Choosing the Right Whiteboard Surface for Your Classroom

Not all whiteboards are created equal. Walk into any school supplies catalogue and you'll see whiteboards ranging from under £30 to several hundred pounds — and the difference isn't just size. The surface material is the single biggest factor determining how long a whiteboard lasts, how well it performs day-to-day, and whether it will ghost, stain or deteriorate after a year of heavy use.

This guide explains the three main whiteboard surface types available for UK schools, who each one is right for, and what to look for when specifying boards for different areas of your school.

The Three Main Whiteboard Surfaces

Melamine Whiteboards

Melamine is the entry-level whiteboard surface and the most common choice for schools on tight budgets. The surface consists of a melamine-impregnated paper laminate bonded to an MDF or lightweight composite core. It's lightweight, easy to install and available in a wide range of sizes.

Pros

• Lowest upfront cost — ideal for budget-constrained procurement
• Lightweight and easy to handle during installation
• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Adequate performance for light to moderate use

Cons

• Not magnetic — can't use magnetic accessories or magnets to hold resources
• Susceptible to ghosting after 12–18 months of heavy use
• Surface can become permanently stained if markers are left uncapped
• Shorter lifespan means higher replacement cost over time
• Not suitable for use with abrasive cleaners

Lacquered Steel Whiteboards

Lacquered steel whiteboards represent the best value for money for most schools. The writing surface is a steel sheet coated with a specialist lacquer that provides a smooth, consistent drywipe finish. Because the core is steel, these boards are naturally magnetic.

Pros

• Magnetic surface — supports magnets and magnetic accessories throughout the board's life
• Significantly more durable than melamine
• Much better ghost resistance for daily classroom use
• Easier to clean and maintain
• Good mid-range price point

Cons

• Heavier than melamine — may require additional fixings for larger sizes
• Can show surface marks from heavy-handed erasing over time
• Not as durable as enamel for very intensive use

Porcelain Enamel Whiteboards

Porcelain enamel (also called vitreous enamel) is the premium whiteboard surface. A glass-ceramic coating is fused to a steel substrate at extremely high temperatures, creating a surface that is chemically inert, extremely hard and essentially impervious to marker ink. These boards carry a 25-year surface warranty and will outlast the teaching careers of most of the staff who use them.

Pros

• 25-year surface warranty — the best long-term value of any whiteboard type
• Completely ghost and stain resistant — even permanent marker can be removed
• Magnetic throughout its lifetime
• Hygienic surface — non-porous and easy to sterilise
• Ideal for allergen-sensitive environments
• The most sustainable option over a building's lifetime

Cons

• Highest upfront cost
• Heavy — professional installation recommended for large boards

Side-by-Side Comparison

What Size Whiteboard Do You Need?

As a general guide for classrooms:

• 1200 x 900mm — suitable for small teaching spaces and meeting rooms
• 1500 x 1000mm — the most popular size for primary classrooms
• 1800 x 1200mm — recommended for secondary classrooms and larger teaching spaces
• 2400 x 1200mm — ideal for large classrooms, lecture theatres and training rooms

For classrooms, the board should be visible from the back of the room. A useful rule of thumb: the board width should be at least one third of the room width.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any whiteboard marker on all surface types?

Yes, all three surface types are compatible with standard drywipe markers. However, for melamine boards it's especially important to use quality markers and erase promptly — leaving markers uncapped on a melamine surface will cause permanent staining much more quickly than on steel or enamel.

How do I clean a whiteboard that has ghosting?

For melamine boards, once ghosting has set in it is very difficult to remove completely. A specialist whiteboard cleaning spray may help. For lacquered steel and enamel boards, a dedicated whiteboard cleaning solution will usually remove even stubborn marks. On enamel boards, even dried permanent marker can be removed with the right cleaner.

Do you offer magnetic whiteboards?

Yes. Both our lacquered steel and porcelain enamel whiteboards are magnetic throughout their lifetime. All boards in our range are available in multiple sizes.