Purchasing guide: How to choose your Manutan whiteboard

Whiteboards are one of the essential pieces of equipment in the warehouse, office or training room. They are tools for writing, displaying notices and sometimes even video projection or videoconferencing. Although whiteboards might all look the same, in reality, their technical features vary. The whiteboard market is reinventing itself using innovation to meet the needs of professional users better. See below for the right questions to ask yourself to choose the most suitable whiteboard for your business.

Which room will the whiteboard be used in?

Manutan supplies versions in all sizes, from ten centimetres for the smallest ones to several metres for the largest. Choose the one that suits you best, depending on the size of the room in which it will be used. It must be set up so that everyone can read it clearly. The bigger a board is, the farther away the audience needs to be to read it.

Whiteboard size	Application
Small size	Personal offices (reminders, appointments, checklists, etc.)
Medium size	Meeting rooms, training rooms and work areas for small groups
Large size	Conference rooms and classrooms

Mobile whiteboards

Mobile whiteboards can be moved easily from room to room thanks to being on wheels. This type of product is perfect when you need to use a whiteboard in both an office and a meeting room. They are highly versatile.

Wall-mounted whiteboards

Fixed whiteboards should be selected according to the layout of the wall on which they will be installed. It is imperative to take into account the space available so they can be read clearly. The fixing system needs to be looked at closely and will depend on the material with which the walls or partitions are made.

Multi-panel whiteboards

Triptych whiteboards consist of a central panel to which two folding side panels are added. It means you can write things and put up information without needing a very large model. It also means part of the presentation can be concealed during a meeting or training session, ready to be revealed at a particular point, turning it into a dynamic, interactive notice board.

Double-sided whiteboards

Ideal for small spaces, pivoting whiteboards offer interesting possibilities for use. One side can be used to display information presented during a meeting while ideas can be written down on the other side. Another advantage is that buying a double-sided whiteboard is less expensive than buying two separate whiteboards.

Self-adhesive whiteboards

Adhesive whiteboards are all-purpose whiteboards, practical and easy to carry around. These adhesive rolls can be cut to size. They stick to any clean, smooth, rigid surface (walls, tables, etc.). The surface is suitable for dry erasers. These are not magnetic.

Modular whiteboards

Frameless magnetic whiteboards can be combined together to enlarge the surface area for writing, putting up notices, viewing or projecting. These whiteboards test the limits of your creativity. Can’t find the size you need? For specific applications, Manutan contacts its suppliers directly and prepares an individual quote.

What will the whiteboard mainly be used for?

The type and size of the whiteboard you choose depends on how you will use it: Brainstorming, training, organising, communicating, etc. Whiteboards are, above all, a medium for writing. Since most have magnetic surfaces, they can be used as notice boards. Some versions can even be used as a projection screen.

Lean Management whiteboards

Lean Management whiteboards are prized items of equipment in factories and warehouses. Company performance is recorded and updated regularly. A magnetic surface means you can put up chart printouts, or the schedule for the week ahead.

These whiteboards should be placed near where staff work. Leave plenty of room around the whiteboard for teams to meet and talk things over. Make sure it’s easy to read, too – in particular, by putting it up somewhere brightly lit.

Projection whiteboards

Video projection-compatible whiteboards are essential when you need to project visuals. An unsuitable surface might distort images or reflect excessive light back from the projector. They can be used with an ultra-short throw projector.

Room divider whiteboards

Choose partition whiteboards to set up zones in an open space. They can serve as both a notice board and a writing surface. This product comes in several sizes.

The neutral design of this partition screen goes well with any office furniture. Its non-porous surface inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria and microbes.

Acoustic whiteboards

Whiteboards can also be used as soundproofing partitions to provide staff greater privacy when needed. This type of product can also be useful when working together on a project so as not to disturb others in the office.

Notice whiteboards

Small-size whiteboards can replace notepads. Several versions are available:

• Desktop pop-up;
• Glass notepad to place between a keyboard and the screen;
• Glass notepad with tidy drawer;
• Mini glass notepad;

The sturdy, elegant design of these products brightens up any office. These non-permanent notepads also reduce office waste paper. Therefore, they fit into your eco-responsible procurement policy.

How often will the whiteboard be used?

Whether occasionally, regularly or frequently, how often it is used is a deciding factor in what surface to choose for a whiteboard. There are 5 varieties: Melamine, laminated, coated, enamelled and glass. Look closely at your needs when making your choice.

Melamine whiteboards for occasional use

Melamine surfaces are used for entry-level whiteboards. They can only be written on; documents cannot be held up by magnets. Only alcohol-based, dry-erase markers are suitable for this type of surface as the porous resin would absorb ink. These whiteboards must therefore be wiped clean properly each time they are used. After being used for some time, indelible traces alter the overall quality of the whiteboard.

Laminated whiteboards for moderate use

Thanks to its adhesive coating, this electrostatic film can be applied to a smooth surface. It comes in various styles: Transparent, white or chequered. This option is cost-effective, as the films can be repositioned and used again. They are the same quality as coated whiteboards.

Coated whiteboards for regular use

These whiteboards have a painted, coated, sheet steel surface. They are, therefore, magnetic. To avoid ink soaking in, alcohol-based, dry-erase markers should be used. Stubborn marks need to be cleaned off using a special substance for whiteboards and a soft cloth. With time and repeat cleaning, the quality of the coating deteriorates.

This is why coated whiteboards are only suitable for occasional use or for putting up notices. While these whiteboards are usually guaranteed for three to four years, the Manutan coated whiteboard is guaranteed for 10 years.

Enamelled whiteboards for intensive use

These magnetic whiteboards are made from sheet steel. Their surface being vitrified at 800°C, they are resistant to scratching and chemicals. The enamel finish on these whiteboards makes them very sturdy and prevents ink pigments from penetrating. As a result, traces of marker pen are easy to erase when dry.

Although indelible inks should always be avoided, they can be cleaned without damaging the surface. These whiteboards will then look as good as new for years. Not being porous, they are suitable for video projection. Manutan enamelled whiteboards are guaranteed for 10 years.

Glass whiteboards for highly intensive use

White, black, yellow or blue, these whiteboards offer a wide range of colours. However, their most important features are how sturdy they are and how easy to write on. Glass whiteboards are the most efficient on the market.

As the glass is impermeable, felt marker traces can be erased, leaving no marks. The surface is also magnetic. However, only extremely strong magnets work with this type of magnetic whiteboard.

Whiteboard accessories

There are many accessories for whiteboards and they offer a wide variety of applications. Here are a few of the essentials you need for using and maintaining your whiteboard:

• Non-permanent markers;
• Marker pen tray;
• Magnets;
• Cleaning spray and wipes;

Make the most of your whiteboard with Lean Management accessories:

• Coloured magnets;
• Smiley magnets;
• Tape;
• Box of coloured markers;
• Presentation case;

Does your whiteboard go with you on-site? Buy a transport bag for carrying it safely. This bag keeps your whiteboard safe when not in use.

Whiteboards and easels are often used for training, brainstorming meetings or Lean Management techniques. Manutan offers a vast choice of professional whiteboards. Whatever type and application you have in mind, we have the answer!

Explore our “Whiteboards” product category

[1] Forest Stewardship Council

[2] Pan European Forest Certification