I cut a piece of pine about 20x18 inchs, covered it with several layers of batting & topped with a heavy piece of muslin...There are no holes for the steam...but I used the first one for about three years before it became a little warped...no problem, simply turned it over...covered with more batting and muslin and I figure I am good for another three years...It is the right size to put up on my sewing table, iron my block..and put the board down side my sewing table until I need it for the next piece.