How to Build A Drafting Table

If you've been debating on whether you should build a drafting table or not, what's holding you back? If you are an artist or have a job or hobby that would benefit from having a large flat table, a drafting table is often a no-brainer.

The big decision is whether you want to buy an already made drafting table or make your own. If money is not a problem, you may want to go ahead and purchase a drafting table. If you are pinching pennies, you may want to go the do-it-yourself route.

The first thing you need to figure out is how large of a drafting table you want to build. A common size of drafting tables is 3x6 feet. The tabletop should be about three feet off the ground, so you can sit comfortably and work on the space. At this height, you can also more comfortably work standing if you need to walk around the table to attend to final details.

Materials Needed:

(1) æ" Plywood - 36" x 72"

(4) 2x4 – 21"

(2) 2x4 – 36"

(2) 2x4 – 42"

(4) 2x4 – 60"

(1) Box 3" Drywall Screws

(8-10) 2" Drywall Screws

(1) Drafting Table Cover (often called Drawing Board Cover) 36" x 72" or as close as you can get to your table size.

Set two of the 60" pieces of 2x4s flat on the floor, parallel to one another. Now use two of the 21" pieces of 2x4 in between to create a frame. This is the bottom portion of your table frame. Use the 3" screws to attach the pieces together, screwing from the 60" pieces into the 21" pieces. Repeat with the other 60" and 21" pieces to create the top frame.

The next step as you build a drafting table is to turn one frame into the tabletop. Set one of the frames on the tabletop piece of plywood and use a tape measure to evenly square off the piece. Use 2" drywall screws to attach the tabletop wood to the tabletop frame piece.

Put the top on the ground (face down). Now it's time to add the legs. The 36" legs are to be attached to the inside of the top frame (on the side which is to be the front of the table). Remember, the long sides of the frame are the front and the back of the table. Use 3" screws to hold these legs in place.

Next, attach the 42" pieces to the opposite side of the frame top. These are your back legs.

Now slide the bottom frame piece over the set of four legs. You should move it up about 8" - 10" from the bottom of the legs. Fasten the legs to the frame.

It's time to turn it over. Test the table to make sure it's even. If you have a little wobble, take note of which legs are off and cut them down to size.

Now take the drafting table cover and attach it according to the directions on the packaging. You can now say you were able to build a drafting table.