DYI: Drafting Table Set Up

Having a drafting table can make creating designs much easier. If you do a lot of drawing or other work with paper designs, this is almost a must-have item. However, a lot of people want something either less expensive or more unique than the typically available drawing tables. The following are a few do-it-yourself ideas for setting up some unique desks.

Adjustable Design

You can make an adjustable table fairly easily using almost any desk with adjustable-height legs. The basic principle is to have shorter legs at the front than at the back. However, this wouldn’t sit properly because the legs would be at an angle. Fortunately, this can be solved with some hinges and a little scrap wood. Just add hinges to the tops of the legs and set the legs to create a tilt.

Basic Design

Alternatively, you could make a very basic design from scratch. All you will need is some lumber and appropriate hardware. Again, this is more or less just a case of making a table with longer legs in the back. Ideally, create a frame with the legs first and angled supports between the front and rear sets. Then, mount the drawing surface on the frame.

Hardwood Design

If you want to get a little fancier, you can invest in some high-quality hardwood. Create a base for the table like you would any other table. Then, instead of mounting the surface flat, connect it to the front with hinges. In the back, mount a height adjuster to create the desired angle.

The simplest option for this is to have two pieces of wood that swing down from the table surface to prop it up. Alternatively, you could use a screw mechanism or series of hooks at different heights. There are lots of options to make this work once you have the frame together.

Hideaway Design

If you want something discreet, consider adapting a murphy bed into a hideaway drafting table. The design is simple, create a wall cabinet with a door that hinges down. Then, connect the front of the drafting board/door to the top of the cabinet using a cable. If this is done right, you can make a nicely angled surface.

The main concern with this is ensuring that everything can handle the relevant forces. The cabinet needs to be mounted properly, ideally into studs or with heavy-duty anchors. Additionally, the hinges and cables need to support the weight to the drafting surface plus your elbows.

Floating Design

If you have a couple of well-spaced columns in your drafting space, you can create an awesome, low-profile floating desk. The concept is very simple, attach two angled supports to the columns. Then place the drafting desk surface on top of the supports. Ideally, cut the surface so that it wraps around the columns. This will conceal the supports and make everything a little stronger.

Wall Mounted Design

Another option for a wall-mounted design is to have the top of the desk mounted to the wall on hinges. Then, have a set of fold-out legs at the front. When you lift up the desk surface, the legs can be lowered to provide support and create the desired angle. Much like the hideaway design, the key to this is making sure the build can support the weight. So, good anchoring on the wall is essential. Also, consider adding locks to the legs to prevent accidental collapsing.

Fold-Away Design

As an alternative wall-mounted design, you could create the drafting table in a cabinet that folds up. Have the drafting surface connected to a lower support that hinges at the bottom of the cabinet. Then, connect the top of the surface to a rod fed through tracks on either side of the cabinet. This will allow the surface to be raised up and flush against the cabinet or down and out.

Better Option: Order a Budget-Friendly Drafting Table

The above suggestions are all unique and effective ways to make DIY drafting furniture. However, they require a lot of work and may not work out perfectly, especially if you don’t have all the tools you need. A simpler option is just to buy a desk that you like.

Fortunately, Engineer Supply has a large selection of drafting desks. You can find one that will work perfectly for the space you are in and that matches your tastes. Alternatively, if you are set on making your own desk, make sure you get the right supplies and tools from Engineer Supply first.

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