Top 12 Best Drafting Table Reviews in 2024
Although the widespread acquiring of computer-aided design (CAD) technology, the drafting table still plays an important role in the world of design. This kind of multi-functional table qualifies the limits of our physical reach and our ability to see through its tilting.
Drafting table can serve various purposes including technical drawing, impromptu sketching, fashion and theater design, general writing and reading, reading blueprints, sewing, storyboarding, …
Most of the drafting table is outstanding because of its ergonomic features. This means you can sit or stand the whole day working without neck problems, incorrect posture, tight muscles.
Furthermore, the drafting table not only enables a better way to express an idea for artists in early stages but also bring aesthetic feeling in terms of most of the tables are designed by artist in mind.
Drafting tables in the 20th century is being designed to maximize flexibility and utilization which allow comfortable, strapping, and convenience to use. Here is our eight best guaranteed drafting table.
Which Are The Best Drafting Tables To Buy?
In order to make your investment for drafting table worthy, I highlighted some smart choices for specific requirements. There is more information about each product from the comparison table as well as a detailed review below.
- Best Drafting Table for Comic Artists: Yaheetech Adjustable Tempered Glass Top Drafting Drawing Desk
“Strong coated legs, flexible angle adjustment, portable, extra storage and smart pencil ledge.” - Best Overall: Studio Designs 10050 Futura Craft Station
“Removable tabletop, light table, additional Studio Accessories, tempered safety glass top.” - Best Vintage Drafting Table: Studio Designs 42-Inch Vintage
“High-quality wood material, stability, aesthetic design, flexibility, lightweight.” - Best Affordable Drafting Table: Tangkula drafting table with stool
“Budget-friendly with great quality, great capacity, sturdy, easy to assemble.” - Best Heavy-Duty Drafting Table: Alvin WorkMaster
“Advance in rugged use, smooth drawing surface, built-in-shelves for storage.” - Best Spacious Drafting Table: Safco Products 3965MO Split Level Drafting Table
“Unique split top desk, available laptop space, suitable for the multi-task person.” - Best Drafting Table for Home Office: Coaster Desks Artist Drafting Table Desk
“Slim, lightweight yet sturdy with aesthetic outstanding design, available lightbox.” - Best Storage Drafting Table: STUDIO DESIGNS Comet Center With Stool
“Six-floor levelers design brings extra stability and strong option, high quality of padded stool.”
Drafting Table Comparison Chart 2023
I have gathered information about ten best drafting tables for your reference. It includes must-known data and overall evaluation that will guide you find the most suitable one.
Top 12 Best Drafting Table Reviews in 2023
The drafting table is a costly investment, so I understand that choosing one is a difficult decision especially there are various options nowadays. I have collected information on 8 best drafting tables in terms of specific requirements.
Keep reading to find out the one that works best for you!
1. Yaheetech Drafting Drawing Desk
(Best Drafting Table for Comic Artists)
Yaheetech features this versatile table with a variety of purposes in terms of desktop table, writing table, drawing table, and working table. It is constructed with the durable steel frame and toughed glass desktop.
The reason why it is specifically suitable for comic artist because it was thoughtfully designed with pencil ledge that supports to hold your stationery and papers when the desktop is tilted.
Key Features:
- Adjust angle up to 60 degree
- Four embedded stationery each side and available pencil ledge
- Come with two drawers
- Support by a strong steel frame
- 360 swivel PVC casters
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Yaheetech
- Dimensions: 40.9 x 23.6 x 31.5 inches
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Multiple-use
- Strong power-coated legs
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty
Here is assemble tutorial of Yaheetech Adjustable Tempered Glass Top Drafting Drawing Desk:
2. Studio Designs 10050 Futura Craft Station
(Best Overall)
The Studio Designs brand is doubtless the most recognized in terms of drawing tables. 10050 Futura Craft Station accomplish variety purpose including work desk or light table.
With top angle adjustable up to 35 degrees combining large work surface, this table enables artist spacious space to work. The clear, strong, and durable glass top is also a plus.
The desktop is spacious entitling comfortable work such as open the bound blueprints as well as spread out other reference materials. Four floors level of heavy-gauge steel material brings extra sturdy and stable for the whole table.
Additionally, it provides both three small plastic drawers and a wide plastic pencil drawer for storing and organizing tools.
Key Features:
- Removable Tabletop Art Supply
- Small plastic drawers and 28’’ wide pencil drawer
- Combine with Studio Accessories
- Available leg extension
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Studio Design
- Dimensions: 58 x 26 x 5 inches
Pros
- Durable and flexibility
- Convenient in terms of light table and storing
- Tempered safety glass top
Cons
- Not transportable
- Hard to assemble
If you want to have closer perspective about this drafting table, here is artist’s review for you:
3. Studio Designs 42-Inch Vintage
(Best Vintage Drafting Table)
If you search for stylish yet functional and smart design, this elegant table would be a perfect choice for your studio. Designing with an oak finish, Studio Designs 42-Inch Vintage is constructed with antique design as an original piece from 18 century.
This drafting table also allows the warrant of enormous working and storage space. With appropriate height and size, it suited for most users.
42-Inch Vintage is constructed with two feet, six pairs of bolt connection combining with four- floor levels so neither wiggles nor moves when you are drawing or drafting.
This is an enduring investment thanks to the long-lasting material: solid wood.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Angle Table Top from Flat to 90 degrees
- Built-in Pencil Grove with 24’’ Pencil Ledge
- Hard Retro Wood frame
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Studio Design
- Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 36 inches
Pros
- Aesthetic design
- Lightweight but stable
- Adjustable height
- Well-constructed
- Suitable for sitting
- Flexibility
Cons
- No drawers or shelves
- Cannot adjust legs
- Pricey
Wondering how aesthetic this table is? Here is detailed video for you to have close-up insight about Studio Designs 42-Inch Vintage:
4. Tangkula drafting table with stool
(Best Affordable Drafting Table)
Tangkula drafting table would be a great choice for young architects, graphic design students, and people on a budget. This drafting table made from a sturdy rust-proof heavy steel frame with free drafting tools that can support weight over 220 pounds and contains two pullout drawers for different storing options.
Additionally, this drafting table also comes with a side pigment shelf and can hold weights over 50 pounds with two work areas: one titled large desk and medium size desk.
With all the options above, it is a perfect choice for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on the drafting table.
Key Features:
- Power-Coated Steel
- Three Drawers for extra storage
- Hollow Metal Shelf for wet appliance and a Padded Stools
- Steel frame made out of PVC and medium-density fiberboard working area
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Tangkula
- Dimension: 46.9 x 23.6 x 30 inches
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Budget-friendly
- Great capacity
- Extra options for storing
Cons
- Relatively new brand of drafting table
5. Alvin WorkMaster
(Best Heavy-Duty Drafting Table)
Workmaster BLK Base w/36x48top is a must when mentioning about heavy-duty drafting table. This table cannot be wrapped and able to adjust the height from 26 inches to 48 inches; therefore, it creates stability surface and built to last.
It also features with built-in-shelves with modesty panel and four thick black posts to ensure stability.
Furthermore, this drafting table is a thoughtful design suitable for beginners with the corners rounded for safety purposes and easy-adjust mechanism. The other plus point is contemporary styles with sleek white design.
Key Features:
- Angle adjust up to 40 degrees
- 1.5-square-inch steel base tubing
- Material: metal
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Alvin
- Dimension: 36 x 29 x 48 inches
Pros
- Advanced in rugged use
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Bulky
- Not flexibility
- Lack of ledge for pens and paper
6. Safco Products 3965MO Split Level Drafting Table
(Best Spacious Drafting Table)
The Safco Products Split Level is a smart choice for multi-task person. The height of this table is absolutely comfortable for the need at hand with a smaller top shelf.
You can sit or stand or even put your laptop on the right sight which is a bonus compared to another drafting table.
Due to melamine top made, it is easy to clean up and have a vast surface area that easily accommodates a mouse, keyboard, computer or laptop.
This modern is considered as ergonomically designed absolute efficiency and comfortable feeling even through working for long hours.
Surprisingly, this table is space consuming.
Key Features:
- Angle adjust up to 50 degrees
- Melamine top made with wood-grain style
- Split-level working station with three separate working tables
- Available pencil guard
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Mayline—Safco
- Dimension: 29.8 x 47.2 x 37.2 inches
Pros
- Provides space with good size
- Unique design
- Features space for laptops
- Suitable for variety environment
Cons
- Hard to assemble
For more detailed imagination about this amazing table, check this link to see review:
7. Coaster Desks Artist Drafting Table Desk
(Best Drafting Table for Home Office)
Coaster Drafting Table incredibly is sturdy although it is smaller and more lightweight than most drafting table thanks to the smart design of the tubed steel legs comes with screw-on plastic bottoms. Coaster’s tempered glass has a maximum weight capacity of up to 100 lbs.
With a sophisticated grey finish, Coaster’s table brings an elegant retro-modern vibe with flexibility height that you can choose to sit or stand. There are also two removable plastic cup holders and a mini cabin on the side. You can hang any regular desk lamp on the front wire piece under the desk.
Designed with an artist mindset, this clean and contemporary design table would be good furniture of any corner of your house.
Key Features:
- Angle adjust up to 60 degrees
- 5x stronger tempered glass top
- Three drawers and addition cup holder
- Material: glass, metal, and plastic
- Lip at lower section
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Coaster
- Dimensions: 41 x 24 x 44 inches
Pros
- Lightweight, slim and sturdy
- Reasonable price
- Can use the desk as lightbox
- Aesthetically outstanding
Cons
- The cabin for storing might be too small
- Require cleaning for glass top
8. STUDIO DESIGNS Comet Center With Stool
(Best Storage Drafting Table)
If your priority is storing space, these six-floor levelers are perfect choices with three large storage drawers and two additional storage shelves under the desktop.
Constructing from metal material combining with heavy gauge steel, this table astonishing accompanies with rough handling with adjust mechanism easily.
Furthermore, the padded stool is high quality which brings remarkably support and absolutely comfortable.
Key Features:
- Angle adjust up to 20 degrees
- Three storage drawers and 24’’ wide pencil ledge
- 20.5″H Padded Stool
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Studio Design
- Dimensions: 23.8 x 50 x 29.5 inches
Pros
- Extra storage
- Included high-quality padded stool
- Sturdy in design and material
Cons
- Low top angle adjustment compares to another drafting table
If you are curious about this table, this video will give you a first impression:
9. ZENY Height Adjustable Drafting Draft Desk
This table features two working spaces and is built for multiple uses, especially draftsmen. Thanks to high-quality MDF broad, the countertop is not only to clean but also is safe for laptops. The footpad is made of ABS material which creates extra protection for the floor without any slip.
There is also a slide-up pencil ledge and two storage drawers.
Key Features:
- P2 MDF Tabletop
- Powder Coated Iron Legs with rubber feet
- Two extra drawers
- Available pen container and padded stool
Specification:
- Manufacturer: ZENY
Pros
- Easily to clean
- Thoughtfully rubber feet
- Comfortable workstation with flexible top desk
Cons
- P2 MDF material might not last long when comparing to other material
It is a short tutorial which guide how to assemble ZENY Height Adjustable Drafting Draft Desk:
10. Dorel Living WM3514
This expresso wood-finished will be a great choice if you look for a vintage drafting table. It features two drawers and three open shelves that also made of woods enabling long-lasting reliable use.
Although this table is sturdy and has variety of options for storage space, it is surprisingly spaced consuming. Therefore, it would be perfectly adding to your office, which brings a unique style and comfortable feeling.
Key Features:
- Flexible tabletop with additional handy lip
- Material: wood
- Two drawers and three open shelves
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Dorel Living
- Dimensions: 21 x 47.5 x 36 inches
Pros
- Sturdy wood base
- Vintage style
- High-quality material of drawers and shelves
- Lightweight
Cons
- Require tools for assemble: Phillips-head screwdriver
11. Offex Glass Craft Station
I highly recommended this outstanding design to anyone who search for innovation style that ideally blending in any modern space. With clear blue tempered glass, this desktop is constructed with a smooth, safe and spacious surface supporting any sketching or drawing activities.
The other plus point is the light desk table, which perfectly accompanies for digital artists or blueprints makers.
Key Features:
- Angle adjust up to 30 degrees
- Blue tempered glass table
- 24’’ pencil ledge
- Four-floor levelers
- Heavy gage steel
- Made out from metal
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Offex
- Dimension: 48 x 48 x 28 inches
Pros
- Lightweight yet stability
- Modern style
- Sturdy and clear glass top desk
Cons
- Pricey
- No additional drawers
Check this link for more information and reviews about this unique table:
12. STUDIO DESIGNS Graphix II Workstation
Graphix II Workstation table is a sleek and contemporary design that satisfies your artist’s taste. Dual top surface allows for the angled flat surface. There are also height-adjustable legs enabling comfortable working for both tall and short person.
Moreover, there are two color options (grey and white) and two sizes for better accommodating. This drafting table can support up to 50 pounds with stability steel construction.
Key Features:
- Adjust angle up to 37 inches
- Heavy gauge steel frame
- Covering hard plastic
- Dual top surface with side shelves
Specification:
- Manufacturer: Design Studio
- Dimensions: 48 x 26 x 3.5 inches
Pros
- Modern style
- Easy to assemble
- Life-saver height adjustable legs
- Suitable for multi-use
Cons
- Adjustment legs might not hard to change sometimes because you have to remove the screws
- No extra drawers
Buying Guide
As mentioned above, the drafting table still an important role in supporting artists, architects, and engineers despite of the existence of computer-aided design (CAD).
With multi-functional design and useful for multiple purposes, the drafting table is also considered as a smart decision for students who study design overall as well as anyone who simply want an aesthetic working table for the house or the office.
Here are some tips to choose the best drafting table for you.
Material
There is a wide range of materials of drafting table you can choose from glass, wood, metal or steel.
Choosing the right material can lead to other decisions such as vintage or contemporary design, color, using purpose.
While wooden, oak and brass frame are sturdy and heavy which suitable for heavy-duty drafting, glass and steel frame are more lightweight and portable. Glass drafting table has the other plus that can add light source underneath top table.
Material conducts your preference for the drafting table regarding stability and portability. It also affects what purpose you are using it for from impromptu sketching, general reading and writing, sewing, painting, storyboarding…
Finally, the working environment is one consideration when deciding material. Wood generally required more proper care while glass is more easily to clean up.
Workstation Space
Drafting table allows artists, architects, and engineers achieving the ideal workstation space in terms of minimizing back strain throughout long working days.
However, the more flexible angle adjustment, the bigger the space needed.
Therefore, you need to consider the size and height of your drafting table in order to find the most suitable one for your working space.
The key to finding the correct size is checking the tabletop size. According to your needs, the main surface can be spacious if you require viewing large documents. Otherwise, if your priority is transportable, small surface working is an ideal option.
The height of the desk depends on your desire of sitting, standing or both while working. Generally, 30 inches of desk height is commonly referenced.
Accessories
Relying on your project, you might need to add accessories for your drafting table. Following the first two-step, make sure that adding accessories doesn’t restrict your movement with the right size of the drafting table and the space in your work.
Recently, many drafting tables come with extra drawers and pencil ledges for more storing options.
Some features with additionally padded stool and desk light.
Don’t forget to check all available accessories options before buying a drafting table.
Why Drafting Table Is Still Important Today?
Since the initial widespread implication of computer-aided design (CAD) software, many people argue that drafting table might not necessary anymore. However, due to the development of technology, the gap between traditional drawing and CAD software becomes closer and closer.
As we can see, some high-end hardware such as 27’’ inch Cintiq from Wacom enable the “feel” of sharping pencil, drafting pencil, and artist brushes.
In other words, the original inspiration of art still come from proficient pencil skill and great visual perception.
Moreover, drafting tables are not for architects and engineers anymore. With smart space operations and multi using purposes, it could be a great choice for public gallery showings, educations institutions, or decorating furniture.
FAQs
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is Studio Designs 10050 Futura Craft Station. This glass drafting table perfectly balances between portability and stability. With heavy-gauge, power-coated steel is constructed by four-floor levelers, you don’t have to worry about stable and durable.
The clear tempered safety-glass work enables smooth working on drafting or drawing paper with smart light pad support. 10050 Futura Craft Station features full option of accessories: removable tabletop art supply, three small drawers, 28’’ wide pencil drawer, and add leg extension.
It also has a unique design with four color options. Generally, it is a worthy investment.