What is the name of that silver ironing board fabric so I can find a source for it online? I've always just called it Teflon fabric, and I buy it at my local JoAnn's. I use it for potholders, but I love it for pressing because it reflects the heat back, so you are almost pressing both sides of the fabric at the same time.
About securing it down... IMHO, I wouldn't have it attached to the table. It will be easier to move if it is a separate piece, otherwise the table will be heavy. And it will be easier to replace the cover if it isn't attached to the table.
If I have my son just use a piece of plywood, for instance, what batting can I use under the silver stuff so that the screw heads won't make bumps on the ironing surface? (that would drive me batty!) If you do decide to have it fastened to the table, 1/4" plywood would work, and have him countersink the screws so the heads don't make that bump.
Is there a lighter material - other than plywood - that maybe some of you have used to make an ironing surface? If I remember correctly, Jenny Doan (Missouri Star Quilt Company) has a tutorial on making a pressing board.
I think this would be really cool for taking to retreats, etc.. because the ironing surface would just be attached. I bought a wooden tea tray at WalMart and covered it -- 1 layer of Insulbright, 2 layers of W&N 100% cotton batting, and the Teflon fabric. Then I made a removable cover from pillow ticking that I can take off and wash. I put grommets around it with a cotton clothesline drawstring (the kind of cord you use to make fabric bowls).