Whiteboards & Boards — Buyer's Questions & Answers

Question 1

What is a whiteboard and what types are available?

Accepted Answer

A whiteboard (also called a dry-erase board) is a smooth writing surface that accepts dry-erase markers and can be completely wiped clean. The three primary surface types are melamine (entry-level, painted hardboard), porcelain steel (premium, hard-coated ceramic on steel backing), and glass (ultra-premium, tempered glass). Each has different durability, ghosting resistance, and magnetic capability. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry all three surface types in a range of sizes — call 1-800-460-0858 to determine the right type for your application.

Question 2

What is the difference between melamine, porcelain, and glass whiteboards?

Accepted Answer

Melamine whiteboards have a painted coating over hardboard — inexpensive, adequate for light use, but prone to ghosting (shadow staining) within 1–2 years and not magnetic. Porcelain-on-steel whiteboards have a kiln-fired ceramic coating on a steel backer — extremely durable (25+ year surface warranty), erasable without ghosting, and magnetic. Glass whiteboards have a tempered glass writing surface — premium appearance, completely non-porous so markers wipe off perfectly, but not magnetic without a steel backing. For professional offices, porcelain is the standard; for executive spaces, glass is increasingly common. Call OfficeFurniture2go.com at 1-800-460-0858.

Question 3

What is whiteboard ghosting and how do I prevent it?

Accepted Answer

Ghosting is the faint shadow or stain left on a whiteboard surface after erasing, visible when the board is viewed at an angle or in certain lighting. It is caused by marker ink penetrating a porous or degraded writing surface. Melamine boards ghost quickly; porcelain and glass boards resist ghosting for years when properly maintained. Prevention: always use quality dry-erase markers rated for the board type, clean with a dry eraser after each use, and perform a deep clean with isopropyl alcohol weekly. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we can recommend ghosting-resistant boards for your application — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 4

Which whiteboards are magnetic?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain-on-steel whiteboards are magnetic — their steel backing allows magnets to hold papers, notes, and accessories. Standard melamine whiteboards are not magnetic (no steel backing). Glass whiteboards are not inherently magnetic, though some models include a steel backing to add magnetic capability. When magnetic capability is required (to hold documents, charts, or accessories with magnets), specify porcelain-on-steel. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, magnetic capability is clearly labeled in all board listings — call 1-800-460-0858 for magnetic board options.

Question 5

What sizes do commercial whiteboards come in?

Accepted Answer

Whiteboards are available from small 17"×23" desktop models to large 4'×16'+ wall-length boards. Common commercial sizes: 2'×3', 3'×4', 4'×6', 4'×8', and 4'×12'. For conference rooms, a 4'×6' or 4'×8' board is standard for groups of 6–12. For training rooms, a 4'×12' continuous board or multiple boards side-by-side provides maximum writing space. Custom sizes are available from some manufacturers. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we stock the most common commercial sizes — call 1-800-460-0858 for size guidance based on room dimensions.

Question 6

How do you mount a whiteboard to a wall?

Accepted Answer

Commercial whiteboards include a wall-mount hardware kit — typically a Z-bar or channel system. The Z-bar attaches to the wall (into studs or with toggle bolts for hollow walls), and the matching channel on the back of the board slides onto it. Smaller boards can be mounted with standard screws and anchors. Larger, heavier boards (4'×8' porcelain, 50+ lbs) must be anchored into wall studs. Always use a level when installing — an off-level board is immediately noticeable. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, all boards include mounting hardware — call 1-800-460-0858 for installation guidance.

Question 7

What is a mobile whiteboard and when should I use one?

Accepted Answer

A mobile whiteboard (also called a rolling whiteboard or whiteboard easel) is a writing board mounted on a wheeled stand that can be repositioned throughout a facility. Mobile boards are ideal for open-plan offices without fixed walls, multipurpose rooms, training environments, and collaborative spaces where writing surfaces need to move to the work. Double-sided mobile boards double the writing surface area. Most commercial mobile boards have locking casters. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry mobile whiteboards in multiple sizes — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 8

What is a corkboard and when should I use it vs. a whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

A corkboard (bulletin board) provides a pinnable surface for posting papers, photos, schedules, and notices using pushpins or tacks. Whiteboards provide a writable/erasable surface for notes, diagrams, and brainstorming. Use a corkboard when you need to display reference materials that remain visible over time; use a whiteboard for dynamic, erasable writing during meetings and collaboration. Many offices use both. Combination boards provide a corkboard section and whiteboard section in a single unit. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry both — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 9

What is a combination board?

Accepted Answer

A combination board (or combo board) provides both a dry-erase whiteboard surface and a fabric or cork bulletin board surface in a single frame — typically split 50/50 left and right, or whiteboard on left and corkboard on right. They are popular in offices and classrooms where both writable and pinnable surfaces are needed but wall space is limited. Available in all standard sizes from 3'×4' to 4'×8'. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, combination boards are available in melamine and porcelain-on-steel surfaces — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 10

What size whiteboard should a conference room have?

Accepted Answer

For conference rooms, size the whiteboard to the longest seating side of the table. A general rule: one linear foot of board width per two seats. For a 10-person conference table, a 4'×8' board provides adequate width. For rooms used for intensive brainstorming or training, a 4'×12' board or floor-to-ceiling whiteboard wall may be more appropriate. Position the board so it is visible from all seats without obstruction. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we recommend whiteboard configurations for conference rooms of all sizes — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 11

What accessories do I need for a commercial whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Essential whiteboard accessories: a dry-erase marker set (fine and chisel tip, multiple colors), a magnetic eraser or felt eraser tray, an eraser tray mounted on the board's bottom rail, a cleaning spray (isopropyl alcohol-based), and magnets (for magnetic boards). Optional: whiteboard calendar overlays, gridline tape, projection overlays, marker holders, and cleaning kits. For shared conference room boards, a dedicated accessory kit in a standard location ensures materials are always available. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, accessories are available alongside our board products — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 12

What dry-erase markers should I use with a commercial whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Use only markers explicitly labeled 'dry-erase' — permanent markers will stain any whiteboard surface permanently. For porcelain and glass boards, both standard and low-odor dry-erase markers work. For melamine boards, use low-odor markers with a light, water-soluble ink to minimize ghosting. Never use permanent markers. If permanent marker is accidentally used, apply dry-erase marker over the permanent ink, then wipe — the solvents in the dry-erase marker lift the permanent ink. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we can recommend marker brands for specific board surfaces — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 13

How do I deep-clean a whiteboard that has heavy ghosting?

Accepted Answer

For heavy ghosting on melamine boards: apply isopropyl alcohol (70%+) with a soft cloth, let sit 30 seconds, then wipe in a circular motion. Repeat as needed. For porcelain boards: use a dedicated whiteboard cleaning spray or diluted hand sanitizer — porcelain's non-porous surface responds well to mild cleaning. For glass boards: glass cleaner works perfectly. Avoid abrasive pads on any whiteboard surface — they create micro-scratches that accelerate future ghosting. Very heavily ghosted melamine boards may need to be replaced rather than restored. Call OfficeFurniture2go.com at 1-800-460-0858.

Question 14

What are the advantages of a glass whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Glass whiteboards (tempered glass writing surface) offer: completely non-porous surface that wipes perfectly clean without ghosting, even after years of use; a premium, frameless aesthetic that works in executive and modern office environments; resistance to staining from almost any solvent; and a sleek appearance when not in use. Disadvantages: not magnetic (unless steel-backed), heavier and more difficult to install, significantly more expensive than porcelain. For executive suites or design-forward offices where appearance is paramount, glass whiteboards are an excellent choice. Call OfficeFurniture2go.com at 1-800-460-0858.

Question 15

Should I use a whiteboard or a chalkboard?

Accepted Answer

Whiteboards (dry-erase) have almost entirely replaced chalkboards in modern commercial environments. Chalk creates dust (problematic for electronics, allergies, and air quality), is harder to erase completely, and lacks the colorful marking capability of dry-erase markers. Chalkboards are still preferred in some traditional educational settings for their reduced glare and the tactile writing experience. For virtually all commercial office applications — conference rooms, training rooms, reception areas — a whiteboard is the appropriate choice. Call OfficeFurniture2go.com at 1-800-460-0858.

Question 16

Can a projector be used on a whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes — whiteboards serve as excellent projection screens, especially when writing needs to be combined with projected content (annotating over a presentation). A white matte surface (standard whiteboard finish) provides good projection quality. Some manufacturers produce combination whiteboard/projection screen boards. Avoid glossy or glass surfaces for projection — they create hot spots. For dedicated projection needs, a dedicated projector screen provides better image quality; for combined use, a standard whiteboard works well. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we can help specify the right board for projection applications — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 17

What is a full-wall whiteboard and how is it installed?

Accepted Answer

A full-wall whiteboard covers an entire wall or large section with a continuous dry-erase writing surface. Options include: multiple individual boards mounted edge-to-edge (visible seams), a single large custom panel, or a whiteboard paint application (sprayed or rolled onto a smooth wall surface). Whiteboard paint provides a seamless surface and custom dimensions but requires a very smooth base coat and wears faster than a panel board. Large panel installations require careful stud-finding and leveling. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry large-format panel whiteboards — call 1-800-460-0858 for installation guidance.

Question 18

What warranty should a commercial whiteboard have?

Accepted Answer

Melamine whiteboards: typically 1–2 year surface warranty. Porcelain-on-steel whiteboards: 20–50 year surface warranty from most commercial manufacturers — the porcelain surface is essentially permanent under normal use. Glass whiteboards: lifetime surface warranty from most manufacturers. The surface warranty covers ghosting, staining, and abnormal wear under normal use. Frame and hardware: 1–5 year warranty typical. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry commercial whiteboards with industry-leading surface warranties — call 1-800-460-0858 for warranty details on specific models.

Question 19

What is a tackable wall surface and how is it different from a corkboard?

Accepted Answer

A tackable surface is a fabric-covered wall panel that accepts pushpins and tacks — pins go in cleanly and the surface self-heals after pin removal, unlike cork which can crumble over time. Tackable panels are available as individual tiles, full-wall systems, and wainscot applications. Commercial fabric-tackable wall panels also provide acoustic absorption. Corkboards are a subset of tackable surfaces — cork is a natural material that is less durable and more prone to crumbling than synthetic tackable fabric. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry both cork and fabric-tackable products — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 20

What is a whiteboard easel and how is it different from a mobile whiteboard stand?

Accepted Answer

A whiteboard easel is a lightweight, A-frame stand that holds a board at an angle — similar to an artist's easel. They are typically used for smaller boards (24"×36" and smaller) in presentations, reception areas, or small meeting rooms. Mobile whiteboard stands are sturdier two-post or H-frame wheeled units that hold larger boards (36"×48"+) upright and vertical. For conference room mobile applications, an H-frame whiteboard stand is more stable. For lobby displays or small presentations, an easel is adequate. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry both — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 21

What size corkboard does an office need?

Accepted Answer

For individual workstations, a 24"×36" or 36"×48" corkboard adjacent to the desk is sufficient for posting reminders, schedules, and reference materials. For shared team spaces, a 4'×6' or 4'×8' board accommodates project charts, team calendars, and departmental notices. For reception areas, a 2'×3' or 3'×4' board is typical for displaying notices and schedules. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, corkboards are available in a full range of sizes — call 1-800-460-0858 for a size recommendation based on your use case.

Question 22

Are whiteboards available in colors other than white?

Accepted Answer

Standard whiteboards are white, which provides the best contrast with all marker colors and doubles as a projection surface. Some glass whiteboards are available in frosted, black, or custom colors — black glass boards are increasingly popular in modern offices and create high-contrast writing with white or light-colored markers. Colored boards sacrifice some marker color readability (yellow and light markers disappear on non-white surfaces) but can make a strong aesthetic statement. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry white, frosted, and black glass board options — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 23

What magnetic accessories work with porcelain whiteboards?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain-on-steel whiteboards support a full range of magnetic accessories: magnetic document holders, magnetic label holders (for labeling board sections), magnetic hooks, magnetic pen holders, magnetic calendar overlays, magnetic shelves, and decorative magnets. For conference room boards, a set of magnetic document holders allows attaching reference sheets without covering the writing surface. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, magnetic accessories are available to complement our porcelain whiteboard products — call 1-800-460-0858 for accessory bundles.

Question 24

How do whiteboards integrate with remote meetings and video conferencing?

Accepted Answer

For hybrid teams, a whiteboard positioned in the camera frame allows in-room content to be visible to remote participants. For best video visibility, use thick markers (chisel tip), high-contrast colors (black, blue), and ensure even lighting across the board surface (avoid backlighting or glare). Some meeting room software (Microsoft Teams, Zoom) includes digital whiteboard functionality that syncs with in-room displays. For dedicated hybrid meeting rooms, consider a large interactive whiteboard (IWB) display. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we configure boards for hybrid meeting rooms — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 25

What frame options are available for commercial whiteboards?

Accepted Answer

Commercial whiteboards come in aluminum frame (most common — lightweight, corrosion-resistant, clean appearance), wood frame (warmer, more traditional aesthetic for educational settings), and frameless (glass boards and some porcelain — ultra-modern aesthetic). Frame color options include silver, black, and anodized finishes. Aluminum frames include an integrated marker tray at the bottom. For executive offices, frameless or minimal-frame boards are preferred. For schools and training rooms, sturdy aluminum-frame boards with a full-length marker tray are standard. Call OfficeFurniture2go.com at 1-800-460-0858.

Question 26

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for a commercial whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Daily: erase writing after each meeting with a felt eraser. Weekly: wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth or dry-erase board cleaner — remove any residual marker film that builds up. Monthly: deep-clean with isopropyl alcohol (70%+) to eliminate any ghosting and remove wax residue from markers. Annually: inspect mounting hardware and tighten any loose brackets. Never let writing remain on the board for more than 48 hours — dried markers are significantly harder to erase. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we recommend maintenance kits with every board purchase — call 1-800-460-0858.

Question 27

What is an interactive whiteboard and how is it different from a standard whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a touch-sensitive display connected to a computer — it functions as both a writing surface and a projected computer screen. Users can write on the board, manipulate digital objects, and run software directly from the board surface. Standard whiteboards are passive writing surfaces with no electronics. IWBs are significantly more expensive (typically $2,000–$8,000+) and require a computer and projector or integrated display. For most conference rooms, a standard porcelain whiteboard combined with a separate display screen is the more cost-effective and reliable solution. At OfficeFurniture2go.com, we carry traditional whiteboards and can advise on display solutions — call 1-800-460-0858.

Whiteboards & Boards — Questions & Answers