Ironing is necessary at various stages of quilting, such as pressing seams, the quilt top before adding batting, and the completed quilt. That is why you need a dedicated ironing board that can handle extensive fabric and not succumb to the quilt’s weight constantly toppling over.
What is the best quilter’s ironing board? The best quilter’s ironing board will have a solid frame that offers maximum stability when maneuvering the quilt. In addition, it will have an extra-wide ironing base and will be a comfortable height.
If you are a quilter looking to invest in a dedicated ironing board for your work, continue reading this article. You won’t be left without options with our buying guide plus recommendations for the best quilter’s ironing boards.
How To Choose A Quilter’s Ironing Board
Unlike ironing a dress or other small and lightweight sewing projects, a quilt project demands more from the ironing board. What then should you consider when buying an ironing board for quilting?
Type Of Ironing Board
There are three types of ironing boards: full-sized stand-alone ironing boards, tabletops, and wall mounts. The last two are typically smaller in size and not ideal for quilters. Go for full-size ironing boards not less than 15″ wide.
The Frame
When choosing an ironing board for quilting, one of the most critical considerations is stability. The frame is the foundation for stability.
The layers of material and yards of fabric can easily weigh down a flimsy framed ironing board, causing it to tip over.
A solidly constructed ironing board is the key to frustration-free quilting. Check that the frame is made out of robust and heavyweight material like steel and that the base of the legs is broad and super sturdy.
The Board And Cover
Apart from the foundation, consider the top, particularly the durability of the covering and padding. Covers should be removable, washable, and replacements readily available. Padding, on the other hand, must be thick, smooth, and durable.
The board should ideally provide ventilation by being perforated to prevent heat from building up.
Size Of The Pressing Surface
Another factor to consider is the measurement of the ironing base. A slim surface is not ideal for quilts because they are large and require more space.
You would have to iron really small sections at a time, taking you ages to complete your work. Therefore, choose an extensive ironing board or one with an expandable surface that can be retracted once done ironing.
Adjustable Height
Next, you want to check the height of the ironing board since you will be ironing while standing or sitting. And considering the size of the quilt, you must look into how high or low it opens.
Too short, and you will have to put up with backaches from arching it for so long; too high, and your arms get sore. The best ironing board for quilts has an adjustable height that caters to different people’s heights.
Securing Lock
Ironing boards topically fold flat for easy storage and open up to a stand when needed for use. For this to work, the middle part is made flexible.
A safety lock is thereby indispensable as it prevents the levers from moving once set up or folded. These locks ensure the ironing board doesn’t collapse accidentally while in use or open during storage.
Accessories
Some accessories are pretty helpful and go a long way in providing a smooth ironing experience.
Things like cord minders, iron rest, steam generator racks, or storage racks are a few examples. They can come in handy when ironing quilts but are not crucial features for everyone.
The Best Quilters Ironing Boards
Ready to replace the regular rickety ironing board you’ve been using for quilting with something bigger and sturdier? Take a look at these best quilter ironing boards.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board | Widest board, durable and sturdiest frame |
| 2. | Brabantia Parking Zone Ironing Board | Superior height adjustment, extra-wide and long surface, sturdy frame |
| 3. | Reliable 320LB Home Ironing Board | Expandable rectangular surface, extra-wide, sturdy frame |
| 4. | Mabel Home Extra-Wide ironing Pro Board | Extra-wide surface, stable double T legs |
| 5. | Leifheit AirBoard Deluxe Lightweight Thermo-Reflect Ironing Board | Lengthy ironing surface, detachable iron rest |
| 6. | Household Essentials Steel Top Wide Board Rest | Extra-wide board, sturdy steel frame |
| 7. | Xabitat 47" x 18" Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board | Extra-wide board, stable |
| 8. | Brabantia Solid Steam Rest Ironing Board | Wide pressing surface, great height adjustment |
| 9. | Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Ironing Board | Sturdy, excellent aesthetics, great height adjustment, ergonomic iron rest |
| 10. | Homz Wide Top Ironing Board | Wide board, impressive elevation |
| 11. | Rowenta Pro Compact Professional Space Saving Folding Ironing Board | Compact folding, extra-large pressing area |
1. Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board
Bartnelli pro luxury ironing board is hands down the best quilter’s ironing board.
It was not named pro luxury for no reason and is our number one pick because it is extra wide, smooth, flat, exceptionally stable, and durably constructed.
The extra-wide pressing surface alone is enough to tell you that ironing your quilt will be such a breeze. It measures 19″ wide and is 51″ long, which is the widest width for an ironing surface in this review.
Cushioning the pressing surface is triple padded foam with a tastefully designed washable and changeable cotton cover. Below it is a metal mesh base that allows the heat of the iron to escape for a smooth ironing experience.
You can also adjust the height of this ironing board, making it comfortable to use by people of different heights. It has a height regulator that extends from 30″ to 38″ high.
The board stands on foldable T-legs constructed out of anti-corrosion steel. The legs not only look sleek, but are also durable, have a child/carry lock, and don’t produce that annoying screech when opening or being collapsed.
At the bottom of the legs is a 5″ wide base that provides steady support for the extra weight of quilts. It is also rubberized not to scratch the floor and leave marks.
An iron rest is screwed to one end of the board, which, unfortunately, is not detachable. But it is made of heavy-duty metal that supports the weight of bigger irons used by quilters.
Bartnelli pro luxury ironing board weighs 20lbs. It folds flat for easy storage and measures about 66 inches long, including the iron rest.
2. Brabantia Parking Zone Ironing Board
Coming in close as the first runners-up is the Brabantia parking zone ironing board. It is a high-quality, sturdily built ironing board that deserves as much attention as the Bartnelli, only that it is an inch shy of being as wide.
The plus-sized ironing board has a smooth flat large ironing surface that spans 53″ by 18″. Unlike using a standard ironing board, Brabantia minimizes excess quilt repositioning as it can take yards and yards of fabric in one go.
Covering the ironing surface is a removable cotton cover with a heavy-duty foam underlay.
Instead of a metal iron rest, is the parking zone that minimizes storage space requirements. This is a section of the pressing surface that is heat resistant, so you can temporarily rest the hot iron without scorching the pad.
Underneath the pressing surface is a metal grid. And a strong metal frame holds everything together, providing the ironing board a rigid form.
It stands on T-legs for added stability, and they are fitted with anti-slip rubber caps to stop slippage while ironing. The caps also prevent the feet from wearing out under pressure and scuffing floors.
What we found most impressive about this ironing board is its highly customizable height. 5′ 11″+ tall quilters can bid goodbye to backaches with this purchase as it will rise up to 40″ high.
In addition, it goes as low as 24″. Whether you are a veteran quilter and prefer to be seated or in a wheelchair, this ironing board accommodates that need.
The ironing board also addresses safety concerns with a child/carry lock clip and ball. It secures the winch preventing the legs from folding up unexpectedly.
This is a truly exceptional high-quality and versatile ironing board for different quilters’ needs.
3. Reliable 320LB Home Ironing Board
Quilters prioritize the width of an ironing surface, but extra length is always appreciated. For that reason, the reliable home ironing board is our third pick.
It has the longest ironing surface that is extra wide too, so you enjoy both bonus length and width.
It comes as the traditional slanted ironing board with a pull-out extender. The extender slides out into a much longer, wider rectangular ironing base, which is every quilter’s delight.
The extended rectangular surface measures 55″ long and an extra-wide 18.9″. The rectangular shape and ample space optimize the ironing board for faster and wider coverage.
You will also love the Vera Foam padding made with patented technology to be lightweight, breathable, and heat resistant to 400°F. No more ugly brown scorch marks.
Constructed of heavy-duty tube metal and galvanized mesh, the frame is super sturdy. Couple that with wide base double-wishbone legs, and the rocking you were used to from previous ironing boards will become a distant memory.
You can adjust the height of the ironing board for your comfort. It can be raised to seven positions from 30″-38″. A latch hook is provided to securely lock the ironing board upright so it doesn’t collapse while in use or being moved.
Other thoughtful attachments include a mesh rack. It comes in handy for holding and quickly accessing a spray bottle, ruler, or anything you need while ironing your quilt.
The iron board also has a firmly riveted metal rest and is not detachable. As the name suggests, this is an ironing board any quilter can rely on. It can be your multipurpose or dedicated quilting ironing board as it is built for tough tasks and to last.
You could improvise a seal using cotton batting and adhesive to cover the ridge and level the board. But for such a high-end and heftily priced ironing table, you shouldn’t have to.
4. Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board
Next on the list of the best ironing boards quilters edition is the Mabel Homecare ironing pro board.
Like the top iron boards in this review, it is solidly constructed, sturdy, and has an extra-wide ironing surface. We have it in fourth place because it is a few inches shorter and tapered hence providing a slightly smaller surface area.
Still, 18″ by 47″ is a massive step up from the small regular ironing boards. It is broad enough to lay out a large quilt top and iron it without hassle.
The top comes with a nice printed cover and a plain replacement cover for when you ruin the original one. Underneath is high-quality padding over a perforated metal.
The entire frame is metallic, which makes a heavy-duty ironing board. And the double T legs with a broad base and grip pads offer maximum stability.
Regardless of your stature, you’ll enjoy ironing your quilt even for long hours as the legs are adjustable. With the push of a height adjustment lever, you can elevate the ironing board anywhere between 27.5″ to 36″.
Its shorter profile, however, gives it an advantage when it comes to storage space. It folds thinly and is about 3 inches wide and 58″ long due to the 10″ iron tray on one end.
Additional features include extension wings which are not necessary for quilters but reasonable to have if you also intend to iron other things like shirts. These flaps have, however, been reported to fail consistently.
There’s also a wire holder meant to keep the iron cord out of your way while ironing. This is undoubtedly an excellent buy for a shake-free quilt ironing experience with minimal movement and is worth the money.
5. Leifheit AirBoard Deluxe Lightweight Thermo-Reflect Ironing Board
If you prefer a smaller ironing board than what we’ve covered so far, you might want to consider the Leifheit XL.
It is not as broad as others and doesn’t have a permanently fixed iron rest that adds unwanted inches to the end of the board when storing it.
The ironing surface measures 15″ wide and 55 inches long, which is still big enough for the effortless ironing of quilt tops and finished quilts.
It comes with a polyurethane padding lined with a cotton cover. Unlike foam that may compress and thin with time, the polyurethane padding is durable and won’t melt.
In addition, the pressing surface is designed to be thermo-reflective, an indicator that Leifheit is built for performance. This feature improves the results of your ironing and quickens the process of removing creases.
The height can be raised to 38.6″, which is incredible for anyone taller than 5′ 6″. The bonus inches in the ironing board’s height means the quilter won’t have to bend as much as with short models.
Instability should not be among your worries with Leifheit XL. It has convex legs that add to the stability of the model. You can lower the board to 29.5″ for those who like to iron seated, and the inwardly curved shape of the legs makes it even more convenient.
Considering the weight of competing ironing boards, this large Leifheit XL is ultra-light at only 11lbs. This is owed to the plastic padding and hollow steel frame, which cut back many pounds improving portability.
There’s a detachable iron rest you can fit anywhere around the board, so it is within easy reach. It seems like a great feature until you realize you have to sacrifice a bit of your board’s length.
Other than that, it is fantastic for its length, stability, weight, and performance.
6. Household Essentials Steel Top Wide Board Rest
Another mega ironing board you might want to look at is the Household Essential Steel Top. At number six, it has a lot to offer for a luxurious ironing experience.
It features a level mesh steel top and durable scorch-resistant plastic fiber padding. It is covered with a trademarked Fibertech polyester that is stain resistant, and cleaning is as easy as wiping it.
The ironing space is 49″ long and 18″ wide, catering to all size quilts, even the larger ones.
Stability is not an issue as the board is supported by four metal legs 18″ apart on each pair’s side with plastic anti-slip caps. The legs elevate the ironing board anywhere between 29.5″ and 36.5″.
Permanently fixed on one end of the board is an iron rest. But the good thing is that it does take more space than what the legs cover when folded.
This is a great ironing board that provides the space, stability, and performance every quilter wants in a classic antique design.
7. Xabitat 47″ x 18″ Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board
To add to the many great wide surface ironing board options is the Xabitat. The full-featured ironing board is precisely what you need to take your quilting to the next level.
The ironing top measures 47″ by 18″ and is triple layers with felt and foam padding and a cotton cover. Underneath is a steel mesh.
The entire frame is built of steel and is stable. Rocking is just not a thing with this board. The dual T legs with antiskid caps keep it stout, and with a 60lbs load capacity, you don’t have to worry about ironing king-size quilts.
The ironing board has an adjustable height of between 30″-36″, ideal for middle and high hand levels. Unfortunately, it may not work if you prefer seating.
It is also accessory packed with a storage rack, silicon embedded iron rest, and cord minder to keep iron cord aside while working.
Xabitat is nothing short of a premium ironing board and a must-have for serious quilters.
8. Brabantia Solid Steam Rest Ironing Board
In 8th place again is the Brabantia brand of ironing boards. This board is as efficient as its predecessor at number two, only that it is type C.
It is slightly smaller, lacks a parking zone, and the height adjustment range is not as broad. So, what does it have instead?
This Brabantia ironing board has a 49″ by 18″ iron space. It is also a metal frame with a mesh top, padding, and cotton cover.
It stands on T legs that raise the board to a maximum height of 38.5″ and can go as low as 29.5″.
Its valuable accessories include a non-detachable iron rest and child lock pin for safe storage and transportation.
It is by all means still a wonderful option for those who need something smaller due to space or budget constraints.
9. Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Ironing Board
A highly functional ironing board doesn’t necessarily have to look plain and boring. And Minky Homecare ergo plus ironing board manufacturers know this too well
The ironing board is seriously stylish with futuristic blue and black design. It will be the envy of everyone, proudly resting in its storage space.
But does it perform as great as it looks? Absolutely. It is a solidly constructed heavy-duty ironing board. Measuring 48″ long by 15″ wide, it offers a perfect surface area for large quilts.
The cover is engineered to be heat reflective for superior performance with a thick felt underlay. The board stands on looped legs providing the much-needed rigidity when in use, and it doesn’t shake or tip over easily.
You can move the board to the desired position without the impediments of notches with preset positions. Its maximum height is 36″ but is versatile enough to go as low as 18″ and accommodate even those seated.
On one end is its most unique feature, which is an ergonomic iron rest. It keeps the iron-angled lowering wrist strain and works for both left and right-handed quilters.
Away from the main features are several accessories like a low steam generator holding rack (or temporary storage rack if you want). There’s also a cord guide that you can clip anywhere on the board to keep the iron cord from tangling.
Except that the ironing boards we rated 1-8 are extra wide and extra long, making Minky relatively small in comparison, it is a worthy buy. It is fantastic in every way, and the size will still do for many quilters.
10. Homz Wide Top Ironing Board
Next is the Homz wide top ironing board. Measuring 48″ by 18″, it is not as long as a professional quilter would like, but it certainly is a professional width.
It is sufficiently stable owing to its four metal legs with a wide stance and non-skid feet. And if height is your most significant consideration, you’ll love that it opens to a maximum height of 39″.
The top cover is 100% cotton in a lovely light tan color that compliments walls and furniture. Underneath is a polyester fiber padding on a metal mesh with an iron rest attached to the end.
It is a solid choice of ironing board for quilters. The steel frame makes it quite durable and sturdy, but the cover and feet are reportedly flimsy and will need replacement sooner or later.
The model could also use a cord minder as the gap between the board and iron rest constantly snags the iron cord.
11. Rowenta Pro Compact Professional Space Saving Folding Ironing Board
Rowenta is a maker of remarkable irons, so you can expect the same from the brand when it comes to ironing boards to go with the irons.
Well, this particular ironing board is vast enough for quilters’ needs. Its ironing surface is 54″ by 18″.
What sets this ironing board apart from the similar-sized mega ironing boards in this review is how it folds. It has a folding mechanism that transforms it from XL to XS, utilizing minimal storage space.
We also love that it accommodates various hand levels with an adjustable height of 27″-37″. There are several accessories as well; steam generator racks, iron rest, hanger racks, and wheels.
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