I was surprised at the texture and weight of this chalkboard, as it feels like a piece of heavy, bumpy metal. I had considered using a smaller, plain old chalkboard, but thought I would try something a little more weather-proof. Once it was in the playset, and my daughter tried it, I was pleased with the ease of writing on it and erasing it, and how sharp the writing was. My 4-year-old can easily erase it herself (we just use a small towel) and draw and write all day long (and she does). It is a nice product, and it looks great on our playset. Overall, I'm very pleased with this chalkboard