Choosing Dry Erase Board Surfaces
Dry erase boards are an invaluable communication tool for classrooms and offices. Often referred to as whiteboards due to their color, these boards were originally made of enameled steel and came with a hefty price tag. As dry erase boards grew in popularity, less expensive laminate versions were introduced to the market. While steel and laminate-based boards are still top sellers, melamine and tempered glass boards are becoming more common.
When shopping for a new dry erase board it's important to consider how often you will be using it. If you plan to write and erase daily, a more durable option such as porcelain-on-steel is recommended. Melamine is an acceptable choice for light use.
You should also consider how long you'll need your investment to last. While heavy-duty materials like glass and porcelain have a higher up-front cost, they're more durable and often come with better warranties.
It's smart to know the pros and cons of each material before choosing a whiteboard:
Melamine
Melamine is a hard plastic that's often bonded to MDF or plywood. It's one of the most inexpensive dry erase surfaces and performs best in light-use settings.
Pros
Cons
High-Pressure Laminate
High-pressure laminate is made of resin and cellulose layers bonded under heat and pressure. This budget-friendly material makes a smooth writing surface that holds up well if routinely cleaned.
Pros
Cons
Painted Steel
Painted steel boards offer the best compromise of price and value. These durable powder-coated whiteboards are easy to write on and erase cleanly.
领英推荐
Pros
Cons
Porcelain-on-Steel
Porcelain-on-steel whiteboards have a baked enamel surface that's glossy and extremely durable. This nonporous material withstands years of heavy use in educational environments.
Pros
Cons
Tempered Glass
Newer to the dry erase board market, tempered glass boards are incredibly durable and available in a variety of colors. They're a great choice for higher education classrooms and conference rooms.
Pros
Cons
If you need assistance while you shop for dry erase boards, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales team at (877) 839-3330.