People on this board have covered boards with batting and muslin in a pinch to use for pressing. There are special fabrics that you can use to make a more lasting ironing board, more heat resistent to eliminate burning things. If I was going to cover a board, I would use one at least 3/4 on an inch thick and staple the muslin covered batting to the bottom and then cover that with cardboard or something to not scratch the table when pressing fabrics or clothing. :?