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Quick answer: choose a board that adjusts to about your hip height, is at least 122 x 38cm (or 45cm wide if you iron lots of shirts and bedding), has a sturdy steel frame and a foam-and-felt cover. If you use a steam generator, you need a board with a proper steam unit rest.
Size
Standard UK boards are 122–124 x 38cm. Wide boards (45–46cm) iron shirts and pillowcases in fewer moves. Extra-large boards (135cm) suit bedding. Brabantia sizes A to D are colour-coded for covers.
Height
Set the board just below your hip bone so your elbow is slightly bent. Taller users need a maximum height of 96–100cm. Many people iron more comfortably sitting down, so check the lowest setting too.
Stability
Look for thick steel legs (22–25mm), a wide stance and rubber feet. Wobbling is the most common complaint about cheap boards.
Iron rest
Standard rests suit steam irons. Steam generator owners need a strong platform, for example the Minky Ergo Plus or a Brabantia steam unit holder. Parking zones (Minky Hotspot, Brabantia D) let you rest the iron anywhere on the cover.
Cover
Foam plus felt gives the best finish, and reflective tops speed things up. See best ironing board covers.
Storage and weight
Boards weigh 5–7.5kg. Slim-folding boards with wall brackets (Joseph Joseph Glide) suit small homes, and table-top boards suit occasional use.
Our picks
See the best ironing boards UK and our Minky ironing boards review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard ironing board size in the UK?
122–124 x 38cm. Larger boards are 135 x 45–46cm.
What height should my ironing board be?
Just below hip height, so your arm bends slightly at the elbow.
Do I need a special board for a steam generator?
Ideally yes. Choose one with a rated steam generator rest so the heavy base is secure.
Related guides
Sources: user manuals and support pages from Tefal, Philips, Morphy Richards and Russell Hobbs. How we research.
