- Large White Board Ideas and Top Brands to Consider - October 17, 2021
So, you need a whiteboard for your office. Or your home. Or your classroom. But you don’t know how to go about finding the best whiteboards for your needs. Of course, there are plenty of options and features available as you consider which one is right for you. But each whiteboard is different and may offer something just a little better.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to create a guide that will help you find the whiteboard that suits you. These whiteboards were chosen based on versatility, ease of use, and functionality.
What to Look For in a Whiteboard
Before you can find the right whiteboard for you, you need to understand what makes a good whiteboard. All whiteboards are different, so consider some of these factors before picking your favorite option.
Ease of use
If you’re going to be using a whiteboard on a regular basis, you want it to be easy to use. However, how easy it is to use will depend on how you’re using it, so it can be a difficult determination to make. However, there are still some things to consider.
If you have a lot of wall space, a hanging whiteboard is a great option because it will be secure and there whenever you need it. It’s a great option for a conference room, but may not be the best option for a warehouse.
On the contrary, a portable whiteboard with wheels may be better for a classroom so you can move it around as your focus shifts to different subjects.
Depending on who is using it, you may want a lightweight whiteboard like a dry erase lapboard. It’s easier for a child doing schoolwork but can also be more convenient for someone who needs to carry it with them at work.
Two sided whiteboards offer a lot of versatility because you can flip it around and write on the other side instead of erasing much needed information.
Stain resistance
Many whiteboards have a problem with ghosting. This is when the whiteboard marker leaves behind a faint stain when it’s not erased soon enough. Over time, stains will render your whiteboard completely unusable, so you need to look for whiteboards that are less susceptible to ghosting.
Porous whiteboard materials will absorb pigment into their holes and leave behind stains more easily than solid materials. However, your cleaning habits will also have a lot to do with ghosting. If you don’t clean the board regularly, you are more likely to experience staining.
Longevity
Most people want their whiteboards to last. It’s an investment that you should only have to make once. Do some research on the life expectancy of your whiteboard. Durability of the materials will have a lot to do with this, but whiteboards should also be treated with care so they don’t stain or break.
You may end up paying more for a good quality whiteboard that will last, but for some people, it’s worth it.
Size
You’ll have to think about why you need a whiteboard before you determine what size you need. A whiteboard for a conference room or a classroom may need to be larger than a whiteboard you use at home.
You’ll also have to consider how much floor space you have for a freestanding option or how much room you have to mount it on the wall. Larger groups will require larger rooms and larger whiteboards while individual whiteboards are great for homework or chore charts.
Accessories
Some whiteboards come with accessories. This probably isn’t the most important determining factor when buying your whiteboard, but it’s a quick and easy solution for those who don’t want to bother with shopping for accessories separately.
If you prefer to buy your own accessories, like magnets, markers, erasers, and more, you’ll just need to make sure that what you buy is compatible with the type of whiteboard you have. Not all of them are magnetic whiteboards, and not all markers are rated for every whiteboard material.
Cleaning
There’s nothing worse than a messy whiteboard, so ensuring that your board is easy to clean should be a priority. You can’t use chemical cleaners on your whiteboard because these chemicals can absorb the moisture from your markers and cause ghosting.
Erasers are the best way to remove markings from the board, but sometimes you can use a dry cloth. If you find that you need more cleaning power, you can purchase specialty sprays. Make sure you get a whiteboard conditioner that will not only clean it, but keep it looking newer for longer.
Whiteboard Surfaces
There are several different whiteboard surfaces to consider. The best material for you will vary based on your needs.
Glass
Glass whiteboards are the most expensive. They’re very heavy, but they’re very durable. They are more resistant to streaking, ghosting, and staining than other materials. Tempered glass doesn’t need to be framed because it’s strong enough on its own, but it should be mounted to protect it.
Mount it on a light surface to ensure that the marker on the transparent board isn’t too hard to see. Sunlight can also affect how easy the board is to see.
Glass dry erase boards may cause markers to bleed more easily because the surface is slick, so make sure you find markers specifically designed for writing on glass.
Porcelain
These ceramic whiteboards have metal backings that are frequently made of steel. They’re magnetic, which gives you more versatility when it comes to uses. They’re also a lot lighter than glass whiteboards, but can still be pricey.
Price will be a direct determinant of quality in a porcelain whiteboard, so while an expensive whiteboard is a good thing, it may not be in the budget. However, these are very resistant to ghosting and will last a long time, even with little maintenance.
Melamine
Melamine white boards are the cheapest because they’re made of a plastic material that works well with dry erase markers. They’re the lightest weight of all, are easy to clean, and can be moved quickly.
However, you run a higher risk of ghosting. You can prevent this with regular cleaning to keep your whiteboard functional for years.
Whiteboard Designs
In addition to the different types of materials, there are also a lot of different whiteboard designs. What you choose will again depend on your space and what you need to use it for.
Freestanding
Freestanding whiteboards stand on their own. They don’t need to be carried or mounted on the wall. They’re useful in spaces where you have room for it, but want to be able to move it around or store it when you’re done.
Most freestanding whiteboards have wheels, making them easier to move around the room when needed. Most are medium or large in size and can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Some are even two-sided so you can flip them around for more writing space.
With freestanding whiteboards, the legs need to be sturdy enough to hold the board without much movement so you can write freely without smearing. Cheap plastic frames won’t be durable enough to withstand bumps and may get knocked over. Wooden or aluminum frames are best.
In some cases, you may find that a freestanding whiteboard can be removed from the legs and mounted on the wall if that’s how you need to display it. This gives you some more versatility in the unit you choose.
Wall-mounted
There are wall-mounted whiteboards of all sizes. Small whiteboards can be secured with just some double-sided tape or velcro while larger, heavier boards will be safer with screws. However, if your whiteboard comes with hardware, make sure it’s strong enough before you use it. Often, what comes with your whiteboard won’t do the trick.
You can purchase adhesive pads, velcro, stronger tape, and more durable anchors and screws from any hardware store. Securing your whiteboard to the wall properly will prevent it from falling, which could cause damage to the whiteboard, injury to a person, and a lot of frustration.
Portable
Portable whiteboards are generally small and lightweight, making them easier to carry with you. These boards are versatile because you can prop them up on an easel for training in the classroom or workplace, but you can also use them on a tabletop or your lap.
If you don’t have space to hang a whiteboard on the wall, these portable solutions are often more convenient. Sometimes, freestanding whiteboards with wheels will be categorized as portable, and they can be a great option if you have the space.
Portable whiteboards should have a porcelain or melamine writing surface to avoid breaking. When you’re moving the whiteboard around a lot, glass is more susceptible to cracking or shattering.
Magnetic
Many different types of whiteboards are magnetic. Finding the right kind of whiteboard design and surface for you may also include a search for something magnetic to increase its versatility. That way you can use magnets, hang notes with hooks, and move things around more easily while brainstorming or instructing.
You can even get magnets with calendars, rulers, and other designs on them to suit a variety of purposes. This is an ideal purchase if you are going to use your whiteboard regularly, because there are endless applications.
Boards with templates
There are whiteboards that have templates on them for specific purposes. For example, a music teacher can purchase a whiteboard with a treble and bass clef permanently drawn on so they can use it for instruction. A parent may purchase a whiteboard with ruled lines on it to teach their child how to write.
Visual design boards
These types of boards are designed for the user to interact with documents and other things that you display on the board. You can highlight, circle, underline, edit, or sign directly on the board and it will be transferred to the document.
These boards are very expensive, but useful for businesses when interacting with different departments or customers.
The Best Whiteboards
Here are some of the best whiteboards you can buy. They all pass the quality test, but their intended purposes are very different, so you’ll need to evaluate them fully to find out if they’ll meet your needs.
USA Creative Space Double-Sided Whiteboard
This whiteboard is both portable and practical. You can use it for the classroom or conference room. It’s the perfect size for a lot of great writing, but it’s not too large for a smaller room. It’s also magnetic, which increases its versatility.
It has sturdy legs that come with casters, so it’s incredibly easy to move, and it’s lightweight enough that anyone can do it. It comes with all the hardware you need to put it together, and it will only take about half an hour.
It also comes with some pretty cool accessories like an eraser, colored markers, a magnetic calendar, a magnetic ruler, and plenty of little magnets. It’s also scratch-resistant and stain-proof, so you don’t have to worry too much about ghosting.
U Brands Dry Erase Board
U Brands can be found on Amazon or at Walmart, and it’s one of the best overall brands in terms of value. It’s a small whiteboard that you can use as a personal task list at your desk, as a chore chart at home, or for homework.
These mini whiteboards come in two convenient sizes including 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 14. The painted stainless steel surface is stain-resistant and is very easy to clean. It’s also magnetic, so you can use it as a personal bulletin board or a chore chart.
It comes with one cork magnet and a marker with an eraser on the cap. You may have to purchase some additional accessories if you need more than one eraser, marker, or magnet.
Audio-Visual Direct Glass Dry Erase Board
This whiteboard is available through Amazon, Walmart, or Wayfair. The glass surface is nonporous, so it will resist staining and is easy to clean. It features a stylish design that adds class to your office.
Your writing experience with this whiteboard will be smooth and simple. There are five different sizes to choose from, so it doesn’t matter if you’re limited on space, you can still use it.
There are opaque, clear, and frosted options as well, but the clear and frosted surfaces may leave you dealing with a reflection. It’s an incredibly sturdy board that comes with a lifetime guarantee.
It’s easy to hang and comes with the hardware you need as well as a template to ensure you position your holes in the wall accurately.
cinch! Magnetic Dry Erase Weekly Calendar
This fun dry erase calendar makes it easy to organize your activities. You can use it at home or at the office to make sure you’re always where you need to be. It’s a great weekly planner that can replace your pocket planner, and you can mount it on the wall so you don’t lose it.
The surface is stain-resistant so you can leave your tasks up on the board for longer periods of time without worrying about ghosting. It comes with four fine tip markers and an eraser. They all have magnetic strips on them so you won’t lose them.
Maxtek Mobile Dry Erase Board
This magnetic whiteboard comes in a portrait orientation and mounts on a single leg with a round base. The base includes five wheels that you can lock in place. It’s stable and stylish so you can use it as a portable whiteboard at home, at the office, or in the classroom.
It’s easy to move and you can adjust the height to meet you where it’s most comfortable. There’s also a mountable flip chart that helps with brainstorming and presentations. The surface is also magnetic, which increases its usability.
Officeline Magnetic Dry Erase Board
For those on a budget, this value option may be a great choice. It’s sturdy and spacious, but it won’t cost nearly as much as some of the high-quality options. It’s compact and comes with plenty of accessories like an eraser, a pen, a tray, and 3 magnets.
The surface is magnetic and scratch-resistant with a slim profile that makes it lightweight enough to carry with you. You can use the mounting kit to mount it to the wall and there’s a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Quartet Magnetic Combination Board
For people looking for a corkboard-whiteboard combo, this is a great option. Quartet is the leading manufacturer of glass whiteboards. They offer many different sizes and even build custom whiteboards for specific uses.
This board allows you to write on one side and display notes on the other. It’s portable and easy to move from room to room. You can hang it horizontally or vertically with the included self-stick pads. It also includes a dry erase marker and two magnets.
FAQ
If you’re looking for a whiteboard, there are a lot of overwhelming options. These frequently asked questions should help you make a better decision.
Answer: There are several factors to consider when choosing the right whiteboard for you. You need to know how much space you have available and how you’re going to use it. You’ll also want to evaluate your budget in terms of whiteboard surface and material, because that can make a big difference in cost and longevity.
Answer: Surface material is the largest contributing factor to quality. Porcelain is much more durable and longer lasting than melamine. It’s a good option for most people because there are many affordable porcelain boards that offer a stain-resistant and scratch-resistant coating.
However, glass is even more superior, lasts a lot longer, is not porous at all, and will resist staining and ghosting for longer. It’s much more expensive, but it’s a great option for those who will use it a lot.
Answer: The quality of the whiteboard and its construction will have a lot to do with how long it lasts. A plastic whiteboard may last anywhere from 1-5 years while a more durable option can last as long as 20 with proper care.
Answer: Because whiteboards are made with a variety of materials, they’re not all magnetic. Melamine boards are not magnetic, and painted boards may not be either, unless they have a stainless steel backing.
Answer: Alcohol will destroy the lubricating layer of a whiteboard. It may look clean, but if you use it continually, it will lose its ability to wipe clean. You need to use specialized whiteboard sprays that condition your board at the same time, so it will clean easier and last longer.
Final Thoughts
My top whiteboard pick is the USA Creative Space double-sided whiteboard because it comes with a lot of accessories and everything you need to assemble it. It’s a great size for any conference or classroom and it’s on locking casters that allow you to move it wherever it’s needed. You also have the option to mount it on the wall if that works better for you.
However, if your purposes dictate that you need something smaller or a different design, there are a lot of other options. You’ll be happy with whatever you choose as long as you do the research and purchase something that fits your needs.