Noticeboard Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Board for Your Space
Noticeboards are a timeless tool for staying organised, visible, and in control. Whether you're displaying rotas, promoting events, pinning up health & safety messages, or managing a classroom, the right board can save time, reduce clutter, and keep everyone informed.
This guide will walk you through the different types of noticeboards - from classic cork boards to modern magnetic felt - so you can find the perfect fit for your space, usage and budget.
Why Noticeboards Still Matter
Even in a digital-first world, noticeboards remain a go-to communication tool. They’re quick to update, easy to use, and visible at a glance - ideal for high-traffic environments where people pass by regularly. Here’s why they’re still a smart choice:
- 📌 Keeps teams aligned and informed
- 📌 Reduces reliance on digital alerts and inbox overload
- 📌 Encourages community, awareness and collaboration
- 📌 Flexible for changing messages, schedules and campaigns
Types of Noticeboards: Pros, Cons & How to Choose
Whether you're kitting out a classroom, fitting a retail back office or creating a safety zone in a warehouse, understanding the different styles of noticeboard will help you make the best choice. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types and how to use them effectively.
Cork Noticeboards
Traditional and reliable, cork noticeboards are easy to pin and perfect for lightweight use. Common in classrooms, staff rooms and reception areas, they offer a simple way to display documents, posters and reminders.
- Pros: Low cost, lightweight, easy to pin
- Cons: Pin holes can wear over time; not suitable for damp areas
Felt Noticeboards
Felt-covered boards give a more premium look than cork and are ideal for shared spaces. The surface is available in a range of colours (like blue, grey or red) to match your branding or decor.
- Pros: Sleek appearance; soft surface lasts longer than cork
- Cons: Not magnetic; slight wear with heavy use
Magnetic Noticeboards
These combine the look of a fabric board with the power of magnets, making them ideal for dynamic environments. Great for rotating documents, safety data, or sales updates without using pins.
- Pros: Reusable, clean look, no pin holes
- Cons: Needs magnetic accessories; usually higher cost than cork/felt
Lockable Noticeboards
Lockable boards are designed for public areas where security is key. They protect notices from tampering and are commonly used in schools, medical facilities, and shared entrances.
- Pros: Tamper-proof, weather resistant (in outdoor models), keeps notices clean
- Cons: Slightly more expensive and less flexible to update than open boards
Combination Noticeboards
Need writing and pinning in one place? Combination boards feature a dry wipe whiteboard area alongside a felt or cork panel. They're ideal for collaborative spaces, team zones or small offices.
- Pros: Versatile 2-in-1 design; saves space
- Cons: Writing area is smaller than standard whiteboards
Best Noticeboard Types by Industry
Different environments demand different solutions. Here's how to match the right noticeboard to your sector, task, and layout style.
| Industry | Recommended Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Felt or Combination Boards | Durable, colourful and ideal for displaying student work, class rotas or timetables |
| Offices | Magnetic or Lockable Boards | Share notices, updates and staff rotas securely in shared spaces |
| Healthcare & Facilities | Lockable or Tamperproof Boards | Keep essential information protected in corridors or waiting areas |
| Retail & Hospitality | Combination or Cork Boards | Plan rotas, pin promotions, or write down team updates in break rooms or back offices |
| Home & Study | Cork or Compact Felt Boards | Affordable, lightweight and easy to update with reminders or inspiration |
| Construction & Warehousing | Magnetic Steel Boards or Lockable Displays | Display compliance data, H&S briefings, and time-sensitive information |
At-a-Glance: Noticeboard Comparison Table
| Type | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cork Board | • Budget-friendly • Easy to pin • Lightweight and quick to install |
Home, classrooms, low-use zones |
| Felt Board | • Stylish and modern • Colour options • Soft surface hides pin holes |
Schools, meeting rooms, corridors |
| Magnetic Noticeboard | • Clean display • Pin-free updates • Ideal for rotating content |
Offices, production zones, staff areas |
| Lockable Board | • Protected & tamperproof • Outdoor or indoor use • Great for public info |
Schools, surgeries, communal buildings |
| Combination Board | • Whiteboard + pinboard • Saves space • Multi-use for teams |
Shared offices, project teams, agile spaces |
Noticeboard Buying Considerations
Before you buy, take a few minutes to think about how your board will be used. The right noticeboard balances function, style, and security — all based on your unique needs.
Noticeboard FAQs
- Can I use pins and magnets on the same board? Only if you're using a combination board. Most noticeboards are either pinable or magnetic — not both.
- What’s the difference between felt and cork? Cork is a classic natural surface that handles heavy pin use well. Felt is more modern, colourful and hides holes better over time.
- Do I need a lockable noticeboard? If your board will be in a shared or public area, yes. It protects content from tampering, damage, or removal.
- Can noticeboards go outside? Yes — but make sure they’re designed for it. Look for waterproof frames, lockable doors, and tamperproof glazing.
- How do I fix my board to the wall? Most come with standard wall fixings. Larger or heavier boards may need a two-person install or specialised fixings.
Noticeboard Accessories That Make Life Easier
It’s not just about the board — it’s about making your messages stand out, stay neat, and stay put. These small additions can make a big difference:
- 📌 Coloured push pins: Categorise content, highlight key info, or just add personality to your board
- 🧽 Cleaning sprays and cloths: Essential for whiteboard combos to keep surfaces clear and ghost-free
- 📎 Document holders or sleeves: Protect key documents on public-facing boards from tearing or water
- 🔒 Spare locks and keys: For tamperproof or lockable noticeboards, especially in busy locations
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Noticeboard for Your Needs
Whether you're outfitting a school corridor, organising a staff room, or creating a tidy hub at home — the right noticeboard should be practical, visible, and easy to use.
Start by thinking about your location and content. Will the board face the public? Is it purely functional, or does it need to match a professional space? Does your team need to write, pin or do both?
From classic cork pinboards to modern tamperproof designs with magnetic surfaces, Displaysense has you covered. And because we work with businesses, schools, and home offices across the UK, we’ve fine-tuned our range to offer the best mix of price, performance and practicality.
Still not sure? Our team knows the range inside out — and we’re always happy to help you choose with confidence.
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