I have my ironing surface away from my machine so it does force me to get up and move. It helps save my back from sitting too long in one place. I have one of the folding tables described set at the highest setting so I can stand to use it. One half of the table has a self healing mat on it which I use to cut fabric and the other half has the ironing surface. I used a heavy duck drop cloth that I got at Harbor Freight (but they are available most anywhere that sells paint) to cover a lite weight board. Look at the home improvement center for MDF board or particle board which is lite weight. I did use a couple of layers of warm and natural under the drop cloth to give it some padding. If you're concerned about the heat going through then use insulbright instead of warm and natural. My ironing board currently is padded with old blankets covered in cotton duck. I didn't do that. It was like that when I bought it at the thrift store. I don't see why you need special fabric to make one.