Dry Erase Board In the Classroom
Dry erase boards have long been used in the classroom, the board room and in the home. They allow information to easily be presented and cleared when new information needs to be displayed. Color markers, ease of use and versatility make dry erase boards a great option as a writing platform. There are three different types of boards: EverWhite, porcelain and melamine. The type of dry erase board that is best for you will be determined by your budget and intended use.
EverWhite
EverWhite boards have a surface that is easy to erase and clean off. The special dry erase markers do not stain or leave ink ghosting (faint image of marks) on the board. EverWhite boards are often used by schools in the classroom and by businesses in office buildings. Although these dry erase boards cost more than the cheaper melamine board, they will typically last years and are worth the long-term investment. Expect to spend about $350 for a 4' x 4' EverWhite board.
Porcelain
Porcelain boards are expensive and can be difficult to clean. The benefit of these boards is that the smooth surface makes written material appear clean and crisp. These boards will show signs of ghosting over time. Ink ghosting can make it difficult to read new writing on the board, and eventually the board must be replaced. These boards also are often used by schools and businesses. They are cheaper than EverWhite boards, but still expensive at $230 for a 4' x 4' dry erase board.
Melamine
Melamine boards are the least expensive of the three. These boards are great for at-home use or for a child. They tend to show signs of ink ghosting early on, and after a year or two will probably need to be replaced. Melamine dry erase boards often come in a variety of sizes, from 6.25" x 9.25" up to larger sizes like 5' x 3'. The advantage of these boards is that they are much more affordable. A 2' x 1-1/2' board will cost around $40.
