Whiteboards
Are you teaching something in a classroom-like setting? Or are you participating in a brainstorming workshop at the office?
Whether you want to explain something, make notes, or visualise thoughts, a whiteboard is a piece of office equipment that is just as useful as a pen and a piece of paper.
We sell whiteboards of all types and sizes, from
- Planner whiteboards
- Mobile whiteboards
- Whiteboard and corkboard combinations
Can’t find the type of board you’re looking for? Reach out to our sales team here
Whiteboard FAQs
What’s the difference between a whiteboard and a blackboard?
Compared with a whiteboard, a blackboard has a much harder surface and is usually coloured black or dark green.
To write on a blackboard, you need a piece of chalk, whereas a whiteboard requires a special marker.
Unlike a whiteboard, however, the chalk dust from the blackboard can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and even trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Are whiteboards waterproof? Can whiteboards be used outside?
There are certain types of whiteboards that are waterproof and can be used in an outdoor setting.
However, keep in mind that continuous exposure to rain and harsh sunlight will damage or reduce the lifespan of your whiteboard’s surface in the long run.
Can I use sticky notes on a whiteboard?
There are special types of dry-erase sticky notes available that do stick to whiteboards and are easy to remove, and in some cases, can even be reused several times.
In case you’d like to get some sticky notes for your whiteboard, check out our selection here.
What material is a whiteboard made of?
The typical office and school whiteboards are made from a plastic compound called “melamine,” although porcelain and glass are also commonly used.
Melamine is a plastic compound that is inexpensive to manufacture but is highly porous - meaning that the impact of the markers’ ink is more long-lasting.
How do I pick the best whiteboard?
The two more important factors to consider when choosing a whiteboard are purpose and available space.
Are you going to use your whiteboard to make plans for the upcoming year, or is it mostly going to be to take down notes?
If you’re going to use yours as a planner, we have whiteboards specifically designed for that purpose.
Glass whiteboard vs. porcelain - what’s the difference? Are glass whiteboards easily breakable?
Compared with melamine, porcelain whiteboards are made from a much more durable material that doesn’t leave long-lasting marks.
However, porcelain whiteboards are also heavy to carry.
Glass whiteboards, on the other hand, are often considered the best type since they are known for being durable, resilient, and easy to clean.
And although they contain glass, the glass for a glass whiteboard is much more durable and more difficult to destroy than ordinary glass.
Are the ergonomics of a whiteboard important?
According to a study by the Health Safety Executive, back pain accounted for 39% of all work-related illnesses.
It, therefore, pays to set up your whiteboard in an ergonomically pleasing manner that does not induce back or body strain when using it.
In addition to improving everyone’s physical comfort, setting up your whiteboards ergonomically also has the benefit of improving everyone’s overall mood due to better posture.
If you would like to improve your office ergonomics further, check out our selection of office chairs, backrests, and other ergonomic support items.
Are whiteboard markers water-based?
The dry-erase markers used for whiteboards are not water-based, making them easier to wipe off with a special whiteboard eraser.
Which whiteboard marker is the best?
Dry-erase markers are the best type of marker for a whiteboard - these are easy to remove once you’re done.
Although wet erase markers can be used on whiteboards, the ink is much more difficult to remove - often, a damp cloth is required to remove the ink.
Take a look at our selection of whiteboard markers here.
Can whiteboard markers be used on glass?
Dry-erase markers can be used on glass - since they are alcohol-based, they will not stain the glass.
How do I remove whiteboard marker ink from fabric?
To remove ink left from whiteboard markers, place the piece of fabric on some paper towels before blotting the stain with alcohol.
Then, wash the fabric and rinse it with hot water.
Can I use a highlighter on a whiteboard?
Although they might seem identical to whiteboard markers - you should never draw on a whiteboard with a highlighter pen.
What’s an electronic whiteboard?
Sometimes called “interactive panels,” electronic whiteboards are LCD screens that can take any information or notes written on them and transmit them digitally.
In a school setting, electronic whiteboards can be used to add an element of interactivity to the teaching experience by letting students interact with the board and improve their learning abilities.
How much does an electronic whiteboard cost?
While it depends on size, brand, and features, interactive whiteboards can cost a few thousand dollars.
If the price for an electronic whiteboard is too high for you, there are more affordable options that retail from $58.95.
Are all whiteboards magnetic?
A whiteboard is made magnetic by a steel sheet placed underneath the whiteboard rather than the material the whiteboard is made from.
But this does not mean that all whiteboards are magnetic - many cheaper whiteboards are non-magnetic, mainly because they are constructed from melamine only, with no steel sheet underneath.
Therefore, as a general guiding rule, whiteboards with a steel sheet underneath are magnetic.
How do I clean a whiteboard?
A dry-erase whiteboard is best cleaned with soap, water, and either a microfiber cloth or a whiteboard cleaner.
If you need to clean a glass whiteboard, you can use water or a glass cleaner like Windex.
You should also never use any cleaners or chemicals that contain ammonia, alcohol, or bleach since these chemicals can stain or deteriorate the whiteboard.
Similarly, you should never use paper towels to clean your whiteboards since paper towels can leave scratches.
If you’re interested, take a look at our selection of magnetic whiteboard erasers and cleaners here.
What is the difference between a whiteboard and a dry-erase board?
There is no significant difference - both types are made from melamine, porcelain, or glass.
They are the same type of board since they both require a special dry marker to write on.
Looking for other office supplies?
Click here to see our selection of other supplies for your office, including hole punches, rubber stamps, and adhesives.
