From schools and offices to kitchens and dorm rooms, almost everyone has some sort of memo or bulletin board to help them share ideas and stay organized. In this article, we'll discuss the three most common styles of boards, along with the unique characteristics of each.
Dry Erase Boards
Also referred to as "whiteboards," dry erase boards have slick, coated surfaces that enable the user to write non-permanent messages with specialized markers. They are frequently used for presentation purposes in schools and offices, but they have been gaining popularity with home users, especially since the release of decorative and specialized models (such as calendars and "chore charts"). Whiteboards are surprisingly versatile, with large boards doubling as projection surfaces for digital and traditional projectors. Markings made on white boards are more resistant to environmental factors (such as water) than messages written on chalkboards, and they do not generate dust like chalk does, which allows them to be used in dust-sensitive atmospheres.
In addition to standard dry erase board styles, many retailers stock a number of specialty boards, including magnetic boards, calendars, combo boards (which have both cork and dry erase sections), designer boards with decorative frames, and unframed "tile" boards.
Chalkboards
Chalkboards (also called "blackboards") have been present in classrooms around the world for many years. They were originally crafted from slabs of slate, but modern chalkboards can be made from steel covered in porcelain enamel or a board covered in a dark paint that has a matte finish. Sticks of calcium sulphate (commonly referred to as "chalk") are used to make non-permanent markings on the boards, which are easily removed using soft felt erasers. Though many schools have started transitioning from chalkboards to dry erase boards, they are increasingly popular in homes, where they are often used to jot down notes and lists. Chalkboards tend to generate some dust when used regularly, however they are odor-free (unlike the markers used on dry erase boards, which can have a strong odor).
Cork Boards
Cork boards (also called "bulletin boards") are made of soft, spongy cork that allows the user to pin and remove papers, photos, and other items. Unlike dry erase and chalkboards, cork boards do not allow the user to write and erase messages, but the ease of adding and removing documents has made them a regular fixture in many community centers and universities. Many chalkboard and dry erase board styles are now incorporating cork sections to allow users to have the ability to write non-permanent messages and pin items up side-by-side. No specialized supplies are required to use a cork board - any small tack, pin, or even staple can be used to secure documents.
Accessories
Dry erase markers and erasers are the most widely used board accessories, due to the popularity of dry erase boards. The markers themselves possess a number of qualities that make them preferable over chalk, including that they do not aggravate allergies and asthma in the way that chalk does and are available in a much larger color palette. Like other types of markers, they are offered in a variety of tip sizes and styles, including point and chisel. Dry erasers are similar in look and function to chalk erasers, but they have a softer surface to help prevent scratches. There are also many creative accessories on the market, such as decorative magnets, magnetic document clips, eraser-topped markers, and markers with magnetic tassels.
In Review
Whether you're looking to enhance your conference room presentations, make classroom lessons come to life, help your college-bound teen stay organized, or simply have a place to jot down occasional notes and lists, you'll find that a dry erase board, chalkboard, or cork board will fit your needs. They're versatile, inexpensive, and available in a wide range of features and styles.
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