Whiteboards are excellent communication tools for every environment – however, not all whiteboard surfaces are the same. If you’re trying to work out what whiteboard material is best for your space, you’ve come to the right place. As Australia’s leading supplier of whiteboards we offer an extensive and exclusive range of whiteboards for every type of working and learning environment. Read on for our breakdown of each available surface so you can choose the best whiteboard material for your office, classroom, community centre or home.
What Is the Best Material for A Whiteboard?
The purpose, setting and style of your whiteboard will influence the best whiteboard material for your intended use and location. Some surfaces are better suited for classrooms, and others may be better intended for commercial or workplaces. To help you make your decision on what is the best whiteboard material for your space, we’ve broken down the most popular whiteboard materials:
Melamine Whiteboards
Melamine is the lowest quality and least expensive whiteboard material available. Typically available in cheap dollar stores, melamine will generally wear down faster when compared to other whiteboard materials. The melamine backings are prone to warping and delaminating. Melamine whiteboards require frequent cleaning and will leave marks (ghosting) from whiteboard markers if left for more than short periods.
Standard Commercial Whiteboards
These whiteboards feature a steel backing with a high quality, smooth painted white surface. Our Standard Commercial Whiteboard is an example of a steel magnetic whiteboard and is ideal for moderate use applications. These boards offer a great blend of durability, quality, and value. The steel backing makes these boards suitable for use with magnets to add notes, display papers and use magnetic accessories.
Porcelain Whiteboards
Porcelain whiteboards have a specially-made, baked enamel surface. They are ideal for heavy use settings like classrooms, higher education, meeting rooms, and businesses, as they offer superior protection against wear and staining, an extra-smooth writing experience, and great readability. Our porcelain whiteboards feature a PolyVision e3 CeramicSteel surface, which is long-lasting, durable, and includes multiple protective layers. The sheer strength and density of porcelain whiteboard surfaces mean that they last for many, many years without deteriorating. Porcelain surfaces are perfect for heavy use because they are much more resistant to damage, scratching, and chemicals, and their non-porous coating means markers are less likely to ghost or stain. We also recommend our Porcelain whiteboards for use with projectors, as their matte surface prevents reflection and offers the best visibility. Our porcelain whiteboards have a steel backing and so can be used with magnets, no problem!
Glass Whiteboards
Glass whiteboards are relatively new to the whiteboard market and are increasing in popularity. Glass whiteboards differ from other whiteboard materials as they present a tempered glass surface to write on. One of the more expensive whiteboard materials, glass whiteboards are scratch resistant, stain resistant, incredibly durable and non-porous. There is no ghosting on glass whiteboards, and the tempered materials mean that they often outlast most other whiteboard materials. Glass whiteboards are especially popular in commercial and office spaces, as they are available in a wide range of colours and styles to suit every type of branding and interior design. Their non-porous surface also gives them an incredibly smooth writing experience. A potential downside to glass whiteboards is their reflective surface, which can affect visibility in rooms with low-hanging lights, and makes them unsuitable for use with projectors.
Printed Whiteboards
Printed whiteboards are available in a wide range of materials. Whether you need a printed roster for your hospitality setting, a world map for the classroom or a daily planner for your family’s busy schedule, printed whiteboards are fantastic organisational tools that can be used in a wide range of settings. Printed whiteboards are also particularly helpful for musical lessons, as music whiteboards have the permanently ruled music staves.
What Makes a Better Whiteboard Material? Porcelain or Glass?
For a traditional whiteboard with the best in scratch and stain resistance and optimal readability, Porcelain is the way to go. For a stylish option with high durability, a super smooth writing experience, and the ability to have the board made in any colour you like, Glass is the right choice.
Shop Whiteboards Today
Whether you’re looking for your ideal whiteboard for your classroom, workplace, university or home, check out the full collection at Whiteboards & Pinboards today. If you still can’t decide between porcelain or glass whiteboards, get in touch with our friendly support team, and we’ll talk you through your options.
Going beyond the standard whiteboard materials available in Australia, Whiteboards & Pinboards also offer an extensive collection of custom whiteboards, mounted whiteboards, mobile whiteboards, music whiteboards, whiteboard planners, printed whiteboards and slimline whiteboards. The experts in all types of whiteboards, we’re confident that we’ll be able to provide you with your perfect whiteboard in our extensive range. Take advantage of our Australia-wide delivery, fast shipping and friendly customer service today at Whiteboards & Pinboards – we’re here to make sure you find the best whiteboard material for every setting.
