What about making it 2 sided? One padded the other smooth? You could attach the padded top to the edges of the board with upholsterers tacks, you will need a minimum of 1/2 inch thick plywood to prevent flexing which will give you ample room for the tacks. You could get a piece that is 'finish grade' that you can stain or paint it to match your other furniture. When you need to cut, put a mat on top, when you need to iron, flip it over.