Whiteboards are a common and useful tool in classrooms and educational settings. They provide a convenient and easily erasable surface for writing and drawing, and they can be used for a wide range of activities, from lectures and presentations to group work and brainstorming sessions. When it comes to choosing school whiteboards and whiteboard accessories and replacement parts, there are several factors to consider. Below, our buying guide walks you through some of our frequently asked questions around choosing a whiteboard for schools. We hope these questions and answers spark some of your own queries on dry erase boards, your specific needs, and how we can help you meet your goals! As always, our team here at Shiffler is available via phone (833-201-8186), email, and even on our website live chat. Now let’s dive into the hard-hitting questions!

What Size Whiteboard Do I need for My Classroom?

One of the most important considerations when choosing a dry erase board is the size of the board. You'll want to choose a size that is appropriate for the size of your classroom or learning space, as well as the type of activities you plan to use the board for. For example, a larger whiteboard, perhaps 20’ long, may be necessary for presentations or lectures, while a smaller board, 2 feet by 1.5 feet, may be sufficient for small group work or individual use.

Teachers often shy away from choosing a larger classroom whiteboard as they can take over nearly an entire wall of a classroom. However, with mobile whiteboards, you can have the convenience of a large dry erase board while still having the flexibility of a smaller school whiteboard.

What is the Best Material for a Whiteboard?

Whiteboards are typically made of either porcelain or melamine. Porcelain whiteboards are more durable and resistant to staining and ghosting, but they are also more expensive. Melamine whiteboards are less expensive and can be a good choice for classrooms with a tight budget. However, they may not be as durable and may show more wear and tear over time.

Glass whiteboards, while less common, can be easy to clean and even have magnetic dry erase board options. Regardless of the type of material you choose for your dry erase board, be sure to read up on the best care practices.

A whiteboard for school is often combined with other materials, such as a cork or bulletin board. These combination whiteboards are a great choice of material if you need a multifunctional classroom white board. It will save on space and come in a multitude of sizes and styles.

What Surface is the Best Quality for My Classroom White Board?

The quality of the whiteboard surface is important, as it determines how well the board will erase and how long it will last. Look for a board with a smooth, glossy surface that will erase cleanly and won't show ghosting or stains.

You may also want to use magnets on your dry erase board to help display posters or flyers. We offer several sizes and styles of classroom whiteboards that are magnetic whiteboards. Using magnets will reduce the amount of residue that tape or other tacky products may leave behind.

Graphic boards are often made of the same quality of typical classroom whiteboards but come with pre-drawn elements. We offer music lines, different sized grids, and even planner-style graphic boards. This will save your teacher time and avoid having to use permanent marker on the board for reusing templates.

With quality comes a potentially higher price point. Keep this in mind when searching for your next school whiteboard as you may have a budget to hit. Thankfully, our team is well-versed in finding a balance between quality and value, so we can find your dry erase board match!

How Do I Choose the Right Frame for a School Whiteboard?

The frame and mounting of the whiteboard are also important. You'll want to choose a board with a sturdy frame that will hold up to use and handling, as well as a mounting system that is easy to install and secure. Some whiteboards come with a built-in mounting system, while others require separate mounting hardware.

Whether you are looking for a wood framed white board or a metal frame on a school whiteboard, Claridge whiteboards offers a great variety of frames for your dry erase board.

Instead, we offer unframed rolls and boards if you have an existing space or are looking for an alternative use of whiteboards for classrooms.

What Accessories are Best for a Whiteboard for Schools?

There are a wide range of whiteboard accessories available, including markers, erasers, and magnetic trays. When choosing these items, consider the quality and durability of the products. You'll also want to consider the type of markers and erasers you choose, as some may be more suited to certain types of surfaces or activities.

Some of our most popular dry erase board accessories are map rails and board mount clips. Even flag holders for map rails can bend and warp with heavy usage. Over time, these white board accessories can wear down and require replacing.

Claridge whiteboards offer several accessories, mainly map rails. Varying in length, color, and even brand we will be able to find the whiteboard map rail that fits your board. Claridge Whiteboards also offers hook/clip combos that allow you to hook anything onto your classroom whiteboard.

What Replacement Parts Will I Need for My Dry Erase Board?

It's important to think about replacement parts when choosing a whiteboard, as even the most durable boards will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Look for whiteboards with easily available replacement parts, such as map rail end stops, map rail cork, and mounting hardware. This will help ensure that you can keep your whiteboard in good condition for as long as possible.

Even mobile whiteboards occasionally need replacement casters when they are moved around on a regular basis. Often times, aluminum chalk trays need to be replaced as students lean on them and can bend them, allowing for markers to roll off.

Is It Possible to Repair an Existing School White board?

While we have been discussing new and replacement options for your school or classroom dry erase boards, there are a few products that you may be able to use to help repair an existing classroom whiteboard. This is a potential option if you have old school whiteboards that need to be refinished.

Claridge Whiteboards offers replacement dry erase board panels which can be affixed to an existing surface and prevent having to replace a full board. Retrofit options can also be used to resurface existing damaged school whiteboards. These methods can be a cost-effective way to repair your classroom whiteboard without having to purchase entirely new dry erase boards.

Top Whiteboards from Shiffler Equipment

Choosing a whiteboard for schools and whiteboard accessories and replacement parts involves considering a range of factors, including size, material, surface quality, frame and mounting, and accessories. There are also several options for resurfacing your existing board as opposed to purchasing a completely new classroom whiteboard. By taking the time to carefully consider your needs, you can choose a whiteboard that will provide a convenient and functional teaching and learning tool for your classroom.

Purchasing a whiteboard online can sometimes be a tricky task. Our customer care team and sales staff are well-versed in the nuances of whiteboards for classrooms and all of the criteria noted above. We would be more than happy to speak to you via phone, email, or chat so we can help to make sure we find the right style, price point, and fit for your classroom whiteboard.