7 Best Drafting Boards for Architects | Buyer’s Guide

A drafting board is essential for precision in drawing, drafting, and sketching. 

And especially when your work thrives around technical drawing, the firm surface of the drafting board comes of great use. It helps minimize the number of ghostly white lines that would otherwise interfere with your finished drawings.

The writing surfaces of a few drafting boards are also adjustable, which directly improves your efficiency without having to feel confined to a table. After all, when you get the perfect angle that you wish to work with, it keeps you more comfortable.

Now, with the number of available options, it can get rather challenging to find the best unit. But to make this search process a bit simpler, we have handpicked 5 of the best options that will meet your drawing needs.

So, let’s check them out!

Best Drafting Boards

So, if you’re looking for a reliable and functional drafting board that can help you bring your ideas to life, here’s the list of the 7 best drafting boards that you should consider.

1. ROTRING A2 DESIGNER DRAWING BOARD – Best for Professionals and Precision

The Rotring A2 Designer Drawing Board is a practical and versatile tool for artists, designers, and architects. With a large work area, adjustable angle, non-warping materials, measuring guides, and magnetic clamp functions, this tool is essential for professionals and amateurs alike.

The Rotring A2 Designer Drawing Board offers a generous workspace with adjustable angles, enabling you to work comfortably and efficiently. High-quality materials prevent warping, ensuring that your drawings and designs remain on a flat surface for maximum precision.

Additionally, the measuring guides and locking options provided by the two magnetic clamps secure the paper in place and facilitate accurate work.

One drawback of this drawing board is the slightly flimsy straight-edge mechanism. It is worth noting that the optional bag, which can be purchased separately, is of low quality.

2. US ART SUPPLY EXTRA LARGE DRAWING BOARD – Best for Versatility and Space

The US Art Supply Extra Large Drawing Board offers a flexible work area with an adjustable angle from flat to 80 degrees. The large surface, holding ledge, convertible design, and foldability make it an efficient and user-friendly choice for various drafting and drawing tasks.

The adjustable angle, wide working space, and holding ledge provide a comfortable and organized workspace for artists. The convertible design allows the board to be used as a tabletop drafting table, making it versatile, while foldability ensures easy transportation to different locations.

While the overall design and functionality are impressive, the desktop isn’t very smooth for pencil shading, and the included T-square is a bit too long, making it cumbersome for certain tasks.

3. MARTIN UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRO-DRAFT DRAWING BOARD – Best for Adjustable Angles and Durability

The Martin Universal Design Pro-Draft Drawing Board is a reliable and convenient tool for artists who require an adjustable and durable drafting surface. With five positions, a sturdy top, large knobs for alignment, rubber feet for stability, and a comfortable grip handle for transportation, this drawing board meets the demands of professionals and hobbyists alike.

The Pro-Draft Drawing Board offers five adjustable positions ranging between 10 to 45 degrees, catered to your workflow preferences. Its durable top is built for extended use without warping or bending. The large knobs allow you to quickly align the straight edge with your drawing, while the rubber feet provide added stability during use. Furthermore, the comfortable grip handle makes this drafting board easy to transport.

Although this drafting board is highly functional, the board’s corners are sharp, which might pose a safety risk. Additionally, the plastic legs are somewhat flimsy, compromising the overall sturdiness of the board.

4. KOH-I-NOOR PORTABLE STUDIO DRAWING BOARD

The Koh-I-Noor Portable Studio Drawing Board is an excellent choice for artists looking for a lightweight and versatile drawing board. With features like a carrying case, adjustable drawing surface height, reversible feet, lockable mechanisms, and a lightweight design, this drawing board caters to various needs and preferences.

The portability of this drawing board is one of its biggest selling points. It comes with a durable vinyl carrying case to keep your board and artwork safe during transportation. Its adjustable drawing surface can be raised from 7″ to 15″, making it suitable for users who prefer working while standing or sitting. The reversible feet secure your architectural drawings, and the lockable feature prevents the drafting sheet from slipping. Lastly, its lightweight design allows you to bring it to any location with ease.

Despite its many advantages, the Koh-I-Noor drawing board has some flaws. The board itself is a bit flimsy and may not offer the desired level of stability. Besides, this drawing board may not be suitable for left-handed individuals due to its design.

5. KINBELLE A3 MULTIFUNCTIONAL DRAFTING TABLE

Featuring a lockable position, included accessories, anti-slip legs, and lightweight construction, the Kinbelle A3 Multifunctional Drafting Table is perfect for artists and designers who work in various environments and require a portable and stable workspace solution.

The Kinbelle A3 Multifunctional Drafting Table boasts a lockable position that secures it in place and prevents instability. In addition, it comes with a 12 cm rotating ruler and triangle, anti-slip legs for added stability, and a lightweight design, allowing for easy transportation.

This drafting table’s surface is not suitable for large drafting sheets, and the included triangle is not flippable, which may be inconvenient for some users.

6. Alvin PXB24 PXB Series Drafting Board

The penultimate product on our list is the Alvin PXB24 drafting board. The PXB24 stands out from the other units, mainly because of its functionality which makes it suitable for all types of drafting purposes. And it’s almost as good as other premium options that might cost you two or three times more.

We did our share of research to pick the right unit that would be ideal for making large blueprints and plans. This drafting board has an average-sized writing surface that works perfectly for most drawing purposes. And it’s made of melamine, which is smooth enough for everyday use without struggling with a bumpy surface.  

The first thing that we noticed about this unit is the aluminum straight edge that comes with soft, rubber edges to provide an enhanced grip and control. Further, the straight edge features brake mechanisms on both ends for more secure locking. It also comes with top-mounted adjustment knobs for adjusting the height according to what’s convenient for you to draw in.  

Moreover, it has a versatile crystal clear acrylic blade with inking edges that are placed underneath to minimize smudging. And it also includes rubber-dipped folding metal legs that help prevent scratching of the work surface. 

In addition to durability, the work surface is also well-designed to ensure that your lines are clear and straight. And this keeps the work from getting disrupted even when you use thinner paper. Overall, this unit is convenient and reliable enough to provide good value for your investment.

7. Alvin LB118 Drafting Board

The last product on our list of recommendations is the LB118 drafting board from Alvin. For those of you who have been looking for a unit with a traditional design, this drafting board makes for an ideal choice. And the affordable price tag makes it a great bargain for a high-quality model.

This is a relatively simple drafting board, which is designed to be ultralight. It’s quite convenient for freehand drawing, sketching, or graphing. And the best aspect of this unit is that you can take it along when you’re on the go! 

One thing that should be noted is that this may be a portable unit, but it’s relatively large. By this, we mean the writing surface is equivalent to most of the newer models. So, even though it has a traditional design, you won’t be missing out on anything in terms of the work area.

Plus, it has a pretty smooth writing surface as it’s made of unfinished wood veneer, which further complements its lightweight construction. The structure is also pretty sturdy and durable, which makes it ideal for everyday use as well. 

And the only minimal drawback that we noticed is that it doesn’t have a straight edge. This is why you’ll need to purchase a T-square separately for your drafting requirements. Overall, this is a quality drafting board that will last you for years to come.

Best Drafting Boards Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Drafting Boards

Before you purchase the drafting board that has caught your attention, there are a few factors that you need to consider. After all, this is not one of the stationery items that we buy often; therefore, it’s important to focus on the essential requirements for picking the best unit. Here’s a list of the factors that will help you make an informed decision.

So, strap in and read on!

1. Features

Every drafting board is different from the other models, in terms of the features that are being offered. For instance, some are portable, some are adjustable, etc. When you have a clear picture of the features that are significantly required in a drafting board, it will help in selecting a unit that works best for you.

Some of the basic features that you should keep an eye out for are:

• Mobility- In truth, the drafting board should be large enough for you to work efficiently. But at the same time, the weight shouldn’t be a hindrance to carrying it around when required. So, depending on the type of work, you should check whether mobility is important to you or not.   
• Adjustable- When you’re working on a large plan or design, you might have to work around different angles and tilt the board. This helps you find a better vantage point for completing your work with ease. That’s why most drafting boards have an adjustability range from flat to at least 80 degrees, which works in your favor.
• Storage- This is another essential factor that you need to consider as it helps you determine what will be the best way to arrange your stationeries. Some drafting boards come with a broad lip at the bottom, which is mostly used for holding your drawing tools. 

2. Build and Materials

The best drafting tables have a top-notch build quality, which further helps determine how long the unit is going to last. Moreover, the build also makes it clear whether it’s worth the investment or not. For instance, the units that are made of heavy-duty materials generally have a high price tag, whereas the ones with poor-quality build are way cheaper.  

3. Dimensions

The size of the writing surface plays an essential role in helping you select the right unit. If you need to make large plans, then opting for a small drafting board will not meet your requirements. Similarly, picking a drafting board that’s too big can get hard to handle. 

So, before you finalize a particular unit, it’s best to have a clear idea about the size of the drafting board that fits your purpose and job type.

4. Budget

If you set out to pick a unit that comes with modern features and a lot of add-ons, then you would have to extend your budget by a few hundred dollars. Therefore, you should narrow down your expectations to the features that will be extremely useful for you, and check out the units accordingly. This will keep you from busting the budget. 

What are the different types of drafting boards available in the market?

There are various types of drafting boards, including portable drafting boards, adjustable tilt drafting tables, multi-purpose drafting desks, and digital drawing tablets with drafting capabilities.

How does a drafting board differ from a drawing table?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a drafting board typically refers to a surface without storage or additional features, whereas a drawing table may include drawers, shelves, or other storage options.

Are there drafting boards suitable for digital drawing and design work?

Yes, there are digital drawing tablets available that serve as a combination of a traditional drafting board and a digital interface, allowing architects to create digital designs while still having the tactile experience of using a drafting surface.

Are there ergonomic considerations when using a drafting board for extended periods?

Yes, ergonomics are important. Ensure the board’s height and tilt angle are adjustable to reduce strain on your neck, back, and wrists. Use an ergonomic chair and position the board at a comfortable height for extended use.

Conclusion

Through this detailed analysis, we have discovered the top features and strengths of the seven best drafting boards available on the market. We found that each product comes with unique components that cater to the varying needs of artists, designers, and architects. By using these drafting boards, professionals and amateurs alike can improve their work quality, enhance their creativity, and achieve comfortable and efficient drawing experiences.

Out of these 7 Best Drafting Boards, here are the top three expert recommendations:

The Rotring A2 Designer Drawing Board is an ideal option for those who prioritize a generous workspace with adjustable angles, non-warping materials, and accurate measuring guides. Despite its slightly flimsy straight-edge mechanism, this drafting board is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.

For users who prefer a wide working space, holding ledge, and convertible design, the US Art Supply Extra Large Drawing Board is a good option. Although the desktop is not very smooth for pencil shading, this board offers a great level of versatility and foldability for easy transportation.

Lastly, if you require an adjustable and durable drafting surface with five positions, the Martin Universal Design Pro-Draft Drawing Board is the right choice. This board sports large knobs for alignment, rubber feet for stability, and a comfortable grip handle for transportation, despite having sharp corners and flimsy plastic legs.

In conclusion, it’s essential to choose a drafting board that matches your specific needs, preferences, and budget to ensure the best possible working experience. So, make an informed decision by considering these expert recommendations and thoroughly evaluating the available options.

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