The Drafting Board Blog

Drafting Table Guide Updated: June 22, 2026 Learn how to choose the best drafting table for your space, workflow, and budget, including tabletop sizes, table styles, tilt and height adjustment, materials, and must-have accessories. Choosing a drafting table can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are different sizes, styles, height options, materials, and features, and not every table is right for every user. The best drafting table for an architect may not be the best choice for an a …

Learn the differences between alcohol-based, water-based, and xylene-based markers, plus marker tip types, top brands, best uses, marker care, and the best paper for marker artwork. Markers are a favorite tool for artists, designers, illustrators, students, and hobbyists, but choosing the right kind can get confusing fast. Different marker types behave differently on paper, dry at different speeds, blend in different ways, and work better for certain styles of art and design. Some markers ar …

Drafting Scales Guide Updated: June 22, 2026 Learn what drafting scales are, the differences between architect, engineer, metric, combination, and mechanical scales, how to use a scale ruler, and how to choose the best drafting scale for your work. When it comes to drafting, accuracy matters. Whether you are working in architecture, engineering, design, or technical illustration, the scale you choose affects how real-world dimensions are represented on the page. A good drafting scale helps y …

Back-to-School Guide for Architecture, Interior Design, and Drafting Students Learn which supplies architecture, interior design, and drafting students need for school, what to expect in studio courses, and how to prepare for a more organized and successful semester. Starting a new school year in architecture, interior design, or drafting can feel exciting, inspiring, and just a little overwhelming. There are supply lists to figure out, studio expectations to learn, and a lot of new tools, m …

Updated: June 22, 2026 Learn the best ways to store blueprints, engineering plans, maps, posters, and artwork with flat files, rolled storage, hanging clamps, vertical plan files, identification tags, and large document folders. Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to protect blueprints, plans, maps, posters, and artwork from damage over time. The right storage method can help prevent creases, curling, dust exposure, and general wear while also making documents easier to organize and re …

Learn which manual drafting tools architects and architecture students use, including scales, triangles, compasses, templates, drafting pencils, vellum, drafting tables, portable drafting boards, and other hand drafting essentials. Manual drafting remains an important part of architectural training, sketch development, and traditional design practice. Even though digital tools now handle much of the production work, many architects, students, and designers still value the clarity, control, a …

Alvin has been one of the best-known names in drafting tools for generations. Here is what happened to the Alvin brand, what returned, and which Alvin drafting supplies are still popular today. For decades, Alvin was one of the most recognized names in drafting, drawing, and design supplies. From architecture classrooms and engineering programs to professional studios, Alvin products were a familiar sight on drafting tables across the country. When Alvin & Company closed in 2020, many cu …

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2020 when Alvin & Company announced it was closing. Since then, the Alvin brand has returned under new ownership. For the latest information, see: What Happened to Alvin Drafting Supplies? It is with sadness that we announce that Alvin has gone out of business and is no longer shipping products or accepting returns.  Alvin was a leading brand in the drafting industry for 70 years!  They supplied Drafting Equipment Warehouse …

Looking for a replacement for a discontinued Mayline drafting table, blueprint storage system, hanging clamp, or plan filing product? This guide highlights common Mayline products that are no longer available and suggests alternative solutions. For decades, Mayline was one of the most recognized names in drafting furniture, blueprint storage, and technical office equipment. Many architects, engineers, schools, and design firms relied on Mayline products for drafting, plan filing, and documen …

Drafting Equipment Warehouse is excited to offer another line of high-quality wooden drafting tables, flat files, and supply storage! Check it out here: Diversified Woodcrafts Educational Drafting Furniture Diversified Woodcrafts offers such a LARGE selection that it will take a while to add all they have available to our website. Check back often for an updated selection. Here is a little more about Diversified Woodcrafts: 1975 We are the classic story. It all started with making test tube dry …