10 Best Bulletin Boards of 2023 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

How challenging can it be to buy the best bulletin board? Not much, right?

That’s what most of us think because a bulletin board does not strike as a complicated product at first glance. But guess what, we were in for a surprise when we decided to buy one. That’s why we decided to write this guide – to simplify your search for the best bulletin board.

There are hundreds of options out there. And it was only after a ton of research that we were able to handpick the best of the lot. We ended up with 13 bulletin boards that are worth every penny spent!

You will be pleased to know that we used each of these recommendations extensively to gain an unbiased understanding of their pros and cons.

Without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets, shall we?

Best Bulletin Board

So, whether you need a bulletin board for your classroom or your home office, here’s the list of the 10 best bulletin boards to help you make an informed decision.

1. Navy Penguin Felt Track Bulletin Board –  Best for Long-lasting Performance

The numero uno spot on this list goes to the Felt Track Bulletin Board from the reputed brand of Navy Penguin. It comes in various sizes and color options, but we decided to go with the 24-inch by 18-inch variant with blue fabric. It comes with ten colored push pins.

Our first impression of the Felt Track Bulletin Board was nothing short of spectacular. And that was mostly because of how easy it was to mount it on the wall. If you want to move the hangers to place them vertically, unscrew the corner brackets, slide out the hangers, slide them onto the other side, and screw the corner brackets back in place.

What sets it apart from its competition is its top-notch quality and long-lasting performance. After all, being backed by a lifetime guarantee is no joke. It is safe to say that when it comes to synthetic bulletin boards, it does not get much better than Navy Penguin’s Felt Track Board!

After using it for over three months in our office cubicle, we are yet to find a significant flaw in this board. But if we had to nitpick, the only thing we would say is that it cannot hold heavy items because of its aluminum frame.

2. U Brands Cork Bulletin Board – Best for Small Spaces

The next five recommendations are traditional cork bulletin boards since these are the most commonly used. And starting the series is an exceptional product from U Brands. It is one of the most affordable options on this list, and it measures 24 inches by 18 inches. You may choose to buy it with or without a box of 40 push pins.

Straight off the bat, we were impressed by the highly positive customer reviews for this board, so we decided to give it a try. And we weren’t disappointed one bit! It is not the biggest board out there, making it ideal for schools or small office spaces.

Mounting it on the wall took negligible time and effort, so kudos to U Brands for getting that right! You will appreciate the flexibility of mounting it horizontally or vertically and the inclusion of all the mounting hardware and tools you would need.

Its sturdy oak MDF frame is built to last, and the natural, self-healing cork surface perfectly hides pin holes after they are taken out. For its price, we honestly couldn’t have asked for more!

We couldn’t help but notice a couple of downsides of this otherwise exceptional product. First, the cork seemed to be a lot harder to penetrate than we anticipated. And second, it isn’t deep enough for standard-size pins, as they tend to push through the back of the board. So, we recommend buying the push pins box with it.

3. Quartet Cork Bulletin Board – Best for Offices & Classrooms

The next bulletin board you should consider comes from the renowned Quartet brand. It is one of the best classic options you will find on this list. It is available in half a dozen size options and two frame colors – black and aluminum. We needed a board for the conference room, and the 4’ by 3’ black variant seemed perfect.

If you are looking for a large corkboard to place in the college library or office, this masterpiece from Quartet is what you need. Before we talk about anything else, we want to take a moment to appreciate its classic design.

Like the majority of quality cork boards out there, it features a sturdy, self-healing surface. So, you can rest assured that the holes will re-close when you remove the push pins, and there won’t be any crumbling in the long run.

But that’s not all; it comes with flexible installation options that allow you to mount it either horizontally or vertically. Oh! And did we mention that a 5-year warranty backs it?

It suffers from the same drawback as its U Brands peer – it is not thick enough for standard-size pins. You would have to buy Quartet’s push pins (#27954) separately to use with this board. Apart from that, the corners of this board are quite sharp, so we advise you to be careful while handling it.

4. Universal Cork Bulletin Board with Natural Oak Frame – Best for Elegance & Durability

Now that we have covered the coveted top three spots, it is time to look at a corkboard that’s a bit different. This next product from Universal comes with an elegant, natural oak-finished frame. It is a relatively large board, measuring 48 inches by 36 inches. 

Honestly, we were a tad bit skeptical about buying it because of the mixed reviews we saw. But when we received it, we couldn’t have been more satisfied. This board looks beautiful, and the oak-finished frame adds a touch of elegance that is rare.

The natural, self-healing cork surface and the thick, fiberboard backing ensure that it will last for quite a long time. We especially liked how light it is for its size – it weighs around ten pounds.

Apart from that, it includes a flexible mounting mechanism that allows you to mount it horizontally or vertically. And it comes with all the mounting hardware and tools you would need.

The board did not arrive in perfect condition, so the negative reviews we saw online were somewhat accurate. But there is only one small dent in the corner of the frame, which isn’t even visible after mounting it. Although it is not a significant downside, the packaging of this product can definitely be improved.

5. Catalina Printed Cork Board – Best for Home Office Aesthetics

We are halfway through with our recommendations, and we have reached the end of the conventional cork bulletin board series. It is time to look at three unique options, which show that bulletin boards can also be things of beauty. And what better way to start that off than the Catalina Printed Cork Board by Wall Pops!

We wanted to buy a bulletin board for our small home office – something other than the boring, traditional options. And when we found the Catalina Printed Cork Board, we knew that it would be perfect. Mounting it on the wall was quite straightforward, thanks to the included hardware and tools.

You will appreciate the chic white frame and elegant geometric floral patterns on this board. And the cork surface itself is textured to have grains that complement the floral prints. Even when you don’t hang anything on it, it will add a touch of class to the interiors. We mostly use it for hanging important memos and to-do lists.

Despite being one of the most attractive options, it is not the most functional, and that’s mostly because of its thickness. As long as we were using the two pins that come with it, we faced no problems. But it isn’t deep enough to work well with standard-size pins. We wish more pins came with it, or the cork was thicker.

6. Veranda Printed Cork Board

The next pick we have for you is yet another beautiful board by Wall Pops. Whoever said bulletin boards are boring didn’t look at this masterpiece. It adds an ornate elegance to any space with its appealing Fleur de Lis pattern. With a relatively small size of 23.5 inches by 17 inches, it is best suited for home use.

Keeping track of groceries and bills in the kitchen itself can be very useful. And we wanted to get a bulletin board to keep all of it posted in one place. The Veranda Printed Cork Board from Wall Pops proved to be the perfect option for us. Hanging it on the wall felt like a breeze!

You will appreciate the unique look of this board, featuring a pretty Fleur de Lis pattern and a black frame. But do not be fooled by its looks; it is every bit as sturdy as some of the larger, more expensive options out there.

Overall, it is one of the most cost-effective models you will find. Did we mention that it comes with two push pins?

Unlike most of the options included on this list, the Veranda Printed Cork Board can only be mounted horizontally. Although it is not much of a downside, we would have appreciated the option to hang it vertically. And like the Catalina Printed Board, it does not work well with standard-size pins.

7. ReLive Natural Burlap Bulletin & Memo Board

If you are tired of looking at cork bulletin boards, the Natural Burlap Bulletin & Memo Board from ReLive will serve as a welcome change! In fact, this product completely redefines the way you look at bulletin boards. It measures 19.75 inches by 15.75 inches, which makes it one of the smallest options on this list.

It doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to having a small, personalized board at the home or office. Whether you want to keep photographs from a recent trip or important reminders pinned in one place, you will love this burlap board. We recommend using its criss-cross twine to hang and organize photographs.

What sets it apart from the other products on this list is the fact that you do not have to use push pins with it. Just slide papers and photos under the twine, and you’re done – it’s that simple!

Moreover, the burlap on this board is tanned naturally to add an authentic look and feel to it. And because of its aesthetic design, you can hang it anywhere you want

As excellent and different as this burlap board is, it is not flawless. The only gripe we have with it is related to the hanging hardware. You get a small sawtooth hanger in the center of two edges (to hang it horizontally or vertically). Because of this, it tends to tip because of uneven weight distribution of the items hung on it.

8. Umbra Trigon Bulletin Magnetic Board

The next bulletin board we want you to consider is the Trigon Bulletin Magnetic Board from the reputed brand of Umbra. You can choose from three colors of this model – white, nickel, and charcoal. Unlike all the other recommendations on this list, it is a dual-surface board that can be used with both push pins and magnets.

As soon as we saw this product online, we knew we had to give it a try. Straight off the bat, we were impressed by its unique design as soon as we unboxed it. It looks even better upfront than in pictures. Mounting it was not at all problematic, thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of top-notch mounting hardware.

You get plenty of options with this board – hang it vertically or horizontally, and hang things using push pins or magnets (it comes with a dozen pieces each of both). The cherry on top is the fact that its metal panel is easy to clean as well!

Although Umbra did a fabulous job of bringing something new to the table, it could not get everything right. We found it to be a tad bit heavy for our liking, so you should ask someone to help you mount it. Also, the corners of this board are quite sharp, so you should be careful while handling it.

9. Quartet Combination Magnetic Whiteboard & Corkboard

We are down to our final three recommendations, and it is time to change things up a bit. The next two products on this list are combinations of a corkboard and a magnetic whiteboard. And the first of the two comes from Quartet. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because this brand bagged the third spot on this list too.

The Combination Magnetic Whiteboard & Corkboard is available in three frame colors – black, white, and grey. Being a relatively smaller board, measuring 23 inches by 17 inches, we decided to use it in our home office.

Perhaps the best thing about this product is the sheer value for money it offers. Not only is it the most affordable option on this list, but it also comes with an excellent dry-erase marker, two beautiful magnets, mounting hardware, and self-stick pads. Talk about a good investment!

And that’s not all; it gives you the flexibility to mount it either horizontally or vertically. And it comes with a 60-day warranty too.

Perfection is a myth, especially when it comes to regular-use products like a bulletin board. Even though there are a lot of win-win features of this Quartet product, it suffers from one drawback, and that’s its frame. It is made of very flimsy plastic that will most likely not last as long as you would want.

10. Board Dudes Magnetic Erase/Cork Combo Board

The penultimate pick we have for you today is quite similar to the previous product in terms of functionality. The Magnetic Dry Erase/Cork Combo Board from the Board Dudes is an excellent combo product. It measures 22 inches by 18 inches and comes with a black frame.

Since this product is quite similar to our previous pick, how about a more comparative analysis? Because most of the basics are the same – both boards have a traditional cork surface portion as well as a white, magnetic dry-erase portion.

The Board Dudes got a couple of things right with this product relative to its Quartet counterpart. First, the frame divides the two parts, which allows a better overall organization. Second, the frame is far more durable and built to last for a very long time. So, its higher price is somewhat justified.

You might be wondering why we ranked this board lower than the Quartet combo board, especially after reading how it’s better. Well, the reason for that is the absence of a flexible mounting mechanism that would allow us to hang it horizontally or vertically. We expected it to have that feature, given its higher price.

Best Bulletin Boards Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Bulletin Board

Knowing the 13 best bulletin boards that are available on the market today is only half the battle won! You still need to figure out which one of these options works best for you. And that can get a tad bit challenging because you are dealing with products that are all excellent. That’s where this guide comes into the picture.

We have carefully listed out the various factors you need to consider when buying a bulletin board. Read on to know more…

1. Surface Material

Gone are the days when we had only cork surfaces on bulletin boards. In recent years, we have seen some other materials being used. So, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the surface material of the board you are considering buying.

Cork is the traditional option that is ideal for office spaces because it is durable enough to withstand frequent use. Vinyl-covered boards are perfect for schools and hospitals because of their antimicrobial properties.

Fabric-covered boards are best suited for classrooms and home offices, as they can work with traditional push pins and staples, as well as velcro. Rubber composite options are environment-friendly and extremely durable.

Depending on where and how often you intend to use the board, you can choose any of these four surface materials.

2. Backing Material

Most people tend to ignore this aspect, but it plays a vital role in the longevity of a bulletin board. After all, that’s what keeps it rigid and sturdy. The majority of the products out there come with particleboard, which does a decent job.

And if you’re looking for something more durable, then we recommend going for a board that has aluminum or a natural wood backing. Be prepared to spend more because these alternatives are more expensive. But they are worth the additional investment, in our opinion.

3. Frame

The third aspect of a bulletin board that you need to consider is its frame. Should you buy one with a frame, or will an unframed board be better? According to us, framed options are better, both in terms of durability and design. But if you want to save a few bucks, you may opt for one of the unframed options because those are more affordable.

You can choose from three frame materials – aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Of these, aluminum is the sturdiest, vinyl is the most affordable, and wood is the best in terms of looks.

4. Care and Maintenance

Like any other product that you buy, a bulletin board must not be challenging to maintain. Unfortunately, it is one of those items that can hold a lot of dust. So, you would have to clean it regularly. We recommend buying a product that you can wipe with a dry cloth.

Furthermore, buying a natural, self-healing corkboard is an excellent option because it will hide the pushpin holes even after years of use.

The only thing you should be very careful about is not getting your board wet. Even the slightest amount of moisture can warp and ruin it.

What are some best practices for creating a bulletin board?

Some best practices for creating a bulletin board include choosing a clear and concise message, using legible fonts and colors, incorporating visual elements, such as graphics or photos, organizing content in a logical and easy-to-follow manner, and considering the intended audience and purpose of the board.

What are some creative ideas for bulletin boards?

Some creative ideas for bulletin boards include creating a themed board, such as a seasonal or holiday board, showcasing student work or achievements, featuring inspiring quotes or messages, or using interactive elements, such as puzzles or games.

What is the best type of bulletin board for a classroom?

The best type of bulletin board for a classroom depends on the purpose and intended audience. For example, a bulletin board for displaying student work might feature a colorful and creative design, while a bulletin board for sharing important information might be more straightforward and organized.

How can I promote my bulletin board to ensure it gets noticed?

To promote your bulletin board, consider placing it in a high-traffic area, using eye-catching designs and colors, using varied content and formats, incorporating interactive elements, and promoting the board through social media or other online channels.

Conclusion

Technology has rendered several products redundant or obsolete. But surprisingly, bulletin boards have managed to survive. Maybe it is because there is no better alternative to having all the essential things in one place, where you won’t have to scroll or swipe on a screen.

On that note, we have come to the end of this comprehensive and informative guide about bulletin boards. We hope you were able to select the ideal option for your needs with the help of our buyer’s guide.

But before signing off, we want to reiterate our findings. Navy Penguin’s Felt Track Bulletin Board is the best fabric alternative, U Brands offers the best cork option, and Quartet’s Combination Board is the best budget buy.

Let us know in the comments section below if you agree with our verdict.

Till next time!

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