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Buying Guide for School Chalkboards

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Whiteboards for Schools, Universities and Offices

 

 

In schools, universities, training and corporate environments, the whiteboard continues to represent one of the main tools for visually sharing information, explanations and content. Together with other teaching furniture, it contributes to the organisation of lectures, training activities, exercises and work meetings. Alongside digital technologies, traditional and magnetic whiteboards maintain an important role thanks to their ease of use and the possibility of writing, erasing, drawing diagrams and using magnetic supports without necessarily resorting to electronic devices. To choose the most suitable school whiteboard it is necessary to evaluate the writing surface, the type of intended use, the dimensions, the installation system and the possible presence of lines, squares or staves. The Holity.co.uk catalogue includes wall-mounted whiteboards, mobile and revolving models on easels, book-style whiteboards and riser systems, with lengths ranging from approximately 60 to 500 cm. For vertical writing surfaces intended for school environments, it is also important to consider the ergonomic, technical and safety requirements set out in EN 14434:2023, checking the technical data sheet for each individual product for any declared conformity. This purchasing guide analyses materials, teaching surfaces, structural types, dimensions and the main selection criteria.


1. Writing Surfaces and Materials: Lacquered Steel, Porcelain and Slate-Type Finishes

The writing surface determines the type of marker or chalk that can be used, how easy it is to erase, the possibility of applying magnets and the resistance to wear and tear resulting from daily use:

  • Green or Slate Grey Surfaces for Chalk: These are suitable for writing with white or coloured chalk and are a very popular solution in school environments. It is important to distinguish the material from the colour: the term "slate grey" does not necessarily indicate a natural slate surface. In fact, several models in the catalogue use magnetic surfaces in enamelled or porcelain steel in green or slate grey. Before purchasing, it is therefore advisable to always check the material indicated in the technical data sheet.
  • Magnetic Lacquered Steel (Dry-Erase Whiteboard): Lacquered steel whiteboards generally have a magnetic white surface that can be used with dry-erase markers. They are particularly practical in schools, offices, meeting rooms and training environments because they do not require the use of chalk and allow the application of magnets, cards, notices and teaching materials. To maintain good erasability over time, it is important to use specific markers for whiteboards and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
  • Porcelain Steel / Porcelain Enamelled: This solution is primarily intended for whiteboards subjected to frequent or intensive use. Compared to lacquered surfaces, porcelain steel generally offers greater resistance to abrasion, scratches and the permanence of pigments, making cleaning easier over time. The Holity catalogue includes white porcelain surfaces for dry-erase markers and green or slate grey surfaces that can be used with chalk. Magnetism, guarantees and specific characteristics must be verified for each individual model.
  • Anti-glare Finishes: The readability of the board also depends on the surface finish and the lighting of the room. In classrooms with large windows, intense artificial lighting or multiple observation points, it is advisable to evaluate surfaces that limit reflections and guarantee good visibility even from lateral positions. The anti-glare behavior must be verified in the technical specifications of the product when it represents a determining requirement.

2. Special Teaching Surfaces: Smooth, Squared, Ruled and Stave

Depending on the subject taught and the age of the students, it is possible to choose boards with a smooth surface or with lines, squares or staves already prepared:

  • Smooth Surface (White, Green or Slate Grey): This is the most versatile configuration and can be used for explanations, notes, diagrams, mathematical exercises, drawings and brainstorming activities. The choice between a light or dark surface depends mainly on the type of writing instrument planned and the preferences of the teaching environment.
  • Grid Boards: They have a permanent grid that facilitates the completion of mathematics, geometry and graphic representation exercises. In the Holity catalogue, for example, there are models with 5 cm squares. This configuration is particularly useful in primary and secondary schools, but can also be used in laboratories and technical training environments.
  • Ruled Boards: They are equipped with horizontal lines that help organize writing and maintain regular text alignment. Some Holity models have, for example, 5 cm line spacing. They are particularly useful during writing, grammar and handwriting learning activities.
  • Pentagram Boards: They integrate pentagrams arranged on the surface and are designed for music education, theory and composition lessons. They allow the teacher to write notes, rests, keys, chords and exercises without having to manually trace the staff during each lesson. They are therefore suitable for schools, conservatories, academies and other environments dedicated to musical education.

3. Structural and Kinematic Types: Wall-mounted, Swivel on Wheels, Book-type and Rising and Falling

The configuration of the board must be chosen considering the available space, the method of use and the need for a fixed or easily movable surface:

Fixed Wall-mounted Boards

They represent the most traditional solution for classrooms, offices and training rooms. Once installed, they occupy a defined space on the wall without requiring a floor structure. The available models can be equipped with an aluminium frame, rounded corners and a chalk or marker holder. Dimensions, accessories and fixing system vary according to the reference and must be verified before installation.

Mobile Whiteboards on Wheels and 360° Rotatable

Mobile whiteboards are installed on a self-supporting structure with wheels that makes it easy to move them between classrooms, offices and meeting rooms. Several models are double-sided and rotatable, allowing you to use both sides of the writing surface without increasing the wall space. They can be particularly useful in workshops, training courses and multipurpose environments. The number of wheels, locking systems, dimensions and rotation modes must be verified in the technical data sheet for the individual model.

Book-Style Whiteboards (Three-Sided / With Opening Doors)

Book-style whiteboards are composed of a central panel and side doors that can be opened and closed. This structure increases the available surface for writing while keeping the wall space relatively small. The different sides can be used to organize topics, exercises and teaching materials or to prepare content in advance to be shown during the lesson. Number of writable surfaces, material and door configuration depend on the model chosen.

Vertically Sliding Whiteboards

Vertically sliding whiteboards are particularly suitable for universities, large classrooms and environments where it is useful to have multiple writing surfaces at the same time. In the 500 cm Holity models, for example, the system is made up of two whiteboards connected by a sprocket chain: when one surface goes up, the other goes down. This allows the teacher to continue writing while keeping previous content visible and to use the available vertical space more efficiently.

Clipboards (Flipcharts for the Office)

Clipboards are designed especially for meetings, meetings, training courses, workshops and presentations. Some models combine a magnetic surface that can be written on with dry-erase markers and a holder for loose-leaf pads. This configuration allows you to alternate writing on the whiteboard with notes on paper, which can be removed and stored at the end of the session. Double-sided and swivel versions with a mobile structure on wheels are also available.


4. Available Sizes and Lengths (from 60 cm to 500 cm)

The Holity catalogue includes different formats, to be chosen in relation to the size of the wall or room, the distance of users from the whiteboard and the amount of writing surface required:

  • Compact Formats (Length 60 cm and 90 cm): Suitable for offices, studios, small meeting rooms, workstations and environments where available wall space is limited. They can also be used as support whiteboards in classrooms and laboratories.
  • Standard Formats for Classrooms (Length 120 cm, 121.5 cm, 130 cm, 150 cm and 180 cm): These represent dimensions suitable for numerous school and training environments. The choice must be made by evaluating the available wall, the installation height, the reading distance and the quantity of content that must remain visible at the same time.
  • Large and University Formats (Length 188 cm, 200 cm, 240 cm up to 500 cm): They are suitable for larger classrooms, universities, training rooms and environments where a large writing surface is required. The larger versions also include book systems, mobile models and rise and fall whiteboards; it is therefore important to consider not only the length of the surface, but also the overall size of the structure and the installation system.

5. Economic Parameters and Price Range Breakdown

The range available in the Holity.co.uk catalogue includes whiteboards with very different characteristics and levels of complexity. At the time of checking, the products in the category are approximately in a price range between €43.65 and €3,710.25 + VAT. Prices may be updated over time, so it is advisable to always check the individual product sheet:

  • Entry level range (approximately €43.65 - €180.00 + VAT): Mainly includes compact or medium-sized wall-mounted magnetic whiteboards, with white or colored surfaces and different configurations. The price depends on the size, surface material, structure and accessories included.
  • Intermediate range (approximately €180.00 - €800.00 + VAT): Includes numerous lacquered or porcelain steel whiteboards, squared, ruled and pentagram models, double-sided rotating whiteboards on easels and book configurations. This range includes larger wall-mounted formats and mobile structures intended for both schools and professional training.
  • Top of the Range (approximately €800.00 - €3,710.25 + VAT): This mainly includes larger systems with greater structural complexity, such as 500 cm rise and fall whiteboards and other professional configurations for universities, large classrooms and training environments. The higher price is mainly related to the size, surface material and mechanical system of the structure, rather than just the type of writing.

Request a personalized quote on Holity.co.uk

Set up school classrooms, universities, training rooms and corporate environments by choosing a whiteboard suited to the actual uses. In the Holity.co.uk catalogue you can compare surfaces for chalk or dry-erase markers, magnetic models, wall-mounted, swivel, book-style and rise and fall whiteboards, as well as grid, ruled and pentagram configurations. Before purchasing, evaluate the size of the room, the writing surface, the type of installation and the technical characteristics of the individual model.

Request a personalized quote: the Holity team can support you in choosing the most suitable configuration and provide you with technical data sheets, information on product characteristics, available documentation and quotations for multiple supplies. For purchases intended for tenders or public procedures, it is advisable to check in advance the certifications and requirements requested by the specifications for each specific reference.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fundamental difference between a lacquered steel whiteboard and a porcelain steel one?
Both can be magnetic and, in the white versions, used with dry-erase markers. Lacquered steel is generally a suitable solution for ordinary use, while the porcelain enamelled steel surface offers greater resistance to wear, scratches and the permanence of pigments and is therefore particularly suitable for frequent use. Durability, warranty conditions and characteristics of the surface must however be verified on the technical data sheet of the individual model.

How does the rise and fall system work and when is it best to install it?
In the 500 cm Holity rise and fall models, there are two surfaces that slide vertically in opposite directions thanks to a pinion chain connection system: when one board is raised, the other lowers. This configuration allows for the use of large writing surfaces alternatively while keeping the contents already developed visible. It is particularly useful in universities, large classrooms and contexts in which lessons and exercises require a lot of writing space.

What safety features must whiteboards compliant with EN 14434 have?
EN 14434:2023 establishes ergonomic, technical and safety requirements for vertical writing surfaces intended for teaching and training environments, including wall-mounted and free-standing ones. The assessment concerns the installed whiteboard and its components, while elements such as the structural suitability of the wall and the anchoring system must be assessed separately during installation. Before purchasing, it is therefore advisable to check the technical documentation and any declaration of conformity relating to the specific product.

How should routine maintenance of magnetic whiteboards be performed to avoid streaks?
For whiteboards, it is important to use only clean dry-erase markers and erasers. The surface can be cleaned periodically with a soft or microfibre cloth and a detergent compatible with the material indicated by the manufacturer. It is advisable to avoid abrasive products, aggressive sponges or solvents not expressly authorised, as they could alter the surface finish and compromise its erasability.

Can chalkboards cause problems in the presence of computer equipment or people sensitive to dust?
The use of chalk can generate dust particles which, especially in frequently used environments, can settle on surfaces and equipment in the classroom. In environments with computers, electronic devices or users particularly sensitive to dust, it may be useful to evaluate low-dust chalk or a whiteboard for dry-erase markers. In any case, the choice must be made based on the specific needs of the environment and the users.

How does the price range in the category (€43.65 - €3,710.25 + VAT) correlate with the different types of chalkboards?
The price depends mainly on the size, the surface material and the complexity of the structure. In the entry-level range, you will mainly find compact or medium-sized magnetic wall-mounted chalkboards. Going up in price, you'll find porcelain surfaces, squared, lined, and pentagrammed models, double-sided rotating whiteboards, and book-style systems. The higher end primarily includes large structures and sliding systems, such as 500 cm whiteboards designed for university classrooms and large training environments. The prices listed are those at the time of inspection and are subject to change.

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