Draw, Erase, Repeat: Best Dry-Erase Whiteboards

Whiteboards, also known as dry-erase boards or markerboards, have become an ideal writing surface used in schools, homes, and offices today. These handy dry-erase whiteboards come in different sizes and shapes to suit your needs accordingly.

With the range of dry-erase whiteboards options available, purchasing one can be overwhelming. That is why we have created this buying guide to help narrow your search for the best dry-erase whiteboards.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Dry-Erase Whiteboard?

Purpose

This is perhaps the most important factor to consider before buying a dry-erase whiteboard. What type of room will the board be used in? Is the board for a classroom or an office environment? These questions should be answered to have the proper idea of the whiteboard you are looking for. There are different boards available for different purposes, and here are a few examples:

Projection Boards: The whiteboard in a conference room is often used as projection screening and for writing. They are thicker than other whiteboards so they will have no deflection— a dry-erase whiteboard with a high-gloss finish should be avoided for a projection board because it will produce too much glare. The marker tray accessory is not recommended because it is a potential reflection source.

Home Boards: A whiteboard for your kitchen fridge is very different from your work office or school whiteboards. Not only do their sizes differ, their accessories as well. Some may come with magnets or a variety of colored markers so you can write down reminders, hang up notes, and more.

Classroom Boards: These dry-erase whiteboards range in size, but are typically large enough so that students can see the board from across the room. They allow for plenty of writing space so instructors can teach with ease.

Size

Some dry-erase whiteboards may be huge while some may be small. Before buying one, you should check the size of the wall or surface the board will stay on. For instance, if you want a whiteboard on your fridge for a grocery list, you must take note of the size of the fridge, especially if the door is already cluttered with other items.

Material

The material used to construct a dry-erase whiteboard affects the durability, quality, and longevity of the board. The most common materials used are melamine, glass, and steel.

• Whiteboards made with melamine are basic whiteboard surfaces. They offer a smooth surface for clear writing and easy erasing.

• Those made with glass are considered stylish and sophisticated, but they're also considerably heavier. They mostly have an array of colors to choose from. Glass dry-erase whiteboards are usually tempered and resistant to dents, stains, and scratches.

• Steel dry-erase whiteboards are known for their durability and high prices. When used with care, they'll outlast all of the other types.

Surface

This is the white surface of the board. Magnetic dry-erase whiteboard surfaces are similar to melamine surfaces. They are handy as they allow you to use magnets on the board so you can stick notes, memos, and more directly on it. Most magnetic dry-erase whiteboards come with accessories like extra magnets, magnetic dry-erase markers, and an eraser. Melamine, glass, and steel dry-erase whiteboards can have magnetic surfaces too.

Frame

Whiteboards usually have a frame, and the most common type is an aluminum frame. Wooden frames are also available depending on your taste. A whiteboard with frames should extend above the writing surface as little as possible. This is to prevent dents and to avoid glaring in whiteboards for projection. Glass dry-erase whiteboards are usually frameless.

Hanging method

The dry-erase whiteboard should be safely secured on the wall, either with magnets or adhesive strips. This is to prevent accidents from unintentional movement. Some dry-erase whiteboard products offer hanging hardware that makes the process safe, simple, and seamless.

Reviews

Checking the online reviews of previous users helps you to know whether the product is worth your money. Reviews highlight the awesome qualities, as well as the quirks that the manufacturers of the product do not talk about. We look at customer reviews as well to determine what products are the best of this year.

Price

Prepare a budget for the dry-erase whiteboard you have in mind. Be sure to consider all the factors before making a decision, as a whiteboard of great quality is a good investment that will last longer and be worth your money. Stick to your budget but be careful not to buy a low-quality product. You can find whiteboards ranging from as low as $5 to as much as $200 or more depending on size, design, and use.

How Do You Take Care of a Dry-Erase Whiteboard?

Use the proper dry-erase markers

There are markers made specifically for dry-erase whiteboards. These markers are recommended for use to prevent stains on the surface of the board. If other markers are used, the marker stain may be difficult to erase.

Wipe off after writing

You must wipe your dry-erase whiteboard off as soon as you finish writing. This is a good habit that will ensure your whiteboard looks good as new. If you leave marker ink on the board for too long, it may become hard to remove.

Clean often

Different whiteboard surfaces have different cleaning instructions. While some boards only require a simple towel and water, some require a special cleaning solution. If you use your whiteboard frequently, cleaning it every week is important.

What Are the Benefits of Dry-Erase Whiteboards?

Style

Dry-erase whiteboards are very stylish. Their sleek looks give any setting a great appearance.

Keeping track of schedules

A dry-erase whiteboard can be used for a meeting calendar. It’s great because if anything on the calendar changes, it can easily be shuffled. You can use a dry-erase board for any schedule, whether it's for work, your family's routine, or your children's activities.

Versatile

Dry-erase whiteboards can be used for several purposes. It can help with teaching your child lessons, writing down reminders in your home office, and keeping note of your grocery list in your kitchen. For anything you need, whiteboards have your back.

Best Dry-Erase Whiteboard FAQ

Q: What size of dry-erase whiteboard should I get?

A: This depends on your preference and purpose. Be sure to do your research on them before getting one. If you just want something handy to write down notes, a small board will suffice. If you plan on putting it in your office or having it for homeschooling, you would likely need a larger board.

Q: What is the best material for a dry-erase whiteboard?

A: Porcelain on steel is great because of its great durability and ease of cleaning, but these are also the most expensive. Melamine magnetic boards are very common and budget-friendly.

Q: Are all dry-erase whiteboards magnetic?

A: No. Non-magnetic whiteboards are also available, so be sure to check product specifications before making a purchase to make sure you are getting the type you want.