There are many drafting tables types and styles available for the artist or architect to choose from. Whether it's the traditional solid desk or the modern CPU option, there is a drafting table for everyone. Therefore, when purchasing a drafting table for your business, don’t rush into choosing one.

The drafting table you decide to buy needs to meet your own unique requirements, and, more importantly, your working style. Do you like to spread your designs on a flat working surface or do you prefer two areas in which you can multi-task? Once these questions are answered, you can better decide which drafting table will make your job easier. When researching drafting tables, consider the following:

1. Drafting tables are usually made out of steel or wood.

2. Portable and foldaway drafting tables are great if you lack space in a home office.

3. For intricate detail, or an accurate portrayal of your work, consider a light table.

Action Steps
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Select solid drafting tables for a traditional workspace option

If all you need is maximum workspace for drawing, then the traditional solid drafting table will suffice. Many solid drafting tables have drawers or compartments for storage space. Some of these tables can also adjust a full 90 degrees for a more comfortable workspace.

I recommend: DraftingTables.com features a large variety of drafting tables, including portable and fold away options. The DraftingSteals.com collection of drafting tables vary from wood to steel, depending on your preference.

Decide between the split top drafting table or the adjustable split

Split top drafting tables accommodate the artist who likes to work and take notes, work with two mediums, or have a place for a monitor. Some of these drafting table models are also CPU compatible. If you are a drafter or artist who switches from standing to sitting when working, then an adjustable drafting table may suit your needs.

I recommend: Drafting Table Superstore specializes in drafting tables, and includes various versions with drawer and cupboard storage space. Official Drafting Tables offers a wide range of drafting tables, including split tops for an artist's many needs.

Consider CPU compatible drafting tables if you specialize in computer aided design

If computer aided drafting and design is your forte, then the CPU compatible drafting table is the way to go. Staying up to date with technology is easier with right workspace. The CPU compatible drafting table is also a great space saver and will make your work so much more efficient.

I recommend: Drawing Tables and Easels features CPU compatible drafting tables for all your designing needs. Cartwrite drafting tables include computer work areas, plus they are spacious and adjust to various angles.

If you require drafting tables for your business, you should first decide what style of drafting you need. Search an online drafting tables list to help you determine whether you want to buy something brand new, have something custom made or find deals on used or refurbished models. You can also contact a drafting tables provider to find drafting tables that meet the requirements of your business without breaking your budget.

Before you buy a drafting table, here are some things to consider:

1. Find drafting tables that meet the requirements of your business.

2. Get drafting table chairs and accessories for you and all of your employees.

3. Look into deals on used or refurbished drafting tables and accessories.

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Purchase drafting tables or have them custom made

Finding the right drafting tables for your business doesn't need to be a difficult process. The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of drafting you need or if you want to have one custom made to meet certain requirements. Once you've made that decision, finding a drafting tables provider will be easier for you.

I recommend: At DEW Drafting Supplies you can find all kinds of drafting tables, from wood to steel, along with other drafting supplies. If you want a custom-made drafting table, go to Formaspace, which lets you design your drafting tables online and then have them shipped to you.

Purchase chairs and accessories for drafting tables

Of course, if you're going to buy drafting tables, you're also going to need chairs, along with other drafting table accessories. There are many places online where you can quickly find what you're looking for.

I recommend: Visit Corporate Office Chairs to find a full selection of drafting table chairs designed specifically for business settings. At EngineerSupply.com, you can find drafting lamps and anything else you need to furnish your office. Simply scroll through their chairs, accessories and drafting tables directory to find what you're looking for.

Buy used or refurbished drafting tables

If you have budget concerns or just don't want to buy brand-new drafting tables, consider buying used or refurbished ones instead. You can still get quality furnishings that will work within your office setting at prices that can fit into any budget plan.

I recommend: Go to Hoppers Office & Drafting Furniture to find a full line of used drafting tables and other drafting office accessories and tools. At Office Furniture Outlet, look through its list of chairs and drafting tables information to find what you're looking for at great price.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Space is obviously a consideration when thinking of purchasing a drafting table, so consider buying a split level surface drafting table that you can split to use one section as your drafting table and the other section as you would a regular desk.

Drafting tables are useful when working on blueprints, schematics and other intricate drawings. However, these specialized tables can take a big bite out of the budget, especially if you opt to include additional upgrades and features.

When you are planning your budget, you should consider the drafting tables pricing and costs, including chairs, that will increase the price tag for adding the tables to your business. Consider the following suggestions to help you plan your budget:

1. Minimize the initial cost of purchasing the drafting tables by purchasing simple tables.

2. Invest in lighted drafting tables to minimize the risk of certain injuries.

3. Give your employees a place to sit while working on the tables.

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Opt to purchase basic drafting tables

Drafting tables are available in various styles with numerous upgrades and features available. Opting to buy basic drafting tables without all the bells and whistles is much easier on the budget. Upgrades, such as choosing a split level table may add at least $300 to your purchase price for each table. This price increase is sometimes higher than $1,000.

I recommend: DraftingTables.com offers a varied selection of drafting tables, including solid top tables. Prices for these tables vary, depending on the features you choose. However, you can expect to spend $150 to over $1,000. ArtSupply.com offers numerous drafting tables. Prices range from under $200 to well over $3,000 depending on the upgrades and table size you choose.

Upgrade to lighted drafting tables

While lighted drafting tables are priced significantly higher than standard drafting tables, they can save you money in the long run on medical bills. A lighted drafting table makes seeing the lines easier, which puts less stress on the eyes and may lead to fewer headaches. These tables also discourage slouching because you don't have to lean over the table to see. This may lead to fewer back and neck problems.

I recommend: You can find lighted drafting tables at Official Drafting Tables. This company has a wide range of prices on its drafting tables, which ranges from $900 to over $3,000 for lighted models. Drafting Equipment Warehouse sells a varied selection of lighted drafting tables. Prices range from under $300 to $4,000.

Remember the cost of adding chairs to drafting tables

Drafting tables are of little use if you don't have the chairs or stools to go with them. These chairs don't have to put a huge dent in the budget. You can find good quality chairs for under $100 if you are willing to do without fancy upgrades. Stools are even cheaper. However, people who use stools are more prone to back and neck troubles, as there isn't a way to lean back and rest periodically.

I recommend: Madison Art Shop sells drafting chairs and stools. This company offers models priced under $100. However, there are also models that are priced over $200. There are numerous drafting stool and chair options available from ivg Stores. This company has full back drafting chairs priced at around $400. Basic drafting chairs and stools are priced from $30 for stools to $350 for ergonomic drafting chairs.

Drafting tables are an important part of the equation for those that are making architectural drawings. Their large surface makes it easy to lay the entire blueprint on the table to work more efficiently. Drafting tables can cost thousands of dollars, so it's a good idea to research before you buy to determine what types of features you may need. For example, you may want to consider ergonomics in order to protect your body or purchase a light table to protect your eyes. Split-top tables, especially ones that are CPU compatible are ideal for smaller spaces.

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Light tables

A light table is a drafting table that lights up underneath. This helps protect workers' eyesight by making it easier to see small lines and other fine details.

I recommend: ArtSupply.com offers light tables for drafting in addition to light boxes, which are small, portable versions that you can use for small projects.

Split-top

A split-top drafting table has two separate areas - one that you can use for drafting and one that you can use for something else, such as for a laptop or writing.

I recommend: See an example of a split-top drafting table at Modern School Supplies.

CPU compatible

A drafting table that is CPU compatible has a special place where you can store the CPU of your computer. This is ideal for drafters that also use computer-based programs, such as CAD.

I recommend: See some examples of CPU compatible drafting tables at DraftingTables.com. Note that many of these do have a split top, but what makes them different is the extra storage space below for the CPU.

Adjustable height and angle

Many drafting tables come with adjustable height and angle, which allows you to put the table at the exact position that you want. This allows you to work either sitting or standing and is also ideal for people that are shorter or taller than average.

I recommend: Look to Modern Office for an example of a drafting table with an adjustable height and angle.

Folding or collapsible

Some drafting tables fold up or are collapsible, which makes for easy storage. This is another great solution for small spaces, though these types of tables are not as sturdy as other types.

I recommend: To see an example of a folding drafting table, visit Drafting Steals.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is paying attention to your body positioning in order prevent physical injuries that can occur from bad posture. You can purchase chairs to go with your drafting table that help with ergonomics. Additionally, many drafting tables are designed to be used while standing, which can be beneficial.

I recommend: Learn about ergonomics from Ergonomics.org and see some drafting table chairs that are ergonomic at Office Chairs on Sale.