210 Existing Classroom Tables Converted to Whiteboard Tables – Chase Terrace Academy Case Study
Creating whiteboard tables without replacing existing classroom furniture
When Chase Terrace Academy wanted whiteboard tables for its Maths Department, purchasing completely new tables wasn't the only option.
The Academy already had classroom tables with serviceable frames.
Instead of disposing of those tables and replacing them with purpose-built whiteboard furniture, Chase Terrace Academy purchased 210 replacement dry-wipe whiteboard table tops from SaveYourLegs.
The existing table frames were retained and fitted with new 1200 × 600mm whiteboard tops, effectively converting 210 conventional classroom tables into dry-wipe working surfaces.
The requirement
Dry-wipe tables can provide pupils with a large working surface on which ideas, calculations and workings can be written, erased and developed directly at the desk.
This makes them particularly interesting for subjects such as mathematics, where the process of working through a problem can be just as important as the final answer.
For Chase Terrace Academy, however, introducing whiteboard tables didn't have to mean purchasing an entirely new set of classroom furniture.
The important question was:
Could the existing tables be converted instead?
The solution
SaveYourLegs supplied the Academy with:
210 × 1200 × 600mm dry-wipe whiteboard replacement table tops.
By removing the existing tops and fitting the new whiteboard surfaces to the existing frames, conventional classroom tables could be converted for use as whiteboard tables within the Maths Department.
The Academy therefore invested in the part of the furniture that provided the new functionality—the table top—while continuing to use the existing frames.
Why replace the tops rather than the complete tables?
A classroom table is made up of several components, and the fact that a school wants a different working surface doesn't necessarily mean that all of those components need replacing.
Where existing frames are structurally sound and suitable for continued use, replacing the tops can provide an alternative to purchasing complete new tables.
In the case of Chase Terrace Academy, it also provided something more than refurbishment.
Changing the table tops changed the function of the furniture.
Existing conventional tables became dry-wipe whiteboard tables.
This is an important distinction. Replacement table tops aren't only a solution for damaged or worn furniture; they can also be used to upgrade existing classroom furniture for a different purpose.
Why whiteboard tables for mathematics?
A large dry-wipe surface gives pupils space to work through calculations, draw diagrams, explore ideas and make changes without continually starting again on a new sheet of paper.
Teachers can also see pupils' workings more easily and groups can use the surface collaboratively.
For a Maths Department, the table itself can therefore become part of the learning environment rather than simply somewhere to put books and equipment.
210 tables – without 210 new frames
This project demonstrates the potential scale of classroom furniture reuse.
Rather than automatically purchasing 210 complete specialist tables, 210 existing table frames were given a new function through replacement tops.
Where existing furniture remains serviceable, this approach can reduce the amount of material being replaced and avoid discarding usable frames.
It also allows schools to consider upgrading particular departments or classrooms without necessarily replacing all of the existing furniture.
Can other classroom tables be converted?
In many cases, yes.
SaveYourLegs manufactures dry-wipe replacement classroom table tops in standard sizes and can also manufacture other sizes and shapes for suitable quantities.
Before ordering, the existing tables should be checked to ensure their frames are stable, structurally sound and suitable for continued use.
The existing table tops should also be measured rather than relying solely on an assumed standard size.
Not just for Maths Departments
Although Chase Terrace Academy chose whiteboard tops for its Maths Department, dry-wipe table surfaces can potentially be useful in many teaching environments.
They can provide additional working space for calculations, diagrams, brainstorming, planning, collaborative exercises and other activities where pupils benefit from being able to write, erase and rewrite quickly.
Schools can therefore consider converting individual tables, particular classrooms or larger departments depending on how they intend to use the surfaces.
Considering buying new whiteboard classroom tables?
Before replacing your existing classroom furniture, check the frames.
If your current tables are still structurally sound, you may be able to convert them into whiteboard tables simply by replacing the tops.
SaveYourLegs specialises in replacement classroom table tops and manufactures dry-wipe whiteboard tops in standard and bespoke sizes and shapes.
If you send us:
- photographs of your existing tables;
- the dimensions of the current table tops;
- the quantity required; and
- your delivery postcode,
we can advise whether conversion is practical and provide a quotation.
You may not need new whiteboard tables. You may simply need new whiteboard table tops.