Which whiteboard is best? There are tons of ways to use a whiteboard. Whiteboards, like their cousin the blackboard, have as infinite a range of possibilities as there are words and images to draw. Whether you’re teaching, organizing, brainstorming, doodling, playing hangman, running a meeting, scheduling or truly anything else, a whiteboard is there for you with an infinite amount of reuse. Just erase, clean and write or draw again. What to know before you buy a whiteboard Whiteboard surface Whiteboards have four main surface types: laminate, melamine, porcelain and glass. Laminate whiteboard: Laminate surfaces are irreparable if scratched and require regular cleaning. It is highly resistant to staining, however. These whiteboards are usually pretty cheap. Melamine whiteboard: Melamine is the most common and least expensive material for whiteboards. This board needs replacing after a while due to ghosting (when the ink bleeds into the porous surface), which can leave behind ghostlike images. Higher-quality melamine whiteboards resist ghosting for longer. Porcelain whiteboard: Though expensive, porcelain whiteboards give you maximum value for the money. Porcelain isn’t porous, so it will not ghost, which also makes it the easiest material to clean and the longest lasting. Glass whiteboard: This whiteboard is the most expensive type, often costing up to four times more than any other material due to the complicated manufacturing process. The trade-off is how easy it is to maintain and clean. Plus, they come in different colors and styles, including frameless. Whiteboard maintenance All whiteboards will require a dry eraser. Dry erasers are specifically designed to remove the special type of ink contained in dry-erase markers by absorbing the ink into their velour fibers. Whiteboards also require cleanings, the regularity and intensity of which are determined by the whiteboard’s material. This is usually accomplished by wiping the board with an alcohol-dampened cloth, which extends the life span of your whiteboard but isn’t a permanent solution. Whiteboard installation There are almost as many ways to install a whiteboard as there are uses for them. They’re usually either magnetically attached to refrigerators, adhered to walls with adhesive or screwed in. What to look for in a whiteboard Standard styles Traditional, classroom-style landscape whiteboards are the most standard of styles. They come in several sizes and usually include bonus accessories like attachable shelving for markers and erasers. Portable whiteboard Portable whiteboards are perfect for times when installation is not possible or preferable. These are usually attached to wheels. Often, they can be turned to portrait or landscape orientations. They are generally for school or work settings. Personal whiteboard Personal-sized whiteboards are generally small, handheld whiteboards. They are usually no larger than 1 foot by 1 foot. They can be a great way to leave notes and prevent paper waste. Cork whiteboard Some whiteboards include a section of corkboard in addition to or instead of magnetic backing. It could be as little as a small strip or even half corkboard/half whiteboard. Cork is usually only on medium to large whiteboards. Calendar whiteboard Calendar whiteboards include a nonerasable calendar detailing that usually covers an entire month’s worth of dates. Small calendar whiteboards exist, but most are medium or large. How much can you expect to spend on a whiteboard Smaller, basic whiteboards are usually less than $25, while midrange whiteboards can be anywhere from $25-$125 depending on size, material and additional features like magnetic backing. Whiteboards of very large sizes can cost several hundred dollars. Whiteboard FAQ What’s the most visible color of dry erase marker for my new whiteboard? A. Black is the most visible, followed by darker colors like blue, green and red. Newer markers are also more vibrant as older markers can be faded and otherwise difficult to see. Can a chipped whiteboard be repaired? A. Unfortunately, no, and it will also begin to chip even more. That doesn’t mean the whiteboard is unusable, though. If the chip is small, especially if it’s in the corner, try covering it up with whiteboard tape. What’s the best whiteboard to buy? Top whiteboard OfficePro Ultra-Slim Board What you need to know: The magnetic backing and large surface make this ultimate, classic whiteboard the perfect choice. What you’ll love: The included hanging kit makes this whiteboard incredibly easy to install anywhere in your home or office. What you should consider: The magnetism of this whiteboard can feel weaker than some, depending on the type and quality of the magnets used. Top whiteboard for the money XBoard Magnetic Whiteboard What you need to know: This big, budget-friendly whiteboard is easy to clean and has a magnetic back. What you’ll love: A detachable marker tray helps keep your dry-erase markers and erasers easily organized. What you should consider: This size is much better suited for personal use than any workplace or office setting. Worth checking out Quartet Glass Whiteboard What you need to know: This sturdy, magnetic and easily mounted glass whiteboard is stylish and functional, though quite expensive due to its size. What you’ll love: Every single spot of this whiteboard can be utilized, thanks to its frameless design. Plus, a 15-year warranty guarantees a long-lasting purchase. What you should consider: Though rare, the drywall anchors can occasionally cause the whiteboard to fall. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. 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