How to Install and Mount a Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard?

The Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard combines professional whiteboard function with a contemporary decorative frame design that integrates into modern office and commercial environments more attractively than standard aluminum-framed boards. Correct installation ensures the board is level, secure, and positioned for optimal use. This guide covers the complete mounting process for Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboards including wall preparation, hardware selection, and mounting verification.

About the Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard

The Ghent Deco Aurora series features whiteboards with a distinctive curved radius frame in a charcoal or white finish that provides a contemporary aesthetic contrast to standard institutional aluminum frames. The board surface is a high-performance porcelain or melamine writing surface depending on the model. Magnetic whiteboards in the Deco Aurora line allow magnetic accessories such as document holders, pen trays, and calendar overlays to be attached directly to the board surface without damaging it. The Deco Aurora is available in sizes from 2x3 feet through 4x8 feet and larger custom sizes.

How to Install and Mount a Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard

Step 1 - Gather Tools and Hardware

You need: a stud finder, a level (24-inch or longer), a tape measure, a pencil, a drill with the appropriate bit for your wall material, wall anchors appropriate for drywall if studs are not available at the mounting positions, the mounting hardware included with the Ghent Deco Aurora board (typically a mounting rail or keyhole brackets), and a helper for boards larger than 3x4 feet.

Step 2 - Determine Mounting Height

The standard mounting height for a whiteboard positions the bottom edge at approximately 36 to 42 inches from the floor, which places the writing surface within comfortable reach for standing adults. For classrooms or training rooms where participants may use the board while seated, position the bottom edge at 30 to 34 inches. For whiteboard accessories like integrated shelf rails and pen trays that attach below the board, add the height of the accessory to the floor clearance calculation so the pen tray does not sit too close to the floor.

Step 3 - Locate Wall Studs

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in the mounting area. Mark stud locations with a pencil at the intended mounting height and 2 inches above and below for reference. Wall studs are typically spaced 16 inches on center. For a 4-foot-wide board, you will typically find 2 to 3 studs across the mounting width. Mounting into studs provides significantly stronger support than wall anchor-only mounting for boards larger than 2x3 feet.

Step 4 - Mark the Mounting Hole Positions

Measure the Ghent Deco Aurora board's mounting hardware positions from the top edge of the board. The Deco Aurora uses either a continuous hanging rail (for larger sizes) or two keyhole brackets (for smaller sizes) mounted at the top back of the frame. Transfer these measurements to the wall at the intended mounting height, using the level to confirm all marks are horizontally aligned. Double-check that the horizontal mark positions correspond to the board's hanging hardware attachment points.

Step 5 - Install Wall Anchors or Drive Screws

For stud-mounted positions, drive the provided screws or appropriately rated screws directly into the stud. For positions between studs in drywall, install toggle bolt anchors rated for at least 50 pounds per anchor for standard sizes (use higher ratings for larger boards). Pre-drill anchor holes at the marked positions. Install anchors per the anchor manufacturer's instructions. For concrete or masonry walls, use concrete anchor bolts with the appropriate masonry bit.

Step 6 - Hang and Adjust the Board

With a helper, lift the Ghent Deco Aurora board and engage the hanging hardware with the wall-mounted hardware. For keyhole brackets, engage the wide portion of the keyhole over the screw head and slide down to lock. For rail mounting, engage the board rail onto the wall rail. Use the level to confirm the board is perfectly horizontal - even a slight tilt is visible during daily use. Many Ghent Deco Aurora mounting systems allow minor horizontal adjustment after hanging. Once level, tighten any adjustment locking screws. Dry-erase markers and whiteboard erasers should be accessible from the board's working height. See What Is the Difference Between Porcelain and Melamine Whiteboards? for board surface comparison.

Mounting Load Reference by Board Size

Choosing the Right Location for a Markerboard

Before installation begins, location selection for a markerboard determines how effectively it serves its intended purpose for years to come. The most commonly overlooked factor in markerboard placement is lighting direction. A whiteboard positioned directly opposite a window receives glare from natural light that makes the board difficult to read from most viewing positions in the room. Position whiteboards perpendicular to windows so natural light falls across the board surface from the side rather than directly onto it.

Viewing distance and board size are directly related. A board that is too small for the room forces participants at the far end to strain to read content. As a general guideline, the board width should be at least 1/4 of the room length for a standard meeting room. For a 20-foot conference room, a 48-inch (4-foot) wide board is the minimum practical size. For training rooms where detailed content (diagrams, text-heavy content) is regularly written, increase to 1/3 of the room length as the minimum board width.

The relationship between the markerboard and the presentation technology in the room (projector, monitor, video conferencing camera) should also inform board placement. Boards placed within the camera field of view of a video conferencing system allow remote participants to see whiteboard content as it is written, which is a significant collaboration advantage. Boards placed adjacent to projection screens allow the presenter to transition between digital and analog content without disrupting room flow. Planning these relationships before installation produces a room that supports all its intended uses rather than requiring workarounds.

Troubleshooting

The board is tilting to one side after mounting

The two mounting screws are at different heights. Remove the board, re-mark the screw positions using a level, and re-install. Even a 1/8 inch height difference between screw positions causes visible tilt.

The board is pulling away from the wall at the top

The anchors are inadequate for the board weight. Replace with toggle bolt anchors rated for the board weight or re-position to mount into wall studs.

The mounting rail on the board frame feels loose after installation

The rail mounting screws need tightening. Lift the board slightly to relieve weight on the rail and tighten the screws. For continuous rail systems, confirm all screws are engaged before final tightening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Ghent Deco Aurora be mounted on a movable partition wall?

Only if the partition wall is rated to support the board weight and has adequate stud or anchor points. Lightweight partitions are often insufficient. Contact the partition wall manufacturer for weight capacity specifications.

Can the Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard be installed on a corner wall?

No. The Deco Aurora is designed for flat wall installation. Corner installations require specialized corner-mount boards.

What is the maximum distance between wall anchors?

Ghent recommends following their specific mounting hardware placement. For general guidance, anchors or screws should be spaced no more than 24 inches apart on the horizontal mounting rail for boards in the standard size range.

Does the Ghent Deco Aurora include all necessary mounting hardware?

The Ghent Deco Aurora includes hanging hardware (brackets or rail). Screws and anchors appropriate for your specific wall construction are typically not included and must be sourced separately based on wall material.

How do I clean the Deco Aurora frame?

The Deco Aurora frame is cleaned with a soft dry cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners on the frame surface as they can affect the frame finish over time. Use standard whiteboard cleaner on the board writing surface only, keeping it off the frame.

Cable management is a practical installation consideration that is easy to address during installation and difficult to correct afterward. If the Ghent Deco Aurora Markerboard will be installed near an electrical outlet used for accessories (document cameras, lighting, integrated display technology), plan the cable routing path before mounting the board. Wall-mounted cable channels or in-wall conduit can be installed before the board mounting hardware, allowing cables to run behind the board area rather than across the wall face. A board installed over a visible tangle of cables undermines the clean professional appearance that the premium Deco Aurora frame design and decorative finish are intended to create effectively in the room.