Which is Better, Whiteboard or Blackboard for Office Area?

There are a few factors that one needs to consider when organizing his/her office that are hardly ever discussed and that is the color of the writing board – whiteboard or having the blackboard. Both serve the same basic purpose: to create a place where ideas are generated, new information is shared, projects’ progress is discussed, and tasks are recalled daily.

But each of them has its pros and cons, of course. It is important to prevent choosing between a whiteboard and a blackboard as a simple aesthetic choice because it really impacts productivity and usability in an office environment.

In this blog, we will try to describe all the nuances associated with both whiteboards and blackboards so that you can make the right decision when choosing one of these tools for your office space. Furthermore, buy the right product online from a reliable eCommerce platform like CognitionUAE at a cost-effective price.

A Short Introduction to Boards

Before setting out to compare the two, it is worth taking a look at the two’s roots. A blackboard, or chalkboard, is an old type of board that has been in use since the times of schools and teachers and is written on with chalk. It evolved into a widespread object of everyday use by the nineteenth century and it was being used in schools as well as offices. Whiteboards are another type of board that became popular relatively recently, with their appearance being dated back to the 1960s. They were at first used in the business context and later adopted in classrooms as they are convenient and look more professional.

Durable Factors and Way of Maintenance of Boards

Blackboard: Some of the blackboards are built to very high standards to ensure that they will last for a very long time. They are normally made of slate or composite material and these may remain for several years almost new in appearance. But they need occasional wiping with a wet cloth to erase the chalk markings, which are more unhygienic and take a lot of time to do. Furthermore, if chalks are used many times, one feels that the surface has turned to be hazy or the surface looks as if it washed with the chalks many times to make the new surface look weak.

Whiteboards: Whiteboards, usually with the surface material of melamine, porcelain, or tempered glass, also have a long life but would require more regular cleaning. As you may already know some whiteboard markers are notorious for staining the board if the information has been written and not wiped, immediately. Some cheaper whiteboards may develop a problem where writings leave behind what is commonly known as a ghost where writings cannot be erased as they should. However, when properly maintained and cleaned quality whiteboards can remain in good condition for several years.

Analysis: When it comes to durability, it is safe to assume that any board from either company will have a relatively long lifespan. Nevertheless, blackboards are somewhat less susceptible to abrasion, but demand more thorough cleaning; whiteboards, on the other hand, must be cleaned more frequently but it is much easier to do so.

Subject to Office-Based Environment

Blackboards: Blackboards conjure images in people’s minds of school classrooms most of the time. When used in the office environment, they may provide a reception of shabby chic, or rustic theme. They can adapt well to areas that have an industrial or perhaps a traditional theme. But dust, created by writing on blackboards, is not suitable for a clean workplace, such as an office. It can also deposit itself on clothes, furniture, and the air, which is not very suitable for the latest offices that are more hygienic.

Whiteboards: Whiteboards provide a much more contemporary and sleek look that is not provided by usual blackboards. They are clean, and sharp, and offer a clear distinction between the writing and the surface. Whiteboards are best for current offices, particularly with well-dressed and clean working environments. In like manner, the whiteboards are available in sizes and can also be magnetic, making them flexible. It is also compatible with other colors of the markers making it easier to use in presentations or any meeting.

Analysis: If an organization wants a neater and more professional look definitely whiteboards are more appropriate for today’s working environment. It may be useful to have blackboards as they introduce character but unfortunately, they are not very clean looking and thus may not fit adequately in a neat ambiance.

Experience in Writing and Reading the Text

It can be defined as the level of preparing activity that increases the text’s volatile shift and as a result, leads to its enhanced accessibility for readers.

Blackboards: Some people find the sensation of writing on the blackboard with chalk to be satisfying. It is cheap and easily affordable; writing is done with just a piece of chalk and can always be rubbed off with dusting cloth or wipes. However, chalk makes a lot of dust, and chalk may dematerialize when it is used for a long time. This may interrupt the process of writing during meetings or, brainstorming sessions. Thirdly, when taking a lesson in a poorly lit room, the writing on the blackboard is not easily seen from a distance.

Whiteboards: Using markers to write on a whiteboard gives a slippery-like feeling to the writer. Markers do not stick and smudge and can be found in various colors making visibility easier. The text is usually more legible, and even in large spaces, the writing can be seen when the light is on. However, markers are easily dried and the low-quality articles may not be easy to write on the board. Also, the smell of dry-erase markers is not very pleasing and can be rather unpleasant to some people.

Analysis: Whiteboards are better generally for writing since the texts written are more easily readable, and more colors available. Books may come as blackboards, and though many people like handling chalk, it is not so suitable for low-light readability.

Direct Impact on the Environment

Blackboards: The general drawback of blackboards is that when using the chalk there is a lot of dust which can trigger an asthma or allergy attack. Dirt can also develop in the show, projecting onto related apparatus, for instance, computers, furniture, and heat and air conditioning systems thus creating an unhealthy condition. On the credit side, with chalk, you do not pollute the environment as it is made of natural products that are biodegradable.

Whiteboards: Contrary to the production of dust, the use of whiteboards has some drawbacks for the environment at large. Dry eraser markers produce chemicals that are hazardous to our health and some of them include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Unlike other writing tools, the plastic employed in making markers is not biodegradable hence they are less environmentally friendly. However, there are companies that release refillable and have a low smell marker to lower the detrimental impact.

Analysis: If one considers the health and environmental aspects necessary, neither option is ideal. There is the problem of chalk dust on the blackboards and the problem of used markers and the quality of air for whiteboards. The decision depends on where one puts a premium: in completely dust-free spaces or in spaces that produce minimal waste.

Price Factor

Blackboards: As a general rule, blackboards are cheaper than whiteboards, more so if made from traditional material such as slate. Chalk is also much more inexpensive than the dry erase markers and that is why blackboards are more effective in terms of cost. Their application is also potentially more challenging at the start of the system design implementation and may be more costly, especially if a specific surface for an application must be created.

Whiteboards: There is a wide price range of whiteboards; they can cost from a few dollars to many dollars depending on what the whiteboard is made of. The raw materials differ in price and their durability; melamine boards are relatively cheap and easily scratched. Compared to whiteboards, glass, and porcelain boards are sturdier but, they are relatively more expensive. Another disadvantage of dry-erase markers is that the writing part gets dull quickly, and thus needs to be replaced often, which is a continuing expense.

Analysis: Looking at overall cost effectiveness, blackboards prove cheaper all round regarding the relatively low cost of chalk and the durability of the board. While whiteboards can have a considerably higher initial and recurrent cost than traditional ones, the costs are further increased depending on the quality of the material on which the whiteboard is made.

Conclusion

When choosing between a whiteboard or a blackboard for your office area, several factors come into play: a functional aspect in both blatant and subtle ways through the aspects of the aesthetic appeal of the product, the product life span, the writing experience, the health of the users, the plates impact on the world and the cost of the product to the users.

In today’s world of offices that pay attention to minimalistic design and practicality of solutions, a whiteboard is clearly the way to go for its practicality, simple design, and functionality. It is suitable for places where window glass needs to be clear and free from signs of contamination.

But if you want something more affordable and use it for years for learning, there will be nothing better than a blackboard if the stains and smudging are not a problem to you. It is more beneficial for use in casual environments where concerns over dust such as from chalk marks are irrelevant.

No matter, what choice you make, let’s be sure to lay your hands on the right product from CognitionUAE and pay an affordable choice of price.