I see some dropping boards just raw wood or covered w/ linoleum. And I see others that have several inches of Sweet PDZ. What are the advantages or disadvantages of either? I can't decide which one is right for me?
I have found that if you have a board they poop on, when you go to scrape the poo, it helps a great deal to have some sand or PDZ (I favor sand now) at least sprinked across it (or in a layer if you prefer) so as to help prevent the poo from sticking to the board. I wear an N95 mask when sifting sand. This is especially helpful when encountering caecal poos or if someone has a touch of diarrhea. But when you have a tray that you take outside to scrape off, it wastes the substrate and also makes it too heavy.
This may answer some of your questions. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/943527/poop-board-with-or-without-lip
I like the granulated PDZ mixed with some sand because: Reduces ammonia odor. Poops don't stick to the board, especially in winter...... ........but mine is lined with heavy duty foam backed vinyl sheet flooring. I think the sifting is easier than scraping, some sand clings to poops keeps it from sticking to anything. Sand mix only needs to be about 1/2" deep....any deeper and they want to dust bathe in it.