chalkboards

Chalkboards are writing surfaces designed to accept chalk and be erased easily. They are common in classrooms, meeting rooms, and cafés, where they serve for notes, problems, diagrams, and menus. Traditionally they were made from natural slate, but many modern boards use a porcelain-enamel coating on steel or are painted with chalk-friendly black or green finishes on wood or fiberboard.

History: Slate boards were widely used in schools from the 19th century, valued for durability but heavy and fragile. In the 20th century, durable enamel-coated steel boards became standard, offering smoother writing and easier maintenance. Today chalkboards share space with whiteboards and digital displays, though they remain popular for their low cost and tactile writing experience.

Surface types vary: natural slate; porcelain-enamel on steel; and green or black painted boards. Chalk dust is produced during use, which can affect indoor air quality; some chalk products are marketed as dustless to reduce this issue.

Maintenance: Erase after use with a dry eraser; for stubborn marks, wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then dry. Periodic resurfacing or replacement may be needed to restore erasability and contrast.