Magnetic vs Non-Magnetic Whiteboards: Which One Should You Choose?
Richard JermynShare
The most common whiteboard question BestBoard gets from South African buyers is simple: do I need magnetic or non-magnetic? The answer depends on how you use the board. This guide covers the practical differences, who each type suits, and which is better value for your specific situation - whether you are equipping a boardroom, a classroom, or a home office.
What Is the Difference Between Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Whiteboards?
The difference is in the backing material. Magnetic whiteboards have a steel-backed writing surface that holds magnets. Non-magnetic whiteboards use a melamine or coated masonite surface without a steel backing. Both write and erase the same way with standard dry-erase markers. The difference is what you can attach to the surface alongside your writing.
Magnetic Whiteboards
A magnetic whiteboard has an imported steel backing beneath the writing surface. This allows you to attach printed documents, charts, maps, worksheets and reference materials directly to the board using magnets - no blu-tack, tape or pins required. The steel backing also tends to make the board more rigid and durable than non-magnetic alternatives at the same size.
Best suited to:
- Office boardrooms and meeting rooms where printed agendas, reports or reference documents are displayed during presentations
- South African classrooms where teachers attach printed worksheets, maps and teaching aids to the board surface during lessons
- Training centres where facilitators display reference materials alongside written content
- Home offices where you want to pin notes, invoices or reminders to the board
BestBoard magnetic whiteboards are available from R934 for the 900x600mm up to R4,495 for the 1200x3600mm. View the full magnetic whiteboard range.
Non-Magnetic Whiteboards
A non-magnetic whiteboard has a melamine or coated masonite writing surface without a steel backing. It writes and erases identically to a magnetic board but will not hold magnets. The trade-off is a lower price point and lighter weight, which makes non-magnetic boards easier to mount and better suited to spaces where the magnetic function is simply not needed.
Best suited to:
- Classrooms and offices where the board is used purely for writing - no documents need to be attached
- Budget school fit-outs where multiple boards are needed across limited procurement budgets
- Home study areas and personal workspaces with light daily use
- Spaces where the board will be replaced or moved within a few years
BestBoard non-magnetic whiteboards are available from R743 for the 900x600mm up to R3,495 for the 1200x3600mm. View the full non-magnetic whiteboard range.
Magnetic vs Non-Magnetic: Direct Comparison
| Feature | Magnetic Whiteboard | Non-Magnetic Whiteboard |
|---|---|---|
| Backing material | Imported steel | Melamine or coated masonite |
| Holds magnets | Yes | No |
| Writing surface | Identical - standard dry-erase markers | Identical - standard dry-erase markers |
| Price | Higher - steel backing adds cost | Lower - more budget-friendly |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter - easier to mount |
| Durability | More rigid - steel backing adds structural strength | Adequate for normal use |
| Best for | Offices, classrooms, training rooms | Budget fit-outs, light use, home offices |
What About Magnetic Chalkboards?
If you prefer a traditional chalk writing surface, the same magnetic vs non-magnetic choice applies to chalkboards. BestBoard manufactures both magnetic chalkboards and non-magnetic chalkboards in the same range of sizes - the magnetic version holds magnets on the chalk surface, allowing teachers to attach printed materials alongside chalk writing.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose magnetic if you regularly attach printed materials to the board - agendas, worksheets, maps, charts or reference documents. The magnetic function is not a luxury in a working classroom or meeting room. It removes the need for blu-tack or tape and keeps the board surface clean and professional.
Choose non-magnetic if the board is used purely for writing and the extra cost of magnetic backing is not justified by your use case. For home offices, quiet meeting rooms and budget school fit-outs where magnets are genuinely not needed, the non-magnetic option delivers the same writing performance at a lower price.
If you are unsure, choose magnetic. The price difference per board is modest and the magnetic function is impossible to add later. Removing it from a decision you regret costs nothing. Wishing you had it costs ongoing inconvenience.
BestBoard Whiteboards - Manufactured in Johannesburg
BestBoard has manufactured whiteboards locally in Gauteng since 1996. Both magnetic and non-magnetic whiteboards are available in standard sizes from 900x600mm up to 1200x3600mm, with custom sizes manufactured to order. Free delivery nationwide on orders over R950.
- Magnetic Whiteboards - steel-backed surface, holds standard ferrite magnets
- Non-Magnetic Whiteboards - melamine surface, lightweight and budget-friendly
- View the full whiteboard range - all sizes, all surfaces, manufactured locally
Need help choosing the right size? Read our classroom whiteboard size guide or contact us on (011) 440 1506 for a custom quote.
