Quick answer: Glassboards and standard whiteboards both let you write and wipe, but they suit different needs. Standard whiteboards cost less upfront and work well in classrooms and busy workspaces. Glassboards cost more but resist ghosting completely, last longer, look sharper in professional settings, and are available in a wide range of colours. If longevity and aesthetics matter, a glassboard is almost always worth the extra spend.
What is a standard whiteboard?
A standard whiteboard has a coated melamine or lacquered steel writing surface on a rigid substrate. The coating is designed to accept drywipe markers and release them cleanly with a standard eraser. Most standard whiteboards are also magnetic, which adds pinning and display capability alongside writing.
They are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact personal lapboards through to full wall-length panels, and can be wall-mounted or free-standing on a mobile frame. The price point is accessible, which is why standard whiteboards remain the default choice in classrooms, staffrooms, and training rooms across the UK.
The main weakness is longevity of the surface. Over time, the coating absorbs ink and the board becomes increasingly difficult to clean fully, leaving shadowy residue known as ghosting. How quickly this happens depends on the quality of the board, the markers used, and how promptly ink is removed after each session.
Browse our full range of whiteboards, including wall-mounted, mobile, and bespoke sizes, to find the right fit for your space.
What is a glassboard?
A glassboard replaces the painted or laminated surface with a panel of toughened safety glass, typically 4–6 mm thick and supported by a steel backing plate. Because the writing surface is non-porous glass, markers sit on the surface rather than being absorbed into it, so even prolonged exposure to ink wipes off cleanly every time.
The glass itself is clear, so the back panel is printed or powder-coated in the chosen colour, giving the board a deep, uniform appearance. Standard options include white, black, and grey, but custom colours mean a glassboard can match a company's brand palette exactly. Some suppliers can print a logo or graphic behind the glass for a bespoke finish.
Frameless designs with minimal or concealed fixings are the most popular style for offices and reception areas, giving a clean, architectural look that a standard whiteboard cannot match. Our Mood Wall glassboard and Shell Board are two of the most popular frameless options we supply.
View the full glassboards collection to see available sizes, colours, and magnetic options.
Glassboard vs standard whiteboard: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Standard whiteboard | Glassboard |
|---|---|---|
| Writing surface | Melamine or lacquered steel coating | Toughened safety glass |
| Ghosting | Develops over time as coating absorbs ink | None, non-porous glass does not absorb ink |
| Durability | Surface degrades with heavy use; typically 5–10 years | Glass surface does not degrade; lifespan of 20+ years typical |
| Magnetic | Most mid-range and above are magnetic | Available magnetic (steel backing) or non-magnetic |
| Aesthetics | Functional; aluminium or plastic frame | Premium; frameless options blend into the wall |
| Colour options | White (standard), some pastel variants | Wide range including black, grey, custom brand colours |
| Custom printing | Not available | Logo, graphic, or photographic print behind glass |
| Price | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost; lower lifetime cost |
| Best for | Classrooms, training rooms, high-volume everyday use | Offices, reception areas, boardrooms, brand-conscious spaces |
Ghosting: the key practical difference
Ghosting is the residual shadow left on a whiteboard after the surface has been erased. It is the most common complaint about standard whiteboards and the main reason organisations replace them. The underlying cause is ink pigment being absorbed into the writing surface coating over time, particularly when boards are not cleaned promptly or are used with permanent markers by mistake.
Glassboards do not ghost. The glass surface is non-porous, so drywipe ink sits on top of the surface and can be removed completely at any point, even if it has been left for several days. This makes glassboards particularly suited to environments where boards stay written on for extended periods, such as offices tracking ongoing projects or schools using boards as semi-permanent displays.
If your current standard whiteboard has already ghosted, our guide on restoring and replacing whiteboards covers the options available.
Durability and lifetime cost
The upfront price of a glassboard is higher than an equivalent standard whiteboard, typically by a meaningful margin. However, when you factor in lifespan, the calculation changes. A quality standard whiteboard surface will degrade noticeably over five to ten years of regular use. A glassboard surface does not degrade in the same way because glass is chemically stable: it will look as good in year fifteen as it did on installation day.
For organisations buying in quantity, such as a school fitting out multiple classrooms or a company refurbishing an office floor, the lower replacement frequency of glassboards makes them cost-competitive over a ten-year horizon even at a higher unit price.
Aesthetics and environment fit
Standard whiteboards are functional. They do the job they are designed for, but they are not usually a considered part of an interior design scheme. Glassboards are different: the frameless floating-glass aesthetic is close enough to a feature wall panel that architects and interior designers often specify them as part of fit-out projects rather than as an afterthought.
Black glassboards in particular have become a popular choice in creative agencies and co-working spaces, where the dark surface reads as a deliberate design choice. Coloured glassboards in brand colours are regularly used in reception areas to reinforce brand identity. Standard whiteboards cannot offer this flexibility.
Which is right for your space?
The honest answer is that the two products are not really competing for the same buyer in most cases.
- Choose a standard whiteboard if you need a cost-effective writing surface for a classroom, training room, or any space where budget per unit matters more than premium aesthetics and ghost-resistance is manageable with regular cleaning.
- Choose a glassboard if you want zero ghosting, a design-forward look, or a writing surface that will still perform well in fifteen years without being replaced. Office meeting rooms, boardrooms, reception areas, and client-facing spaces are natural fits.
If you are unsure which suits your space, get in touch and we can advise based on your room dimensions, budget, and usage requirements.
Browse our full glassboards collection and whiteboards collection, or view the Mood Wall and Shell Board as popular starting points. →
Frequently asked questions
Are glassboards better than whiteboards?
For offices and professional environments, yes. Glassboards resist ghosting completely, last significantly longer, and look sharper. For classrooms and high-volume everyday use on a budget, standard whiteboards remain the practical choice. The best option depends on your setting and how long you plan to keep the board.
Do glassboards ghost?
No. Ghosting is caused by ink being absorbed into a porous or degraded coating. The writing surface on a glassboard is non-porous toughened glass, so ink cannot be absorbed and wipes off completely even after extended periods. This is the single biggest functional advantage glassboards have over standard whiteboards.
Are glass whiteboards worth it?
For most professional settings, yes. The higher purchase price is offset by a much longer usable lifespan: a quality glassboard will not need replacing for fifteen to twenty years, whereas a standard whiteboard surface typically degrades noticeably within five to ten years of regular use. If the board is client-facing or in a premium environment, the aesthetic difference alone justifies the cost.
Can you use standard whiteboard markers on a glassboard?
Yes. Standard drywipe markers work on glassboards and wipe off cleanly. Avoid using permanent markers on any drywipe board, including glassboards, as they are designed for non-erasable applications and will stain even a glass surface if left. Liquid chalk pens are a popular alternative on black glassboards, giving a chalkboard-style finish that wipes off easily with a damp cloth.
Are glassboards magnetic?
Many are. Magnetic glassboards have a steel backing plate behind the glass, which allows magnets to hold documents or notes to the surface. Not all glassboards are magnetic, so it is worth checking the specification if this is important to you. Our range includes both magnetic and non-magnetic options across different sizes and colours.
What sizes are glassboards available in?
Glassboards are available in a wide range of standard sizes, from compact desk-height panels through to full wall-width installations. Bespoke sizing is also available for spaces with non-standard dimensions. We manufacture and supply to UK organisations and can advise on the best size for your wall space and intended use.
For personalised advice on choosing between a glassboard and a standard whiteboard for your space, contact our team or call us on 01382 913 913.
