How to Pick a Whiteboard

A question we get often is: “How do I pick the right whiteboard for my space and presentation needs?” Following are a few key issues to consider before ordering a whiteboard: Budget vs. Quality, Intended Use, and Location.

• First – Budget vs. Quality: There are many different whiteboard brands with varying quality and prices. There are so many options that purchasing on price often strongly influences the decision making process.  It’s important to know that while whiteboards may look similar, when you start to compare surfaces and other board materials, the decision should become a balance of price and quality. The surface material can affect the durability, ease of cleaning, and overall quality of the board. If you plan to use the whiteboard for frequent writing and erasing, you may want to choose a more durable surface material like that offered by EVERWhite, which offers a lifetime guaranteed surface.
  You can purchase a low-cost board, but chances are it will ghost, and then you will have to replace it in a few years, and repeat that purchase on and on. EVERWhite also offers a budget-conscious option in the form of a resurfacing panel that can be quickly and easily adhered to an existing whiteboard or chalkboard at a fraction of the cost of a new whiteboard.

• Second – Intended Use: There are many different uses for whiteboards, thus it is important to select from a manufacturer that offers variations and styles. There are magnetic boards for hanging papers and presentation aids, coupled with a dry erase surface to write on. If you use the board to display artwork or other displays, a larger board is recommended. There are non-magnetic options that will save you money if you intend to use the board as a presentation tool only.
  A whiteboard and cork board combination is an option if you require writing space but also a location to pin papers and other presentation aids to a cork surface. Mobile boards are an option when your needs are to roll the boards into different positions or to different rooms. If the whiteboard will be used as a projection surface in addition to writing and drawing, a low-glare surface is best, such as EVERWhite’s “ULTÍmatte” boards with a matte surface. (ULTÍmatte boards are 5 feet tall, compared to the standard 4 feet for whiteboards.)

• Third – Wall Space: Many people price a board first, without really considering the wall it is intended to hang on. The intended hanging location – and getting the board to that space, should be considered, especially when ordering a large whiteboard. Some businesses want a whiteboard that hangs off a cubicle or perhaps a custom cut board that is designed to be hung around other objects on a wall like a monitor. Ordering exact sizes and custom configurations will enable you to maximize space and presentation needs.

Dan Griffin

Dan Griffin is general manager of EVERWhite, a U.S. manufacturer and seller of whiteboards and tack boards used for teaching, coaching, planning, collaboration and tracking. Along with his expertise in the use of whiteboards, Dan excels in leadership, new product development, business operations, continuous improvement and product marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on marketing, from Temple University.