Mine is the insulation board, and it is just a bit thicker than 1/2 inch. It is also a bit flimsy, but not much. I cut mine down to 65 inches tall, so it is not 8 feet tall. I covered mine with white. Warm and Natural. Mine slides behind a door when I am not using it. I am very happy with mine. The insulation board was $8. at Home Depot.
I don't need pins to attach the blocks. They just stay there. I have had more fun designing quilts since I put it together 3 weeks ago!! Oh, I just attached it by folding it over and duck taping it to the back.