Whiteboards or dry erase boards are awesome planning tools and creativity boosters, especially when they practically cover a whole wall. Instead of spending $300 for a giant whiteboard or messing with inconsistent paint, here’s the easiest and cheapest solution.


They’re called hardboard panel boards at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Made of MDF but wth a smooth white finish and acrylic coating, these boards work just like white boards. A 4-foot by 8-foot panel—large enough to cover a decent amount of wall space— is just $13.47.

You can build a frame for it if you like, as Bargain Hoot shows above, or just hang it on the wall with double-sided tape (the board is lightweight). Nimble Union notes that you probably don’t want to clean the surface with typical cleaner like Windex, but even if you do mistakenly turn it into a permanent marker board, the stuff is so cheap you can just pick another one.


We’ve seen DIY glass whiteboards (for $100) and other similar solutions, but this is by far the easiest and least expensive way to instantly create an area for brainstorming, mind mapping, and more.

Our new Dry erase board: It’s so much fun and easy to make! | Bargain Hoot