There is a wide range of office board types designed to meet different needs. Each board offers unique surface materials and features for communication, organization, and collaboration.
What is an easel and how is it used?
An easel is an upright, self-supporting stand used to display easel pads, artwork, or presentation boards. Easels support various board types during presentations or collaborative work, allowing information to be easily viewed and updated by presenters and audiences.
Typically, an easel is built with three legs: two in the front and one in the back for support. The side with two legs is considered the front of the easel. A bar on the front holds the presentation board in place, keeping it upright and making the displayed content easy to view, read, and interact with. The side with one leg is considered the back of the easel; this back leg provides stability and supports the easel in an upright position.
What are the benefits of using dry erase boards and chalkboards in offices or classrooms?
Using dry erase boards and chalkboards in workplace or classroom settings offers many hidden benefits. One of the most significant is that they support collaboration. Boards in shared spaces are an effective way to encourage teamwork, group activities, and productive brainstorming sessions, as they allow everyone to easily write and share ideas on a common platform.
Another key benefit is that they enhance visual learning, memory, and creativity. Boards give instructors the flexibility to draw diagrams and present complex information visually, allowing them to adapt their teaching methods to best support different learning styles and audiences.
Where should a dry erase board or chalkboard be placed in a classroom or conference room for effective use?
Dry erase boards and chalkboards should be placed in a central location where all attendees can clearly view both the board and the material written on it. This is typically at the front of a classroom or conference room, positioned in the same direction the seating faces.
In classrooms with younger students, it is recommended to mount the board approximately 2 feet from the ground so students can easily see and write if needed. For classrooms with older students or adult audiences, mounting the board about 3 feet from the ground is recommended. The primary factors to consider before mounting a board include the typical audience, and the overall layout of the room.
What type of board is best for my workplace needs?
Different board types serve different purposes, so the goals of your business will determine which option is the best fit:
- Calendar Boards: If your workplace needs a central place to track upcoming meetings, appointments, or deadlines, a calendar board is an ideal solution. It helps keep schedules visible and supports better organization across teams.
- Dry Erase Boards & Chalkboards: These boards are perfect for brainstorming, note-taking, training sessions, and collaborative work. They are well suited for classrooms, breakout rooms, conference spaces, and other shared environments.
- Bulletin Boards & Fabric Boards: Designed to display important information, these boards are ideal for posting announcements, notices, and visual materials for employees, customers, or students. They provide a reliable way to ensure key messages are clearly visible and easily accessible.
What sizes do dry erase boards come in?
Dry erase boards are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different workplace needs and space limitations. These sizes allow organizations to choose boards suitable for small meeting spaces, or conference rooms:
What sizes do bulletin boards come in?
Bulletin boards come in a variety of sizes, to fit different spaces, and display needs. Bulletin boards are commonly used in offices, schools, and other high-traffic areas where information needs to be easily visible.
These sizing options include:
What sizes do easel pads come in?
Easel pads are available in a variety of sizes to support different classroom, presentation, and collaborative needs. Understanding the size options is important to ensure there is enough space to clearly capture all necessary information, and to make sure content is easily visible to the intended audience.
Available sizes include:
What is the standard classroom chalkboard size?
The standard classroom chalkboard size is typically 4 feet high and 8 to 12 feet wide. For smaller classrooms, a more common size is 3 feet high by 6 feet wide. These dimensions work well for both standard and smaller classroom environments.
Choosing the right chalkboard size is essential for effective teaching. A properly sized chalkboard provides enough space for teachers to write and present information clearly, while still allowing room on the wall for other instructional materials. Having an appropriately sized chalkboard also ensures that students can easily see what's written, regardless of where they are seated.
How to clean a chalkboard properly without damaging it?
To safely clean a chalkboard, you will need the following supplies: a chalkboard eraser, a commercial cleaner such as Misty® Chalkboard & Whiteboard Cleaner, and a microfiber cloth.
Begin by using a chalkboard eraser to remove as much chalk and writing as possible from the surface. Next, spray the chalkboard cleaner onto the microfiber cloth rather than directly onto the board. Using the damp microfiber cloth, wipe the chalkboard in an up-and-down motion to remove any remaining chalk residue. This method helps ensure a clean surface without damaging the chalkboard.
What is whiteboard ghosting?
Whiteboard ghosting occurs when marks or stains remain on a board after the content has been erased. These lingering ink shadows can be difficult to remove and may affect the whiteboard's appearance and lifespan. Whiteboard ghosting is caused by several factors, including:
- Leaving marker ink on the board for extended periods of time
- Erasing ink before it has fully dried on the board's surface
- Using a worn-out or dirty eraser
How do you remove permanent marker from a dry erase board?
Removing permanent marker from a dry erase board is simple. Using an old dry erase marker, trace over the writing made with permanent marker, making sure to completely cover all of the ink. Before the dry-erase marker has time to dry, wipe the area clean with a board eraser or microfiber cloth.
Another effective method is to use a commercial cleaner such as Windex®. Spray the cleaner directly onto the permanent marker ink and let it sit for a few seconds. Then wipe the area clean with a microfiber cloth or a paper towel.
What office board accessories are essential for schools and businesses?
There are many board accessories available to help enhance the use of these boards in both schools and businesses. Accessories include:
Where can I buy office boards and easels?
A wide selection of office boards including dry erase boards, bulletin boards, calendar boards, and chalkboards as well as easels and board accessories, are available at W.B. Mason. With a variety of styles, sizes, and features, W.B. Mason offers solutions designed to meet the unique needs of any workplace.
Boards and Easels at W.B. Mason
W.B. Mason is your workplace's one stop shop for office boards and easels. Whether you're outfitting every room in your workplace or purchasing a single board or easel, W.B. Mason has you covered. In addition to boards and easels, W.B. Mason also offers easel pads and dry erase board and chalkboard accessories making it easy to equip, maintain, and clean your products to ensure long-lasting performance.
References:
Displays2Go. Printed Dry Erase Calendar Boards.(https://www.displays2go.com/C-29927/Printed-Dry-Erase-Calendar-Boards-Weekly-Grid-Scheduling-Organization) Accessed April 16, 2026.
How Products Are Made. How chalkboard is made – material, manufactures, making, history, used, steps, products, Raw Materials.(https://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Chalkboard.html#google_vignette.) Accessed April 16, 2026.
QuestionIdeas. Understanding the Dimensions of a Classroom Chalkboard: A Comprehensive Guide.(https://questionideas.com/how-tall-is-a-classroom-chalkboard/) Accessed April 16, 2026.
SmarterSurfaces. What is Whiteboard Ghosting and How to Fit it?(https://smartersurfaces.com/blog/everything-about-whiteboard-ghosting/) Accessed April 16, 2026.
wiki How. How to Clean a Chalk Board: Easy Methods. (https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Chalkboard) Accessed April 16, 2026.
wiki How. How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Whiteboard.(https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Permanent-Marker-from-a-Whiteboard) Accessed April 16, 2026.
