What to Look for When Buying a Whiteboard for Your Home or Office

Whether you’re sketching out your next big project, organizing your week, or brainstorming with a remote team, the right whiteboard can be a secret weapon in your work arsenal. Choosing a whiteboard isn’t just about picking a blank surface to jot down ideas. It’s about finding a tool that boosts your productivity, sparks collaboration, and brings a sense of order to the chaos of daily tasks. But with so many options out there, how do you find the one that best suits your needs?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best whiteboard for your space, including size considerations, surface types, and how new technologies like ShareTheBoard can take your whiteboarding sessions to the next level.

Whiteboards come in a variety of styles, materials, and features. Your choice of board often depends on your specific use case—do you need something sleek and modern for a corporate office, or a practical and durable option for daily brainstorming? Here’s a breakdown of the main types of whiteboards available:

1. Melamine Whiteboards: These are affordable and lightweight options but are prone to ghosting over time (when marker stains don’t fully erase). Best for occasional use.
2. Magnetic Whiteboards: A versatile option that doubles as a bulletin board. The magnetic surface allows you to pin notes or important documents directly onto the board.
3. Glass Whiteboards: Sleek, durable, and stain-resistant, glass whiteboards are an excellent choice for high-end office settings or home offices where aesthetics matter.
4. Porcelain (Ceramic) Whiteboards: These are durable and offer a smooth writing surface, resistant to stains and scratches, making them ideal for frequent use in busy offices.

Durability is crucial when choosing a whiteboard, especially if it will see frequent use. Melamine boards, though inexpensive, are not as durable as porcelain or glass. Porcelain boards tend to last longer and resist scratches, while glass boards are nearly indestructible and won’t ghost over time.

If you’re investing in a whiteboard for regular use, look for terms like stain-resistant or scratch-proof in product descriptions. While premium boards may come with a higher price tag, they can be worth it for their long-lasting performance, saving you the hassle (and cost) of frequent replacements.

Each type of whiteboard has its own advantages, so consider how often you’ll be using it, who will be using it, and what features are essential for your workflow.

The size of your whiteboard can make a big difference in how you use it. A board that’s too small can limit your creativity and force you to erase frequently, while an overly large one may overwhelm your space.

For a home office, consider how much wall space you have available and how close you’ll be sitting to the board. In smaller spaces, a whiteboard around 2’ x 3’ or 3’ x 4’ should suffice, providing enough room for notes, to-do lists, and project outlines.

For larger corporate offices or conference spaces, bigger whiteboards (4′ x 6′ or larger) can be ideal. These sizes are perfect for team meetings, workshops, or brainstorming sessions where you need ample writing space to accommodate multiple ideas and inputs from several people at once. Large boards allow you to visualize complex projects, long-term plans, or intricate diagrams that can be continuously updated without the need for frequent erasing.

In larger spaces, a bigger board not only provides enough room for information but also serves as a central focal point, encouraging the team to actively collaborate. Additionally, with tools like ShareTheBoard, such a large surface can be easily shared and interacted with remotely, making it an efficient solution not just for those physically present, but for remote teams as well.

In today’s hybrid work environment, having a whiteboard that works well on camera is critical. This is where a whiteboard camera comes into play. You’ll want a surface that ensures all writing is easily visible through a camera lens.

With solutions like ShareTheBoard, you don’t need to worry about upgrading to an expensive digital whiteboard to share content remotely. ShareTheBoard allows you to enable board capture, share, and interact with your whiteboard content from anywhere using the camera of your choice, turning a traditional whiteboard into a powerful digital collaboration tool.

When it comes to mounting your whiteboard, you have two primary options: wall-mounted or mobile.

Wall-mounted whiteboards

• Pros: They save floor space, offer a sturdy writing surface, and are great for permanent installations.
• Cons: Less flexible if you need to move them frequently. Installation can be tricky in some spaces.

Wall-mounted boards are ideal if you have a dedicated home office or workspace where the board will be used regularly. Their stability ensures that the board won’t wobble while writing—an issue that can arise with cheaper mobile options.

Mobile whiteboards

• Pros: Portable and flexible, can be moved between rooms or used in multiple locations.
• Cons: Prone to wobble, especially with cheaper models. Takes up floor space and may not offer the same stability as wall-mounted boards.

Mobile whiteboards are great for open office layouts or classrooms where flexibility is key. However, it’s worth investing in a high-quality model to avoid the frustration of a wobbly surface during writing or presentations.

To ensure your whiteboard stays in pristine condition, regular maintenance is essential. By taking a little time to care for it, you’ll extend its lifespan and keep it looking sharp. Here are some extra tips to help:

1. Use the right markers: Stick to high-quality dry-erase markers specifically designed for whiteboards. Avoid permanent markers or low-quality brands that can leave stains or residue. If a permanent marker does accidentally get used, don’t panic—writing over it with a dry-erase marker and then erasing should help lift the stain.
2. Deep clean periodically: Every few weeks, give your whiteboard a deep clean. Use a dedicated whiteboard cleaner to remove stubborn marks and stains, or make your own cleaner with a mixture of water and vinegar. Spray the cleaner on the board and wipe it down thoroughly to ensure it stays as good as new.
3. Condition Your Whiteboard: For some surfaces, especially older boards, applying a small amount of whiteboard conditioner or polish after cleaning can help restore its smoothness and prevent future staining. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on this to avoid damage.

By following these steps and giving your whiteboard the care it needs, you can ensure it remains an effective tool in your office for years to come. Your investment will not only last longer but continue to look professional and clean, keeping your workspace organized and inspiring creativity.

When shopping for a whiteboard, you’ll notice a wide range of prices. Balancing quality and cost can be tricky, but here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision:

• Budget-Friendly Options: Melamine whiteboards are a cost-effective choice for light use. Magnetic boards are also relatively affordable and add functionality.
• Mid-Range: Porcelain boards offer better durability at a slightly higher cost, making them great for daily use in office environments.
• Premium Choices: Glass boards are sleek, durable, and stain-resistant, though they come at a premium price point.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider purchasing a smaller high-quality board rather than a large, low-quality one. You can always use ShareTheBoard to share your whiteboard session from any board size, and thanks to the board’s memory feature, you don’t have to worry about erasing the board more often.

When selecting a whiteboard for your home or office, consider your specific needs: size, durability, surface type, and mounting options all play a role in finding the perfect fit. Keep in mind the benefits of integrating technology like ShareTheBoard, which enhances any traditional whiteboard by making it accessible and turning it into a shareable whiteboard for remote or hybrid work environments..

By choosing the right whiteboard, you’re not just adding a tool to your workspace—you’re investing in a system that can boost productivity, streamline collaboration, and make your life easier, whether at home, in the office, or on a video call.

If you are still looking for information and answers to the question “How to find the best whiteboard?” then contact us. We use whiteboards every day and know what you should pay special attention to when buying a board, we also have contacts with the best suppliers so we will be happy to help you get an attractive discount. Get back to us through our contact form.

However, if you have already made a purchase decision and you’re ready to start transforming your whiteboard into a powerful collaborative tool, register for a free 7-day trial to give your new board superpowers.