Ok, here is my 2 cents on your ironing surface. I make draperies,etc for 40 years. I have a table that is 4' x 10', yep its BIG and comes in very handy for quilting. I go to the lumber yard and get a sheet of celotex, or fiber board and they will cut it for you. Get the 1/2" thick. Cover it with a muslin or cheap sheet from the store and staple it on the back. Now you will have a sturdy board and can use pins and iron on it. You can just sit the fiber board on top of your plywood or staple the fabric to the wood. DO NOT get foam core, it will melt. I hope this helps. I have only had to replace the fiber board 3 times in 40 years and it gets used.
Sharon in Colorado.