Beadsmith Mini Macrame Project Board 7.5 x 10.5 Inches

Is this cork? I don't like the homasote b/c pins go thru + u have to leave shrink wrap on or the "grid" will fall off b/c it's just a pc of paper...

I am a beginner at Macrame. I want to make plant hangers. Would this board help me learning knots or is it better for small projects?

I can't decide between 14x10 inches or the smaller 7.5x10.5 inches. Is the smaller one big enough for making macrame hemp bracelets? Anybody got both?

Is this waterproof so that I could use it it to starch/ block my tatting work on it?