The Best Drawing Boards

US Art Supply Artist Sketch Tote Board

Professional and affordable

When we want the absolute best drawing board, we turn to US Art Supply.

Best Overall

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This option from US Art Supply has everything we look for in a drawing board and more. For starters, the large 23″ by 26″ surface gives you ample space for sketches, drafts, charts, and blueprints. It’s also a great option for those always on the move since it features a handle cutout and a thick rubber band for securing your sheet to the board. The clips are sturdy, the material is durable, and the price is right. With US Art Supply, you really can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Considering it’s a professional-grade board, the price is a bargain
• The straight clips aren’t obstructive
• Fairly lightweight, so it’s excellent for travel

Cons:

• It can get damaged by water

U.S. Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Drawing Board

Go big or go home

This is a sturdy, well-made drawing board that can be set to the angle you like best.

Best Extra Large

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This extra-large board can be used flat or set to any angle that you find comfortable (from a choice of 6 settings, ranging from flat to 80 degrees). It also has an extremely large surface, so it’s a great choice for working on those larger projects. The surface is 26.5 inches tall by 20 inches wide.

Along with being useful, this drawing board is made with care. It is made by hand from lightweight beechwood and naturally finished with oil. It even comes with a built-in pencil ledge for when you’re using it at an angle, as well as a drafting T-Square.

Pros:

• Sturdy and durable
• Large surface
• Can be set to a comfortable angle

Cons:

• This drawing board has a high price point when compared to other boards on this list

U.S. Art Supply Adjustable Wood Drawing Board and Paint Palette

A board and desk combo

This drawing board doubles as a lap desk, and it even comes with a paint palette to keep inside of the desk drawer.

Best Lap Desk

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This is the ultimate setup for an artist who is looking for the perfect place to sit down and draw. Its surface can be used as a drawing board, while its body is built in a similar fashion to a lap desk. It has a drawer for your most-used art supplies and even comes with a paint palette that fits right into the desk drawer.

This drawing board/lap desk combination is sturdy yet lightweight, so it’s comfortable to keep on your lap for long periods of time. It comfortably fits paper or canvas up to the size of 11 inches by 14 inches. It even comes with a 100% lifetime guarantee, so you can try it out without fear.

Pros:

• Has desk features along with the drawing board surface
• Well made and lightweight
• Comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• This has a smaller surface, so it’s not the best choice for artists who often create large works

Artlicious Sketch Tote Drawing Board

Grab-and-go sketching

With a compact size and a cut-out handle, this drawing board is built for travel.

Most Portable

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We like to have our sketching supplies with us while we travel. That way, we’re ready to put pencil to paper whenever the inspiration strikes. For those looking to hit the road, go with this 11″ by 17″ drawing board from Artlicious. Inexpensive and strong, this board is perfect for tossing in a travel bag. It also has a cut-out handle for toting it with you as you move.

Pros:

• Available in two different sizes to match your style
• Includes a thick rubber band for securing down your paper
• The clip doesn’t obstruct the paper and keeps a strong hold

Cons:

• Water will damage the board

Syrace Artist Sketch Tote Drawing Board- Set of Two

Waterproof for watercolors

This set of two comes with a large and a small drawing board, each made from waterproof materials.

Best For Watercolor

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If you plan on using your drawing board for both drawing and watercolor, you may be wary of the wooden options that are shown above. Unfinished wood is difficult to clean, and it’s not ideal to get it wet. That’s why these acrylic drawing boards may be a better choice for you.

This set comes with two waterproof drawing boards, one small version and one large. They each have a clip to keep your piece in place while you work, and the large board has a handle for easy carrying. The acrylic they are made from is also lightweight and durable, making the board comfortable to use and long-lasting.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Comes in a set of two
• Lightweight and durable

Cons:

• Fewer features than the drawing board options shown above

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the Purpose of a Drawing Board?

A: A drawing board is exactly what it sounds like- a place to draw. They are made to hold your paper, canvas, or other material while you create. They are often used by artists, as well as drafting professionals such as bridge designers and blueprint creators. They provide a hard surface so you do not need to be at a desk or table while you’re creating your next masterpiece.

Q: What Features Should I Consider When Deciding Which Drawing Board to Purchase?

A: There are a few things that you will want to keep in mind while you are choosing your new drawing board. The first, and likely the most important, is the size of the board. If you often create large works of art, you are going to need an extra-large board. If your works are smaller, you can choose a smaller board. Be sure to pay attention to material as well, since a waterproof board may be better if you’re a watercolor painter, for example.

You will also want to consider any added features that you may find useful. For example, do you want clips to keep your work in place? Do you want to be able to draw at an angle instead of flat on your lap? Do you want your drawing board to come with drafting tools or a drawer for storage? Once you answer these questions for yourself, you will be able to choose the perfect drawing board for your specific needs and desires.

No matter what kind of art you create, a drawing board is a tool that’ll make your work much more pleasant. Choose the drawing board that’s right for you from the list above, and look forward to creating comfortably on your new art surface.