You can get a better grade of plywood that is smoother. I've been quilting for 10 years and I now have a Horn table that my sewing machine sets into. I like it a lot. However, my sewing room has evolved over those 10 years. I started sewing on a desk in our guest room, graduated to a drafting table that my husband cut out the center for my machine and then finally the Horn. I actually think the door or plywood would be a good and inexpensive solution.