My favorite quilting "tools" are improvised from other items. I have a hard pressing board made from Corian. It was supposed to be a cutting board, but I wrapped a thin towel around it and it is great for getting a really flat seam pressed. Sometimes the ironing board is too squishy.
Best of all, I love my huge old drafting table. The boss gave it to me in September, and with the elevated surface (which has a level, sliding ruler!) I can cut pieces without an aching neck! It has two huge deep drawers and a butcher block flat area that holds my spare machine!!! I am soooo lucky!