There is more to choosing a whiteboard than meets the eye. And with so many different options to choose from, you may feel a little overwhelmed.
So, how do you choose the right whiteboard for you? We've put together a few key things to consider before you buy:
How much are you prepared to spend?
Whiteboards may look the same, but on closer inspection, you will notice their features and the different surfaces they come in, from a magnetic whiteboard surface to a glass whiteboard surface. Some whiteboards come with a lifetime guarantee and high-quality backing and framing materials. There are many different brands, qualities, and prices for whiteboards, so it's worth considering your budget first. Although it is best to be wary of the cheaper options, as with most products, it is often said that you should 'pay well or pay twice'.
Consider the whiteboard surface.
The main whiteboard surfaces to consider are melamine dry-erase, magnetic, enamel steel and glass. Melamine is the most basic of whiteboard surfaces and offers a wipeable smooth surface suitable for most applications.
A magnetic whiteboard is similar to melamine but with the added feature that you can use strong magnets on the board, allowing you to stick notes and memos to the board as well as write on it. Vitreous enamel steel has a premium finish that offers everything the melamine and magnetic surfaces offer. It has an extremely hard-wearing surface and is usually guaranteed for 25 years. Finally, glass panels offer a completely different surface: they are made of tempered safety glass (which can be coloured) with a magnetic surface - the very best.
How will your whiteboard be used?
There are many different uses for whiteboards, so it is important to think carefully about how you will use them before you buy. If you'll be using your whiteboard to display information to a wider audience through presentations, training and team-building exercises, you may be better off choosing a large whiteboard. And if you're using it for personal use, whether planning tasks, writing down important information or brainstorming, you may be better off with a small whiteboard. If you need to hang extra papers and information aids for presentations, a magnetic whiteboard is the way to go.
Where will your whiteboard be used?
As well as knowing how it will be used, you need to consider the physical location of the board - the space you have available. Will it be wall-mounted? Or will you need a portable whiteboard due to lack of wall space? And if you do have wall space, how big is it? You need to make sure you've measured the space correctly to ensure there's enough room for a large whiteboard. Typically, large whiteboards are ideal for classrooms, universities, and larger workplaces, while small whiteboards are better suited for home offices or individual workstations.
Consider the whiteboard frame and fasteners.
Although it may not seem as important as the surface, the material of the frame should still be considered. The main frame option is aluminium, the most durable frame on the market. However, be careful as there are many imitations - plastic 'aluminium finish' frames - which do not offer the same quality or structure. Another option to consider is wooden frames, which may work better if you're trying to match your whiteboard to the décor of your room.
Mounting is also important. If it cannot be attached securely to the wall, you may find that you have wasted your money. Avoid using fasteners that hang the whiteboard like a picture frame; this will only result in an accident. Corner fixings are known to be the safest and most secure way to attach a whiteboard to a wall; every corner is securely fixed, and the whiteboard will stay on the wall for years to come!
Choose Presentation Spaces for your next whiteboard
If our blog has inspired you or you need more help and advice on which whiteboard is right for you, look no further than Presentation Spaces.
We have a wide range of whiteboards, including large, small, magnetic and glass boards. Manufactured in the UK, our whiteboards are available in the widest range of sizes on the market, and we can also create bespoke sizes for customers! We also have a range of markers, magnets and other accessories to complete the look!
We're sure we can supply what you're looking for.
Call us on 01382 913 913 or email us at info@presentationspaces.co.uk with an enquiry, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.