why are white boards so expensive?

Walk into any office, school, or meeting space and you'll likely find whiteboards mounted on the walls. These ubiquitous writing surfaces have become essential visual collaboration tools. But traditional porcelain enamel whiteboards don't come cheap.

A standard 3' x 4' classroom or office whiteboard can easily cost over $100. Upgrade to a 4' x 8' conference room board and you'll pay $300 or more. So what exactly makes these whiteboards so pricey compared to alternatives like melamine or glass?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the key factors that contribute to the high costs of quality porcelain whiteboards. We'll look at the materials and manufacturing processes, durability features, brand reputations, premium add-ons, installation and accessories, as well as melamine alternatives to porcelain boards. Let's dive in!

Materials & Manufacturing Processes Add Costs

The thick enameled steel used to produce porcelain whiteboards makes up a significant portion of their price tag. Manufacturing a glass-like whiteboard surface on steel requires an expensive multi-step production process. Here are the key steps:

Steel Substrate- Quality porcelain boards start with a rigid steel backing. Steel offers durability but adds weight and material costs.

Cleaning and Coating- The steel undergoes thorough cleaning and fluxing (coating) before enameling to ensure proper adhesion. These labor-intensive prep steps are essential.

Applying Porcelain Enamel- Liquid porcelain enamel is applied through spray coating, electrophoresis or firing ceramic frit. The glass-like enamel must reach extremely high temps to fuse to the steel.

Kiln Firing- The enameled steel board is kiln-fired at temps up to 1500°F. This allows the enamel to melt and permanently bond to the substrate. Kilns require significant energy and specialized labor.

Inspection and Packaging- After firing, each board is inspected for flaws. Accepted boards are carefully packaged to prevent damage during shipping. More steps = more costs.

As you can see, making porcelain boards requires heavy-duty materials, specialized production processes, high energy investments, and extensive labor. This understandably drives up costs before any features are added.

Premium Features & Coatings

Beyond base manufacturing costs, high-end porcelain boards add premium features and coatings to improve durability, functionality, and aesthetics. These do raise the price, but also enhance quality and lifespan.

Polyester Surface Coat- Many boards get a polyester resin coat that fills surface pores for an ultra-smooth writing surface. This enhances erasability.

Glossy Polish- High-gloss polishing creates a slick, light-reflective surface that improves eraseability and visual appeal. The glossy sheen gives off a professional vibe.

Color Options- While plain white is standard, porcelain boards also come in colors like black, gray, beige and green. Colored steel or dyes add cost.

Embedded Magnets- Some boards feature embedded steel wool or ferrous materials to make the entire surface magnetic for attaching charts, notes, and posters.

Metal Laminate- Bonding a steel or aluminum laminate to the enamel boosts impact and scratch resistance. But laminating requires additional materials and processing.

Maps and Grids- Custom embedded maps, grids, and diagrams enhance functionality. However, unique etching and designs increase manufacturing complexity.

Frames and Accessories- Premium wood frames, map rails, trays, and accessories improve aesthetics and usability. But they also raise costs due to materials and assembly.

Branded for Quality

A significant slice of a premium porcelain board's price tag goes towards engineering, brand reputation, and rigorous quality testing.

Top manufacturers like Claridge, PolyVision, and Quartet invest heavily in R&D, process improvements, and QC testing. This expertise commands a price premium, but also ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Buyers trust reputable brands to deliver durable, flawless boards worth the investment. Lower-priced boards from less known companies often cut corners on materials, testing, and quality control.

Installation Extras Boost Costs

Beyond the physical board itself, professional installation, mounting solutions, and accessories can significantly increase costs.

Installation- Hiring contractors to securely wall mount large porcelain boards while ensuring proper alignment and leveling adds expense. DIY installing porcelain boards is quite difficult.

Mounting- The weight of porcelain boards requires specialized heavy-duty mounting brackets and hardware that cost much more than standard solutions.

Accessories- Top quality pens, erasers, magnets, and cleaning kits specially designed for porcelain optimize performance. But they cost more than basic supplies.

Shipping- The heavy weight and delicate nature of porcelain boards means shipment via specialty freight carriers. This avoids damage but has higher costs than regular delivery.

When you factor in these additional expenses on top of the board cost, the total investment climbs even higher.

Melamine: A Budget-Friendly Option

While porcelain remains the premium choice, melamine whiteboards provide a far more affordable alternative. Here are some reasons why:

Lightweight- Thin melamine over MDF or aluminum weighs much less than enameled steel, reducing shipping and installation costs.

Efficient Production- Melamine sheets are easily laminated without firing or enameling steps, cutting energy and labor needs.

Minimal Processing- Melamine skips fluxing, kiln-firing, and specialized coatings, keeping fabrication simple and costs low.

Automated Manufacturing- Melamine boards are produced efficiently in high volume on automated lines, maximizing cost savings.

Low Maintenance- Melamine boards don't require regular chalk or marker refills like traditional boards, saving money long-term.

Easy Installation- Light melamine boards utilize integrated mounting hardware for quick DIY installation without contractors.

Bonus Accessories- Many melamine board packages include handy bonus accessories like markers, erasers and magnets.

With continuous improvements in melamine quality and durability, these budget-friendly boards offer impressive versatility for offices, classrooms and homes. While porcelain retains the quality edge, melamine delivers excellent function at a fraction of the price.

Key Takeaways: Porcelain Quality Has a Cost

While porcelain whiteboard costs seem high at first glance, there are clearly justifiable reasons these premium boards come with a luxury price tag. Considering the expenses of high-end materials, specialized manufacturing, brand reputation, installation, and durability, porcelain delivers lasting value that offsets the initial investment over years of use.

Here are the key takeaways on why quality whiteboards are pricey:

• Durable enameled steel and robust construction account for much of the cost but also ensure longevity.
• Added coatings and features like glossy finishes and magnets improve board performance and lifespan.
• Reputable brands invest heavily in R&D, QC, and expertise that buyers are willing to pay more for.
• Professional installation, mounting equipment and accessories maximize usability but add up.
• Over the lifetime of use, porcelain outperforms cheaper boards, justifying the higher price.

For frequent public use in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms, porcelain whiteboards earn their premium price tag. They provide the ideal smooth surface where durability and quality matter.

However, for casual personal use, melamine boards offer impressive dry erase versatility at a fraction of the porcelain price. The choice comes down to your specific needs and budget. But understanding what goes into the costs of quality porcelain highlights why it commands a luxury price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are melamine whiteboards so much cheaper than porcelain?

A: Melamine utilizes inexpensive materials and efficient production. It requires no specialized firing/enameling, lowering manufacturing costs substantially. Melamine also lacks the rigorous testing and brand value of porcelain.

Q: Are porcelain boards worth the extra investment?

A: For frequent public use and professional settings, porcelain provides unmatched durability and performance that justifies the price premium long-term. For home use, melamine offers excellent value.

Q: What specific factors make porcelain boards expensive?

A: The enameled steel substrate, firing/enameling processes, quality control testing, brand reputation, accessories, installation, and durable coatings/features all contribute to porcelain's high cost.

Q: How much do wall mounted whiteboards cost?

A: Costs depend on size, materials, features, installation, and accessories. A basic 3' x 4' porcelain board runs $150-$300+. Large 6' x 4' boards can cost $400-$1000 installed. Melamine cuts costs approximately 50-75%.

Q: Should I hire professionals to install my whiteboard?

A: For heavy porcelain boards, professional installation is recommended to ensure secure, level wall mounting. But lightweight melamine boards can easily be self-installed with included hardware and basic tools.

The Bottom Line

Traditional porcelain whiteboards remain a sound investment where frequent public use and durability are priorities. But melamine boards present an affordable option for more casual personal use cases.

Knowing what factors drive up porcelain costs clarifies why quality comes at a price. With this guide, you can weigh the costs and benefits to select the ideal whiteboard solution for your specific needs and budget.