Top 8 Best Drawing Boards To Buy In 2023 Review

Do you love to draw? If you want to unleash your creative streak, assembling the right tools is essential. In addition to art materials, you need to make sure that you have a steady and reusable base to work on.

This will become very easy when you pick up one of the best drawing boards on the market. These special boards come in a wide range of sizes and styles and are designed to be especially portable.

So, let’s take a look at the most popular drawing boards around to discover what makes them so special and find the perfect one for you…

Top 8 Best Drawing Boards In 2023 Reviews

1 Art Alternatives Field Sketch Board 18X18 – Best Portable Drawing Board

If you are taking art classes at college or university, you will need a drawing board that is portable. You are unlikely to need a lot of advanced features that many models offer. The Art Alternatives Field Sketch Board 18X18 is the perfect model for beginners.

Back to the drawing board…

This strong and sturdy drawing board has been made of Masonite, which is also known as particleboard. You are provided with a flat surface for sketching, watercolors, and other types of art. While there is no natural tilt feature, you are able to prop up the board to create your own angle.

The measurements of this model are 18 inches by 18 inches. This size is ideal for small to medium scale drawing projects. You are provided with a thick rubber band to hold the bottom of your paper firmly in place.

Delicate work?

While the grip clip that is set into this board is strong, it can be quite difficult to open. To release your paper from the clip, you need to place your hand on the paper. This could be an issue if you have a wet painting or a rather delicate drawing.

If you are looking for a basic drawing board for outdoor adventures, this model is a good option. The overall weight of this model is less than two pounds, helps to make it especially portable. The integrated handle that is set into the side also makes this board easy to carry.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

2 Martin Universal Design Portable Art Studio Drawing Sketch Board – Best Studio Drawing Board

If you regularly create drawings or artwork outside, you will need a drawing board that is especially durable. The board needs to be able to withstand plenty of knocks and shocks during the journey. The last thing you want is for your new board to tear or crumble after a few uses.

This will not be an issue when you choose the Martin Universal Design Portable Art Studio Drawing Sketch Board. This mighty model has been created from a melamine resin that is significantly tougher than regular boards. The hard surface is smooth to accommodate loose sheets of paper or entire sketchbooks.

Bigger is better…

This mighty model measures 20 inches by 26 inches. This provides you with plenty of space to create large and intricate works of art. The board is set with a pair of grip clips, allowing you to work on two pieces at the same time.

A special tilt mechanism has been set into the back of this drawing board. It provides you with a choice of six different positions to lock your board in. A large and durable grab handle is also set into the top of the board.

Portable?

Although this model is referred to as portable, it should be noted that it is rather heavy. In fact, it weighs in at more than eight pounds. This means that you are likely to find it rather tricky to carry with you.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

3 SoHo Urban Artist Drawing Board – Best Large Drawing Board

If you are a true artist, you are sure to enjoy the look and feel of artisanal craftsmanship. The SoHo Urban Artist Drawing Board provides a durable and aesthetically-pleasing design that is light years ahead of particleboard. Every aspect of this model has been created with the needs of artists firmly in mind.

Achieving the perfect angle…

A large and durable stand is set into the back of the drawing board. It is set with five notches to allow you to have full control over the angle that you draw at. You can set the board up to 80 degrees, and once set, the board will stay firmly in place.

A ledge has been set into the bottom of the drawing board. This is the perfect place for keeping pencils, paintbrushes, and other items close to hand. If you are focused on your work, this is sure to be extremely useful.

Size really does matter…

The overall dimensions of this drawing board are 20 inches tall by 30 inches wide. This is the perfect size to accommodate a large sketchbook. You will have plenty of space to open up your sketchbook for optimum convenience.

At a weight of 10.98 pounds, this is not likely to be a drawing board that you want to travel with. However, the SoHo Urban Artist Drawing Board provides you with a strong, smooth, and versatile surface. This is the perfect board for use when creating a wide range of art projects at home.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

4 US Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board – Best Wooden Drawing Board

Are you ready to take your drawing and art skills to the next level? If you are working on a large project, you will need a board that can rise to the challenge. It will need to be versatile enough to allow you to create a wide range of different types of projects.

Time to get drawing…

The US Art Supply Extra Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board measures 26 inches wide by 21 inches tall. In fact, this is one of the largest drawing boards around. However, at just over seven pounds in weight, it should be fairly easy to carry.

The beautiful beechwood design is complemented by a natural oil finish. Although this board is relatively light, you are sure to find that it is very strong and sturdy. It is set with rubberized feet that deliver enhanced stability.

Optimum versatility…

The integrated stand that is set into the back of the board is also made from beechwood. The stand is set with six notches for optimum versatility. You can set the drawing board from flat to an 80° angle, and the deep notches will hold it firmly in place.

There is a slight lip on the bottom of the board to help prevent paper and sketchbooks from slipping. You are also treated to a cool wooden ruler/T-square when you choose this model. This helps you to be especially accurate when creating technical drawings.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

5 US Art Supply 5-Position Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board – Best 5-Position Drawing Board

Do you like the full-sized drawing board from US Art Supply but need something a bit more compact. Fortunately, you are in luck. The US Art Supply 5-Position Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board boasts the same cool style in a smaller package.

Let’s take a closer look…

This model measures 20.5 inches by 16 inches and is made of beechwood with a natural oil finish. It weighs just a little over five pounds. This makes it especially portable for creating sketches on the field or in the classroom.

Despite being more compact, you are still treated to a stand with five notches in it. You are able to adjust the angle of the drawing board from flat to 80 degrees. There are also rubberized feet that protect your worktop from damage.

Added bonus…

As an added bonus, this model comes complete with a T drafting square. It has also been made of beechwood and serves double duty as a regular ruler. This is perfect for those times when accuracy is essential.

There is also a pencil ledge on the bottom of this model. This provides plenty of space to rest your T drafting square and other items. While the ledge prevents your sketchbook from slipping, it won’t block your way while you are drawing.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

6 Vencer Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board VDB-001 – Best Wooden Sketching Board

With its generous yet manageable dimensions, this drawing board is suitable for home and field use. The Vencer Large Adjustable Wood Artist Drawing and Sketching Board VDB-001 measures 17 inches by 13 inches. It weighs less than four pounds, which helps to make it easy to take anywhere you go.

But there’s more…

This drawing board features a stand set into the top that helps to provide extra stability. Four deep notches are set into the bottom edge of the stand. These notches allow you to set the angle from flat up to 60 degrees.

Once you have set the angle, you are sure to find that the board remains firmly in place. The wooden surface is very smooth for easy sketching and painting. You are sure to find that the surface is large enough for most artistic pursuits.

Plenty of space…

One thing that may give you pause for thought is that there is no grip clip at the top of this model. However, there is plenty of space along the smooth top edge to add your own clip. The bottom edge features a raised lip that can be used to hold art materials and keep your sketchbook in place.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

7 Jack Richeson Sketch and Drawing Clipboard – Best Drawing Clipboard with Handle

If you need a portable drawing board, you usually have to compromise when it comes to size. Otherwise, you are likely to find that the drawing board is very heavy. Fortunately, the Jack Richeson Sketch and Drawing Clipboard has been created to form the perfect balance.

Want to know the best part?

This drawing board features a carrying handle built right into the side. This helps to make it very easy to carry the drawing board everywhere that you go. The overall weight is just 3.1 pounds, making this model especially portable and comfortable.

This model measures 23 inches tall by 26 inches wide. You are sure that you have plenty of space to create large and complicated drawings. The surface is clean and flat to make sketching a breeze.

You can rest assured…

There are two large grip clips fixed to the top edge of this drawing board. The clips have latches that are opened by pushing down and out. While this can make them a little tricky to open, you can be sure that the clips will hold your paper in place.

Adjustable and removable…

The design is completed by a large and thick rubber band. This can be placed on the board to hold down the bottom of the paper. You are able to adjust the position of the rubber band or remove it altogether if you prefer.

The only downside is that it is not possible to adjust the angle of this board. While you can prop the board up, you may find that it lacks the stability of other models. However, this should not be an issue if you prefer working on a flat surface without an angle.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

8 Art Alternatives Artist Tote Sketch Board – Best Lightweight Drawing Board for Artists

Trying to get to class with all of your art supplies can be tricky. If you have a long distance to travel, all of your art equipment can really weigh you down. Through a large and heavy drawing board into the mix, and your journey can become a real drag.

Small yet perfectly formed…

This won’t be an issue when you choose the Art Alternatives Artist Tote Sketch Board. This strong and sturdy model weighs just eight ounces. It measures 13 inches wide by 17 inches tall, which is large enough to hold A3 paper.

To make this model even more portable, a large handle is set into the side. The edges of the handle have been smoothed so that they will not scratch your hand. Even if you have a long walk across campus, carrying this drawing board is sure to be a breeze.

Any position you want…

You will not have to worry about your paper staying in place when you choose this model. A wide and thick rubber band is supplied along with the drawing board. You are able to position the rubber band anywhere you want, or remove it altogether if you prefer.

There is a large grip clip set into the very top of this drawing board. However, it is best to use this grip clip with caution. While it holds your paper firmly in place, the sharp teeth may leave indentations in thin and delicate drawing paper.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

Check Price on Amazon

Best Drawing Boards Buying Guide

At this point, you may already have an idea of which of the best drawing boards you want to choose. However, it is important to take the time to weigh your options carefully. Here are some of the important factors you should bear in mind when searching for the perfect model.

Being able to adjust the angle of your drawing board will make drawing, painting, and sketching more comfortable. If you are choosing a drawing board with an adjustable stand, go for as much versatility as possible. Some stands are set with just four notches, while others deliver six or seven.

Have A Home Studio?

Want to make your home art studio as comfortable as possible? If so, check out our Best Computer Desks For Tall People Reviews, the Best Reclining Office Chair with Footrest, the Most Comfortable Office Chair, and our Best Ergonomic Office Chairs For Back Pain Reviews.

Want To Have More Fun In Your Studio?

Then check out our Best Bean Bag Chairs Reviews, Best Balance Ball Chairs Review, and Best Label Makers Reviews.

So, Which Are The Best Drawing Boards?

So which of these drawing boards should you choose? In terms of design and durability, there is one model that stands out from the crowd, and that’s the…

This has been made of natural beechwood and is set with a large number of enhanced features. The six notches in the stand make adjusting the angle of the board very easy. You are also sure to appreciate the rubberized feet and narrow bottom ledge.

Happy creating!