Traditional Worktop, adjustable drafting tables

Drawing boards for creating specs, art, and designs are considered drafting and specialty tables that go beyond standard office desks by giving individuals larger, taller work surfaces. Traditional choices for drafting have fixed or adjustable platforms that pitch upward from horizontal to 50 degrees and more. The incline lets users angle their arms in a drawing position without hunching over.

Adjustable-pitch varieties have locking mechanisms to maintain the stability of the surfaces, some with preset positions. Many traditional drawing tables are also from 36 to 40 inches in height, for use with drafting-style stools. Adjustable-height models are available if people prefer to sit in standard office chairs at desk heights of around 26 inches.

Drawing tables with fixed-position work surfaces

Some tables come at fixed heights yet provide the necessary surface dimensions for drawing, from 60 inches long to 42 inches wide. The specialty desks also provide ideal tabletops for project team planning, so members can spread their paperwork out for quick, accessible reference while also having room for charts or graphs detailing project goals and milestones.

Accessory features of drafting desks

As with other home and office tables, drawing boards come in a range of materials, such as solid wood and wood veneer as well as metals like stainless steel, chromed steel, pewter, and aluminum. Other materials include laminates, melamine, and plastic. Some are combinations of wood and metal, and others come with glass tabletops. They are available in many wood grains and powder-coated, enameled, or lacquered finishes in a wide range of colors.

Many drafting tables also have auxiliary features for storing drawing supplies

• Pencil ledges
• Side or hanging trays
• Center reference drawers for blueprints and drawings
• Hanging file organizers for work orders and other documents

Additional accompanying conveniences include raised metric or imperial rulers along the bottom edge of the tops, and some even provide attached mini cabinets for supply storage.

Specialty tables and workstations

As with many categories of furniture, drawing tables come in specialty models. Portable drafting desks are available with locking casters, so you can put them anywhere in the office. Others are fold-up, hand-portable units with fold-away supports that pitch desks at a 50-degree angle. Other versions come as part of workstations, giving users a full complement of work surfaces for writing and computing, as well as drawers, shelves, and cabinets for supplies and files.