I also bought a table and it came with a separate ironing mat to put where the cutting mat goes. Just swap them out. I generally have it on my kitchen table when I am out there working.

I have the round rotating Martelli mat and it came with an ironing pad to go on top. Nothing about ironing on the mat without the ironing pad. If you replace the mat try Quilter's Select mat. It's the best one I have ever used. I bought one for DH to cut to fit on top the Martelli rotating mat, that's how much better the Quilter's Select is.

Onebyone, could you please elaborate a little on why you prefer teh Quilter's Select mat? I was all set to buy Martelli mat, cutter and rulers when I started to have second thoughts.

I QS mats work great with the QS rulers. The mats are super smooth and no matter which cutter I use it seems to glide over it. I like the martelli mat but it isn't smooth. I would suggest trying out the small one of each before making the decision.