Does rubbing alcohol remove permanent marker from a whiteboard?

Yes! Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is highly effective at breaking down permanent marker ink without damaging your whiteboard. Simply apply some to a cloth and wipe away the stains.

Can I use toothpaste to remove permanent marker?

Yes! Non-gel toothpaste works as a mild abrasive and can help lift ink stains off your whiteboard. Apply it to the stain, rub gently, and wipe away.

What is the easiest way to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard?

Using a dry-erase marker is the quickest way to remove permanent marker. Simply draw over the stain with a dry-erase marker, then wipe it away with an eraser or cloth.

Does hand sanitizer remove permanent marker from a whiteboard?

Yes! Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which helps break down the ink. Apply a small amount to the stain, let it sit, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.

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Custom Size Boards: What to Know Before Ordering

January 5, 2026

Every space has its quirks, tight corners, long walls, or oddly shaped layouts that make standard-sized boards impractical. Teachers, architects, and office planners across New York often face the same dilemma: a perfect space that just doesn’t fit a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where custom-sized boards come in. Whether you’re designing a corporate meeting room in Manhattan, a university lab in Queens, or an art studio in Hoboken, a custom board ensures your wall surface works with your space rather than against it. In this article, we’ll cover what to know before ordering a custom board and how to get the best long-term value for your investment.

1. Measure Your Space Accurately

Before anything else, proper measurement is key. You’d be surprised how often installation issues come down to misjudged dimensions.

Width and Height: Measure wall space where the board will be installed, noting obstructions like trim, outlets, or light switches.

Viewing Distance: In classrooms or conference rooms, ensure text remains legible from the farthest seat.

Framing Allowance: Leave space for mounting brackets or a frame (if you’re not going frameless).

If you’re covering a large area, you can even combine multiple panels into one continuous installation, something New York Blackboard specializes in for schools and offices across the Metro Area.

2. Choose the Right Surface Material

The type of surface determines both appearance and longevity. Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your choice:

Surface Type	Best For	Durability	Maintenance Level	Look & Feel
Porcelain-on-Steel Whiteboard	Schools, offices, training rooms	20+ years	Low	Classic, bright white surface
Glass Whiteboard	Corporate & modern spaces	15–20 years	Very low	Sleek, frameless aesthetic
Chalkboard (Slate or Coated Steel)	Traditional classrooms, studios	10–15 years	Medium	Textured, nostalgic finish
Bulletin Board (Cork or Fabric)	Offices, retail displays	10+ years	Low	Warm, soft texture
Combination Board (Mixed Surfaces)	Multi-use classrooms & studios	Varies	Medium	Functional and versatile

The right material depends on your purpose: porcelain and glass for heavy daily writing; cork or fabric for pinning materials; combination boards for flexible environments that need both.

3. Decide on Framed vs. Unframed Designs

Aesthetics matter, especially in client-facing or creative spaces. Framed boards provide a finished, classic look and protect edges from damage.

Unframed boards create a sleek, seamless design ideal for continuous installations across large walls. Many businesses in New York now choose frameless, custom-sized boards that blend with modern interiors and double as both design elements and functional surfaces.

4. Consider How It Will Be Mounted

Mounting affects both usability and safety. The type of wall (drywall, masonry, or glass partition) determines which mounting hardware works best. For large or heavy boards, professional installation ensures alignment and structural stability.

Mounting options include:

Surface Mount: Standard flush-mount installation directly to the wall.

Rail Mount: Boards slide or hang on rails, ideal for modular systems.

Mobile or Rolling Mounts: For multi-room flexibility or temporary setups.

If your workspace features uneven walls, common in older New York buildings, NYBB’s custom fabrication team can accommodate slight dimensional variations to ensure a perfect fit.

5. Understand the Lead Time and Custom Process

Custom boards take longer than stock options because they’re built to exact dimensions and finishes. Lead times vary based on size, material, and frame style.

Typical production and delivery timelines:

Standard Custom Boards: 3–5 weeks
Large or Specialty Boards (e.g., Glass or Combo): 6–8 weeks
Rush Orders: Available upon request, depending on material

Ordering early, especially for school year start dates or office openings, ensures smooth delivery and installation without last-minute stress.

6. Think About Long-Term ROI

Custom boards cost more upfront than standard models, but the return on investment is clear. A well-made custom surface eliminates wasted wall space, fits perfectly into your design, and can last decades without replacement.

When you factor in reduced maintenance, improved usability, and visual appeal, high-quality custom boards actually save money in the long run, especially in institutional or high-traffic settings.

7. Work With an Experienced Manufacturer

A truly custom board isn’t just about size it’s about craftsmanship, precision, and support. That’s where New York Blackboard stands apart. For nearly 70 years, NYBB has been building boards that inform, inspire, and last.

Whether you need a 4-foot classroom board or a 30-foot conference wall installation, our team designs and fabricates every piece with expert attention to detail. From material selection to mounting logistics, NYBB ensures your custom board fits your space and your workflow.

Final Thoughts

A custom-size board isn’t a luxury it’s a smart design decision. It maximizes space, enhances productivity, and brings visual harmony to your environment. The key is knowing what to ask for and working with a manufacturer who understands both craftsmanship and function.

From concept to installation, New York Blackboard helps educators, designers, and business owners create writing and display surfaces that feel built-in because they are. Order now to enjoy 10% off on all products. We are located in New Jersey.

FAQs

Q: What sizes can custom boards be made in?

Custom boards can be made to virtually any dimension from small personal boards to wall-to-wall installations. NYBB tailors each piece to your exact space.

Q: Are large custom boards made in one piece or multiple panels?

Oversized boards are often built in sections for safe transport and installed seamlessly on-site, creating the appearance of a single continuous surface.

Q: What’s the best material for a long-lasting custom board?

Porcelain-on-steel and glass are the most durable, offering decades of use without staining, fading, or ghosting.

Q: Can I order a custom board with mixed surfaces?

Yes, combination boards with whiteboard and cork sections are popular for classrooms and offices needing both writing and pinning functionality.

Q: Do custom boards require professional installation?

For larger or heavy boards, yes. Professional installation ensures alignment, secure mounting, and optimal performance over time.

Q: Can I match a custom board to my wall color or frame finish?

Absolutely. NYBB offers a variety of frame materials, finishes, and surface colors to complement your workspace’s design.

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Our Purpose is simple build products that inform, inspire and function well for years to come

New York Blackboard is a design manufacturer with nearly 70 years experience serving visual communicators in and around the New York Metropolitan Area and country. We began in the 1940's supplying and crafting many of the beautiful chalkboards seen in older schools.