Yes, the board is a 1x4. My husband cut and sanded it really well. I wanted to paint it but just never got around to it. I've never gotten a splinter. It is 7 feet long so a long quilt fits on it.
I have ironed and air dried and personally i like the ironing. It makes the tops very smooth; smoother than I can get with my hands. But air dry is perfectly fine too. Have done both.
Glad you like it!!!