contact us via info@costoffs.com.