Whiteboards are where the magic happens. In a classroom, it’s where knowledge is shared and put into practice. In an office, it’s where ideas are born. You want to make sure you’re outfitting your rooms with the best whiteboards, within your budget.
If you’re the one having to make the call on what type of whiteboards to buy for your organization, we’re here to help.
Comparing the different types of whiteboards
When choosing a whiteboard, you’ll want to look at things like affordability, durability, marker staining (also known as “ghosting”), and ease of installation. We’ve done the research to give you a quick, easy way to compare these factors.
Top for affordability: Melamine whiteboards
Top for durability: Porcelain whiteboards
Top for stain resistance: Glass whiteboards
Top for easy installation: Peel & stick dry erase sheets
Best overall: Depends on your needs
Read on for a deeper dive into each type of whiteboards so you can decide what’s best for your purposes.
1. Glass whiteboards
Glass whiteboards are one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing options, and they will cost a little more because of it. These boards can last 20 years. However, they may chip or crack over time.
- Ghosting: No
- Price: $$$
- Durable: Yes (20 years), but cracks can happen
2. Porcelain whiteboards
Porcelain whiteboards are another durable option, and they’re slightly less expensive than glass. These boards can last 10 years. While these boards look similar to melamine whiteboards, they are made of a tough ceramic material and can even be magnetic.
- Ghosting: No
- Price: $$
- Durable: Yes (10 years)
3. Melamine whiteboards
Melamine whiteboards look a lot like porcelain boards, but they’re made of plastic making them less durable. They are going to be the least expensive option in the short run, but they typically need replacing every 2-3 years which can add up over time. They’re also very prone to ghosting.
- Ghosting: Yes
- Price: $
- Durable: No (2-3 years)
4. Magnetic steel whiteboards
Magnetic steel whiteboards are sturdy and have the added benefit of holding magnets. Because they’re less expensive than porcelain, you’ll often see them used in classrooms. These come as calendar whiteboards as well. They have a steel base and are painted with whiteboard paint (which we’ll discuss next).
- Ghosting: Yes
- Price: $$
- Durable: Yes (5 years)
5. Whiteboard paint
Whiteboard paint is great because it gives you the flexibility to turn any surface into a dry erase board. However, this paint is very prone to ghosting and typically needs to be repainted often to keep it looking clean.
- Ghosting: Yes
- Price: $
- Durable: No (longevity varies)
6. Peel & stick dry erase sheets
Dry erase sheets are versatile, super easy to install, and great for creating a pop-up brainstorming or teaching space. These sheets can also be used to resurface existing whiteboards of other types to extend their longevity.
- Ghosting: No
- Price: $
- Durable: No (longevity varies)
Don’t forget the accessories
Of course, your whiteboard setup isn’t complete without an assortment of markers along with a trusty eraser and board cleaner. At Quill, we have everything you need to go with your new whiteboards.
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