Whiteboard Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Board for Your Workspace
If you're in the market for a whiteboard, you're probably wondering what type suits your space, team, or task. With so many styles to choose from - freestanding, magnetic, wall-mounted, or even combination boards - it can be tricky to know where to start.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you're leading meetings, teaching lessons, managing operations, or planning at home, we'll help you find the right whiteboard for your needs - quickly, clearly, and confidently.
Why Whiteboards Are Still Essential (and More Useful Than Ever)
In today’s fast-moving world, staying visually organised is a real advantage. Whiteboards make it easy to plan, present, communicate and adapt - without wasting paper or tech time. They’re just as relevant for hybrid teams and digital-first businesses as they are for classrooms and studios.
- ✅ Save space and reduce mess
- ✅ Encourage team collaboration and visibility
- ✅ Adapt daily to changing plans or ideas
- ✅ Use alongside apps or planners for added clarity
Whether you're jotting down ideas or managing shift rotas, there's a board to fit your style - and your wall space.
Best Whiteboard by Industry
| Industry | Recommended Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Wall-mounted & Combination Boards | Permanent classroom fixtures with a mix of writable and pinable space for lessons |
| Retail & Salons | Glass or Framed Magnetic Boards | Stylish, modern and easy to update with offers, appointments or rotas |
| Warehouses & Production | Large Mobile Whiteboards | Ideal for shift handovers, safety boards and moving between zones |
| Offices & Coworking | Magnetic Wall Whiteboards | Clean, fixed planning areas for daily stand-ups, project management and team KPIs |
| Home & Study | Compact Dry Wipe Boards | Affordable, space-efficient and great for reminders or revision notes |
Whiteboard Surface Materials Explained
| Surface | Magnetic? | Durability | Why Choose This? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (lacquered) | ✅ | High | Everyday magnetic use. Great balance of cost, clarity and longevity. |
| Melamine | ❌ | Moderate | Budget-friendly and lightweight. Perfect for light or occasional use. |
| Glass | ✅ | Very High | Stunning design and excellent durability. Works in creative or client-facing spaces. |
| Enamel Steel | ✅ | Exceptional | Heavy-duty use. Best choice for schools, training centres, or warehouses. |
Whiteboard Types Explained: Pros, Cons & Expert Tips
Freestanding Whiteboards
Freestanding whiteboards - also known as mobile easels or writing boards on wheels - offer complete flexibility. They can be positioned wherever needed and are ideal for dynamic environments like training rooms, classrooms, or agile meeting spaces. Many swivel to reveal a second side, which may be plain or pre-gridded for maths or planning.
- Pros: Mobile and flexible; double-sided; ideal for shared or multi-use spaces
- Cons: Takes up floor space; can be bulky to store if not foldable
Wall-mounted Whiteboards
Wall-mounted whiteboards are the go-to solution for permanent spaces. From classrooms to offices and breakout zones, they offer a clean, professional surface that’s always ready for action. They come in sizes from compact A3 to wide-format 2400mm panels.
- Pros: Saves floor space; ideal for daily use; looks neat and professional
- Cons: Requires wall fixing; less flexible than mobile boards
Magnetic Whiteboards
Magnetic whiteboards combine the benefits of a writing board with a visual display surface. Attach charts, reminders, or notices using magnets — perfect for sales tracking, production boards, or weekly planners. Most use lacquered steel or enamel steel for long-term durability.
- Pros: Dual use (write + display); versatile for planning or shift management
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than non-magnetic versions
Non-Magnetic Whiteboards
Non-magnetic dry wipe boards are an affordable solution for light-duty use — like home offices, study zones or tutoring setups. They’re lightweight and simple to mount, but only suitable for writing (no magnets).
- Pros: Low-cost; simple and clean; great for short-term or personal use
- Cons: Cannot hold magnets; less durable over time than steel or enamel
Glass Whiteboards
Glass writing boards offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and are incredibly hard-wearing. They’re easy to clean, resist ghosting, and work well in premium interiors like design studios or salons. Some include magnetic capability (if backed with steel).
- Pros: Stain-proof; stylish; works with strong magnets
- Cons: Premium price; heavy — must be securely mounted
Combination Boards
These boards feature a dry-wipe surface alongside a felt or cork pinboard section. They're perfect for shared spaces where users need both passive display and active planning in one product. Commonly used in staff rooms and schools.
- Pros: 2-in-1 functionality; great space saver; encourages collaboration
- Cons: Smaller writing area due to split panel design
At-a-Glance: Which Whiteboard Is Best for You?
| Type | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Whiteboard | • Fully mobile – reposition with ease • Double-sided with swivel and grid options • Available with flipchart or tripod easels |
Training rooms, workshops, agile offices |
| Wall-Mounted Whiteboard | • Saves floor space • Ideal for long-term installation • Available in wide format sizes |
Classrooms, meeting rooms, home study |
| Magnetic Whiteboard | • Write and pin visual content • Works with magnets and symbols • Ideal for tracking, planning and notices |
Offices, production areas, team zones |
| Non-Magnetic Whiteboard | • Cost-effective for light use • Lightweight and simple to mount • Still compatible with dry wipe markers |
Home, one-to-one tutoring, light-duty use |
| Glass Whiteboard | • Stylish and stain-resistant • Ideal for modern or premium environments • Magnetic compatibility with high-strength magnets |
Design studios, boardrooms, salons |
| Combination Whiteboard / Notice Board | • Combines writing and pinboard functions • Encourages collaboration in shared areas • Ideal for space-saving multi-use |
Staff rooms, school halls, reception areas |
Whiteboard Buying Considerations
Before you buy, take a moment to consider how your whiteboard will be used day to day. The best choice isn’t always the most expensive — it’s the one that fits your space, your workflow, and your team’s habits.
FAQs: Your Whiteboard Questions Answered
- What is a dry wipe board? A dry wipe board is a reusable surface for writing with special markers that can be wiped clean without water or chemicals.
- Can I mount a whiteboard on any wall? Yes — as long as you use the right fixings for brick, plasterboard, or timber. Larger boards may need two-person installation.
- Magnetic or non-magnetic – which is best? If you need to pin visual elements like charts or notes, go magnetic. If you just need to write and wipe, non-magnetic saves cost.
- Do glass whiteboards work with all magnets? Only high-strength magnets work reliably — choose neodymium styles where possible.
- What size whiteboard should I choose? Think about your space and use. Large wall boards work for teams, while A3–A1 size suits desks, kitchens or hot desks.
- Do I need extra accessories? We recommend a cleaning spray, eraser, pen tray, and at least 2 dry wipe markers to get started.
Whiteboard Extras That Take You Further
It’s not just about the board — the right tools can transform a blank surface into a productivity hub. Whether you're planning a launch, mapping out a sales strategy, or guiding a classroom, these accessories add flexibility, visibility and polish:
- 🧲 Magnetic symbols & labels: Ideal for planners, scrum boards or visual cues your team can move around
- 🖊️ Multi-colour dry wipe pens: Separate ideas by colour, highlight key info, and make your notes pop
- 🧼 Cleaning sprays and erasers: Keep boards smudge-free and long-lasting — no more ghost marks
- 📎 Flipchart pad holders: Attach paper to your easel for brainstorms or record-keeping during meetings
- 📌 Push pins for combo boards: Perfect for pinning notices, rotas or reminders alongside your writing space
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Whiteboard with Confidence
There’s no one-size-fits-all whiteboard. The best option depends entirely on how and where you’ll use it. Whether you’re managing a busy team, teaching a class, running a retail floor, or planning from home - the goal is always the same: clarity, flexibility, and ease of use.
To make the right choice, think about your space, how often you’ll use the board, who needs access to it, and whether you want to display materials alongside your notes. From fixed wall-mounted boards to movable easels and modern glass panels, each style serves a distinct purpose.
Magnetic boards work well in fast-paced environments where plans change often. Freestanding options offer flexibility for shared spaces or multi-use rooms. Non-magnetic boards are a great starting point for light use, while combination boards suit communal areas where people need to pin notices and write updates in one place.
If you’re still weighing up options, don’t worry - that’s what we’re here for. Our team knows the ins and outs of every board we sell, and we’re happy to help you match your needs to the right product. Get in touch, or explore our full range online with filters by size, style, and functionality.
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