Oh the memories you brought back. My mom simply added new covers to her board also. It was soft and squishy. As for me, I use a handmade board about 24 x 30 padded with batting, insulbrite then fabric on top. All of it is stapled then glued. It's placed on a serving cart that is just the right height for me. I prefer the harder board. But I really do think it is simply a matter of preference.