Whiteboard Vs. Dry Erase Board – Which is Right for You?

Whiteboards are excellent tools for schools and workplaces. They encourage collaboration and enable classmates and colleagues alike to share important information and learnings. If you’re looking to replace an old whiteboard or are looking for a new whiteboard option, you may have seen the term “dry erase board”. Our team are frequently asked, “what is the difference between a whiteboard and a dry erase board?”.

For those wondering what type of whiteboard is best, the answer is that whiteboards and dry erase boards are almost the same thing. We’re here to outline the difference in whiteboard vs. dry erase board (or lack thereof), the types of materials whiteboards are made of, glass dry erase boards vs whiteboards, and what type of whiteboard is best for your requirements.

What Is The Difference Between a Whiteboard and a Dry Erase Board?

If you’re wondering, “is a whiteboard the same as a dry erase board?”, you’re not the only one! The truth when it comes to whiteboard vs. dry erase board is that they’re essentially the same thing.

In short, there are far more similarities when it comes to a whiteboard vs. dry erase board than differences. One of the significant similarities in a whiteboard vs. dry erase board is that they are manufactured with a non-porous material. This non-porous material can be written on and then immediately erased, without applying moisture or spray. The immediate removal of text is one feature that makes whiteboards and dry erase boards far more practical than traditional chalkboards.

Is a Whiteboard the Same as A Dry Erase Board?

When it comes to whiteboard vs. dry erase board, the truth is that they are the same material. The materials they’re typically made of include melamine, porcelain and glass.

Melamine Whiteboards

Melamine is the type of whiteboard you’re likely to see in most schools and offices. Melamine is a laminate coating that is essentially plastic back by a pressboard. It is the method used for most whiteboards. It is the most economical type of whiteboard ad it is made from an inexpensive laminate.

Melamine whiteboards are prone to be worn down faster than other types of whiteboards. They can be prone to holding marker residue more than other materials as the surface can, over time, become more permeable. Another common issue is that they can warp early in their shelf life.

Porcelain Whiteboards

Porcelain whiteboards are a very durable material that is not at all porous, meaning it’s challenging for any whiteboard pen or markers residue to sink into the surface. The non-porous material of porcelain means the whiteboards super easy to clean and stay whiter for longer. However, a significant setback of porcelain is their heaviness. To move a porcelain whiteboard may require a group effort.

Glass Whiteboards

Glass whiteboards are widely considered the best option for whiteboards. Numerous factors deem glass the best choice of whiteboard surface, including the durability, ease of use, and resilience.

Glass Dry Erase Board vs Whiteboard

Now that we’ve settled some of the myths around whiteboard vs. dry erase board, let’s look at the glass dry erase board vs whiteboard. Glass dry erase boards are a type of whiteboard. Still, there are subtle nuances in terms of their durability, ease of use and damage resistance.

The Durability of a Glass Dry Erase Board vs Whiteboard

Glass dry erase boards are essentially whiteboard royalty because they are built with durable tempered glass. They are highly resistant to damage and are very hard to destruct.

Using a Glass Dry Erase Board vs Whiteboard

Glass is an entirely impermeable surface material, which means that any residue is easily wiped away without using moisture or other materials to assist the user. Unlike regular whiteboards, even after heavy or frequent use, the surface is never stained.

The Resilience of Glass Dry Erase Board vs Whiteboard

Glass boards are incredibly durable and resilient to scratches and scuff marks, damaging the surface of other less durable materials. Dents and other faults in different materials’ surface can damage your markers by catching on the surface. It can also interrupt your writing flow if you consistently have to dodge that one dent in the whiteboard. Glass dry erase boards maintain that smooth, shiny surface no matter where they are.  

What Type of Whiteboard is Best?

So, what type of whiteboard is best? We’ve busted some common misconceptions about whiteboard vs. dry erase board, and now it’s crunch time.

If we have to pick one whiteboard material to champion, it is undoubtedly a Glass Dry Erase Board. The benefits of glass whiteboards extend beyond the ease of use. Whilst they might be a more significant investment than a standard melamine whiteboard, they will stand the test of time in terms of their durability and resistance to surface level scratches, scuff marks and dents.

However, if you’re on a budget or don’t want to spend too much money on a whiteboard, a classic melamine whiteboard is the most economical option in the whiteboard range. Much the same, if you don’t need it to last you a lifetime, or you’re not yet sure how much use you’ll get out of it, then selecting a melamine whiteboard is probably more suitable for you.

Ultimately, the choice is yours whether you invest in a glass dry erase board or a melamine whiteboard for your space. Whiteboards and Pinboards have an extensive range of whiteboards that aren’t just excellent quality; they’ll enhance any workspace’s look. To find the best range of whiteboards in Australia, check out Whiteboards and Pinboards selection of whiteboards today. We stock an exclusive range of custom whiteboards, mounted whiteboards, glass whiteboards, mobile whiteboards, whiteboard planners, porcelain white boards, printed whiteboards and slimline whiteboards.