Get a board (I used a shelf from a little cabinet) & cover it with two layers of cotton batting or 4 layers of cotton flannel....cover the batting/flannel with duck or medium density canvas ( I used a cheap muslin that felt real heavy). This is the perfect ironing surface & easily replaced when it gets soiled. If you want the silver heat resistant cover...use a piece from an old ironing board cover...usually the part at the wide end of the board is in fairly good shape.