10 Best Dry Erase Boards 2020
Dry erase boards aren’t just for teachers; they are useful for parents who want to organize the family’s weekly schedule, students who want to practice homework exercises, and anyone who wants a to avoid wasting paper by having a reusable space to jot down notes.
Choosing a whiteboard isn’t just a matter of looking at the price tag and then deciding; you need to understand a bit about the surface material, consider the dimensions, and think about where and how you will be using it.
Wondering who makes the best dry erase board for your needs and how to go about choosing one?
In our guide, we will break down the shopping process and provide you with detailed reviews of the top three boards. Read on to learn more!
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Dry Erase Board
Don’t jump into a purchase without considering the following points.
- Weight. How much does the whiteboard weigh and will the wall that you plan to hang it on be able to accommodate the weight?
- Size. How much workspace do you need? Will one person be using it or do you need it for group work in a classroom setting? Larger boards are better for classrooms or meeting rooms where multiple people need to be able to see the information you write.
- Use. Do you prefer a blank whiteboard or would you like one that has a pre-printed template on the surface, such as a calendar or lines?
Top 10 Dry Erase Boards Table
The Materials
The three main materials you will see on whiteboard surfaces include glass, porcelain, and melamine.
- Glass. The best dry erase boards are made of glass; is a wonderful dry erase board material. You don’t ever have to worry about it staining or ghosting, and you can easily slip papers behind it so that you can “write” over the top of them without having to touch the actual surface of the paper.
The effect of the ink can look somewhat 3D at times; it depends on the angle of the lighting and how it hits the board. Your letters may look like they have shadows behind them at times, which can make them appear fuzzier, but regarding quality and durability, glass is our top pick.
- Porcelain. Porcelain whiteboards will not scratch, your markers won’t stain or “ghost” the surface, and it will not dent. If you’re in need of a whiteboard for a professional setting, then it is worth it to invest in one with a porcelain surface. They are expensive, but they will last.
- Melamine. If you don’t want to spring for a porcelain or glass board, but you would like to avoid wasting your money on a cheap, low-quality product, a good compromise is to go with a board that has a melamine surface.
If you use the board occasionally, it should perform up to your expectations, but heavy use will usually result in ghosting (stains), and you will need to clean it regularly.
This material is best for light use.
If the board you are interested in isn’t made of any of these materials, then expect it to have a limited lifespan and problems with stains. Products like the Smart Planner Weekly Magnetic Refrigerator Dry Erase Board may be helpful if you want to stay organized, but since the layer you write on has been laminated onto a magnetic sheet, it isn’t the best whiteboard choice in terms of quality.
Top 3 Best Dry Erase Board Reviews
1. Audio-Visual Direct Frosted Glass Dry-Erase Board
Material: Glass
If you expect to use your board regularly or in a professional setting, then don’t waste your time with anything other than glass.
This board is incredibly easy to install, it has a marker tray on the bottom, and it will never stain or ghost.
We really appreciated how the manufacturer included a paper template in the box. All you need to do is lay the glass board on top of it, make marks with a pen or pencil where the holes are, hang the template level on the wall, and then drill the holes through it. They couldn’t have made it any easier.
It is by far the best dry erase board we have ever used.
2. OfficePro SlimlineMagnetic Dry Erase Board
Material: Melamine
This board is marketed as an office product due to the size and the material. In meeting rooms or small offices, it offers just enough space so that a small group will easily be able to see it, and the melamine coating on the top is good enough for light use.
With the board, you get a pen tray holder, and the surface is magnetic so you can use it emphasize parts of a graph or create visual groupings of objects with little magnets.
Installation is very simple, and you can hang the board vertically or horizontally. Just be aware that the little hooks protrude from the top and will be visible when you hang it.
It is a good find for the price and would be ideal for breakrooms, dorm rooms, offices, or any other small spaces where a reusable surface comes in handy.
3. Charles Leonard Dry Erase Lapboard Class Pack
Material: Laminated Masonite Board
Anyone who organizes group activities can benefit from a set of whiteboards like this.
The main material on the back is Masonite – wood fibers that have been steam-cooked and molded into a specific shape. They are lightweight, and the rounded corners make them ideal for younger users since there are no pointy corners that could cause potential safety hazards.
As a set, you also get the makers and the erasers with these boards. The markers have fine tips and low-odor but don’t expect them to last very long since the quality isn’t that great.
Why waste paper when you can reuse boards like these over and over again to practice or take notes?