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Drafting easels are an essential tool for artists, architects, and designers. Not only do they provide a sturdy, adjustable surface on which to work, but a good drafting easel can also improve ergonomics and prevent posture-related injuries. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the one that best suits your needs. The right drafting easel should be sturdy, adjustable, and well-constructed
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve painstakingly tested and researched a range of drafting easels to identify the ones that can provide the best value for your money. We have examined factors like materials, adjustability levels, and overall construction to determine which products are superior.
In our quest for the ideal drafting easel, we paid close attention to the materials used. The best drafting easels should be made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand constant use. They should also have rubberized feet to prevent slipping and protect your floors.
The easel should be easily adjustable, allowing you to work at various heights and angles. An adjustable easel enables an artist to work more comfortably and can reduce strain and fatigue, resulting in better work and longer sessions.
In the following section of this article, we’ll share our insights into the best drafting easels on the market so you can make an informed decision based on our extensive research and hands-on experience. We are confident that at the end of this read, you will have all the necessary information to choose a drafting easel that will enhance your creativity and productivity.
Best Drafting Easels
Selecting the right drafting easel is pivotal to your creative process and overall work experience. The easel needs to be sturdy, adjustable, and made of top-tier materials. However, with an influx of products in the market, this decision could be overwhelming. In light of this, with this article, we have compiled a list of the best drafting easels that we have carefully selected and tested, to help guide your decision-making and purchase process.
SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75″ x 29.5″ Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel, 5 Positions, Natural Beechwood Finish
If you’re looking for a portable drawing board that’s easy to set up and use, the SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75″ x 29.5″ Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel is a great option.
Pros
- The easel can be adjusted to five different drawing angles, making it versatile for a variety of drawing styles.
- The top of the easel is made of natural beech wood, which is durable and provides a smooth surface for drawing.
- The easel is easy to set up and can be assembled in just a few minutes.
Cons
- The easel is relatively heavy, weighing in at 16.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users.
- The adjustable feature may not be as sturdy as some users would like, especially when the easel is adjusted to its highest angle.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Overall, we found the SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75″ x 29.5″ Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel to be a great choice for anyone who is looking for a portable drawing board that’s easy to set up and use. The adjustable feature is a great feature that allows for versatility in drawing styles, and the natural beech wood surface provides a smooth and durable surface for drawing.
If you’re looking for a portable drawing board that’s easy to set up and use, the SoHo Urban Artist Extra Large 19.75″ x 29.5″ Adjustable Portable Drawing Board Stand Easel is definitely worth considering.
Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board, 16 1/2 Inches by 12 1/8 Inches
If you’re looking for a versatile drawing table that can accommodate different drawing and painting styles, the Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board is a great option.
Pros
- The table is made of high-quality wood, making it sturdy and durable.
- The five different angles and positions make it easy to draw and paint at different angles, which is great for those who like to experiment with different styles.
- The table is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient to use in different locations.
Cons
- The table is relatively small, which may not be suitable for those who need a larger workspace.
- The clips that hold the paper in place may not be strong enough to hold thicker papers.
- The table may wobble slightly if not assembled properly.
The Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board is a great choice for those who are looking for a versatile and portable drawing table. The table’s five different angles and positions make it easy to draw and paint at different angles, which is great for those who like to experiment with different styles. Additionally, the table is made of high-quality wood, making it sturdy and durable, and it’s easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient to use in different locations.
One of the downsides of the table is its size. It may not be suitable for those who need a larger workspace. Additionally, the clips that hold the paper in place may not be strong enough to hold thicker papers. Finally, the table may wobble slightly if not assembled properly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and portable drawing table, the Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board is a great option to consider.
US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table -Light Weight, Easel with Strong Support
If you’re looking for a versatile and sturdy easel to support your art projects, the US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable height feature allows you to work comfortably at your preferred level, making it suitable for both kids and adults.
- The strong and stable steel frame ensures that the easel won’t wobble or shake, even when you’re working on larger projects.
- The foldable design makes it easy to store and transport, whether you need to take it to a friend’s house or pack it away for the season.
Cons
- The assembly instructions can be a bit confusing, so you may need to refer to online videos or consult with someone who has already put the easel together.
- The maximum weight recommendation of 20 lbs for the drawing board may limit the types of projects you can work on.
- The easel may not be suitable for very tall individuals, as the maximum height is 47.5 inches.
Overall, we highly recommend the US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile easel for their art projects. With its adjustable height, strong support, and easy portability, it’s a great choice for artists of all ages and skill levels.
Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel, A3 Desk Easel, Drawing Board, 4-Position Adjustable Table Easel Painting Board for Artists, Children, Beginners
If you’re looking for a compact and portable drawing easel, the Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel by JEYU is a great option.
Pros
- The easel is made of high-quality PP material, which is sturdy and durable.
- It is adjustable and can be set to 4 different angles, making it suitable for various drawing scenes.
- The easel is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry and store.
Cons
- The easel is not suitable for large-format drawings, as it can only accommodate A3-sized paper.
- The clips provided for holding the paper in place may not be strong enough for thicker papers.
- The easel may wobble slightly if not properly assembled or if bumped.
The Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel is easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be adjusted to four different angles to meet different drawing needs. It is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry and store. However, it may not be suitable for large-format drawings, and the clips provided for holding the paper in place may not be strong enough for thicker papers. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable drawing easel, the Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel by JEYU is a great option to consider.
U.S. Art Supply X-Large 25-5/8″ Wide x 19″ Tall (A2) Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy drawing board, the U.S. Art Supply X-Large 25-5/8″ Wide x 19″ Tall (A2) Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable drawing board allows you to adjust the angle of the drawing board to suit your needs, which is great for shading and hatching.
- The drawing board is made of high-quality materials, including thick and sturdy wooden panels and metal brackets, which ensures long-lasting durability.
- The drawing board is large enough to accommodate most types of paper, including standard letter and A2 sizes, making it versatile for different drawing needs.
Cons
- The drawing board is quite heavy, weighing in at 12 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or transport.
- The drawing board may wobble slightly if not adjusted properly, which can be distracting while drawing.
- The drawing board may be too large for some users, depending on their workspace and storage considerations.
The U.S. Art Supply X-Large 25-5/8″ Wide x 19″ Tall (A2) Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile drawing board. The adjustable feature is a standout, allowing you to customize your drawing experience to suit your needs. The thick wooden panels and metal brackets ensure long-lasting durability, making this drawing board a reliable choice for artists of all levels.
One potential downside is the weight of the drawing board, which may make it difficult to move around or transport. Additionally, the drawing board may wobble slightly if not adjusted properly, which can be distracting while drawing. Finally, the drawing board may be too large for some users, depending on their workspace and storage considerations.
Overall, the U.S. Art Supply X-Large 25-5/8″ Wide x 19″ Tall (A2) Artist Adjustable Wood Drawing Board is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile drawing board.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best drafting easel, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the easel are important considerations. A larger easel may provide more working space, but it may also be more difficult to move around. A heavier easel may be more stable, but it may also be more challenging to set up and break down.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the easel are also important factors to consider. Look for an easel made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use. A durable easel will last longer and require less maintenance.
Adjustability
Adjustability is another important feature to look for in a drafting easel. Look for an easel that can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. This may include adjusting the height, angle, or drawing surface.
Portability
If you plan to use your drafting easel in multiple locations, portability is an important consideration. Look for an easel that is easy to transport and set up.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. This may include a built-in storage compartment, a removable drawing surface, or a built-in ruler.
By considering these key features, you can find the best drafting easel to meet your specific needs.
