Glass vs. Porcelain: Which Whiteboard Surface Fits Modern Offices Best?

The short answer: both glass and porcelain whiteboards thrive in modern offices, but they excel in different ways. Tempered glass boards deliver a design-forward, ultra-clean look that resists staining and harsh disinfectants. Porcelain-on-steel offers a less glossy matte experience with strong magnet-holding power and exceptional durability. For most busy conference rooms and project spaces that need magnets, projection-friendly surfaces, and all-day writing, porcelain is often the better fit. For executive suites, client-facing spaces, and areas prioritizing aesthetics and easy sanitization, glass stands out. Below, we break down the differences so you can match the surface to your workflows, rooms, and budget.

Strategic Overview

Modern workplaces need whiteboards that look great, erase cleanly, support magnets, fit large teams, and hold up to constant use. Use this quick comparison table to narrow your choice.

Sizing considerations

Flexible floor-to-ceiling markerboards are an excellent choice for boardrooms, maximizing vertical real estate for expansive brainstorming and seamless collaboration. Full-wall whiteboards are much more viable at the porcelain level, with panels commonly available in sizes up to 5' x 16' (or larger via modular rail systems) and no practical limits on height or width when field-assembled. Some glass manufacturers can accommodate full-wall sizing (e.g., 4' x 12' or custom up to 5' x 10' in single panels), though with minor restrictions such as maximum sheet dimensions, added seams for ultra-large spans, or reinforced backing for structural integrity.

When specifying a full-wall whiteboard for a boardroom, you'll want to consider how the space is used: is this a space for executives? If so, the writing surface probably won't need to extend all the way to the floor. Do you plan on using a projector in conjunction with the whiteboard? You'll need to make space for an outlet or two. From there, think about how teams actually collaborate in the room. If the boardroom hosts high-level planning or strategy sessions, prioritize wide, uninterrupted spans that support free-flowing ideation. It also helps to map out everyday workflows: who needs access to the wall, where people will stand, and how furniture—like the conference table, credenzas, or AV carts—interacts with the surface. Ensuring reachability and keeping lower zones clear when needed makes the installation feel intentional and prevents the board from becoming blocked or underutilized.

When glass is the better fit:

• Client-facing and executive areas where design is a priority

• Spaces that require frequent disinfection without surface dulling

• Feature walls with color, pattern, or back-painted branding

When porcelain is the better fit:

• Conference rooms and collaboration zones that rely on magnets and sticky-note alternatives

• Project rooms with heavy daily writing and low-glare visibility needs

• Training rooms using projection or hybrid meeting tech

Which surface is more durable in daily use?

• Both are engineered for longevity. Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase strength and shatter-safety per ASTM C1048 tempered glass safety. Porcelain enamel is a glass-ceramic layer fired onto steel, yielding exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance. In practice, both resist scratches; porcelain’s fused ceramic face also excels under high-frequency writing and erasing. While the face of tempered glass is incredibly durable, the tempering process does create a few vulnerabilities around the board’s edges, thus giving the slight edge to porcelain.

Which writes and erases cleaner?

• Both surfaces are non-porous and resist ghosting with the right markers and cleaners. For sanitization, CDC guidance supports using appropriate disinfectants on non-porous surfaces and following label directions to avoid residue build-up . Tip: periodic deep cleaning helps prevent polymer build-up from dry-erase inks. We recommend using a manufacturer grade cleaning solution whenever possible. With that being said, both glass and porcelain are highly versatile and can be safely cleaned with a wide range of standard solutions, including everyday glass cleaners, mild detergents, or disinfectant wipes, as long as they’re used according to instructions.

Do you need a magnetic board?

• What you need really comes down to personal preferences. If your teams like to incorporate outside elements into their dry-erase sessions (like paperwork, swatches, materials, etc.), then porcelain-on-steel is the best solution, as it’s strongly magnetic across the entire surface. Glass boards can be magnetic only when manufactured over a steel substrate, and because glass adds separation, you’ll typically need high-strength neodymium magnets to hold materials reliably. 

How does glare affect hybrid meetings and projection?

• Glossy surfaces create specular reflection, concentrating light into a "hot-spot", which can reduce readability on camera and in the room. This hot-spot occurs when the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, directing intense light toward specific viewers or the camera lens. In contrast, matte or low-gloss surfaces produce diffuse reflection scattering light evenly across a wide viewing angle. This minimizes hot-spots, improves image contrast, and ensures consistent visibility from all seats and camera angles.

  Porcelain boards are widely available in lower gloss finishes—when compared to glass—that improve contrast and reduce reflections. For glass in bright spaces, control ambient light paths to prevent direct reflections across the board. Pairing low-gloss porcelain with short-throw projection ensures optimal color accuracy, contrast, and hybrid visibility without sacrificing collaboration.

What about safety and installation?

• Tempered glassboards, such as those from Magnatag, meet safety glazing norms and are designed to crumble into small, blunt fragments if broken (per ASTM C1048 on tempered glass safety). Porcelain-on-steel boards are heavy, noncombustible panels that mount on cleats, rail systems, z-clips and more.  Anchoring is recommended for both types of surfaces, given their size and weight properties. Always verify that mounting brackets attach directly to studs, cmu, or wall anchors—especially at large sizes.

Sustainability considerations

• Steel and glass both have strong recycling pathways. Steel enjoys high global recycling rates (around 85-90% for many applications) and significant recycled content (often 30-60% in new products), reducing embodied impacts. Glass is also widely recyclable in principle, with container glass achieving 30-40% average recycled content in the U.S., though tempered and back-painted units may require specialized streams. Low-VOC installation and cleaning practices support healthier interiors and can align with USGBC LEED v4.1 low-emitting materials guidance.

Total cost of ownership (TCO)

• Glass often carries a higher upfront price due to tempering, edge finishing, and back-painting. Porcelain-on-steel typically costs less per square foot and offers robust magnetic utility and visibility. Over a multi-year horizon, both surfaces deliver long service lives; the better value depends on whether your teams prioritize magnets and low-glare legibility (porcelain) or premium aesthetics (glass).

Quick recommendations by room type

• Boardroom/executive office: Glass for premium look; consider lighting to manage reflections.

• Main conference room: Porcelain, low-gloss finish for visibility, projection, and magnet use.

• Project war room/engineering: Porcelain for magnetic strength and heavy daily erasing.

• Huddle space or phone room: Either; choose based on aesthetics (glass) or magnet use (porcelain).

• Reception/corridor feature wall: Glass for brand color and edge-to-edge design