The ironing board is the integral attribute of each house. It is necessary for convenient and practical ironing things. Modern manufacturers offer the choice of consumers to adapt a variety of modifications. However, ironing boards differ not only in their functionality, but also in dimensional parameters. Today we will look in detail what types of ironing boards exist, and what dimensions they have.
Varieties
There are several subtypes of ironing boards. Each of them has its own quality characteristics, structure and standard dimensional parameters. Let us examine in detail what types of these devices can be found in stores today.
Outdoor
Outdoor varieties of ironing boards are more common. Their design unfolds until it takes the form of a convenient table of sufficient height (there are models of different heights - from 40, 50 and 60 cm to the floor). Most of these models are very convenient to assemble, as many mistresses say. If you are used to ironing clothes while standing, then the floor construction will suit you best.
Initially, the floor options were supplemented with stepwise adjustment systems. Of course, these instances can be met today, but, as a rule, in cheap and not too complicated products. In addition, relatively recently, multifunctional hybrids appeared on the market, which quickly and easily turn into convenient dryers. Some floor models can transform into ladders altogether.
The main advantages of such products are:
- increased resistance;
- characteristic dimensional parameters;
- rich sets with covers and other necessary additions;
- rubberized lining for the legs, thanks to which the design does not harm the flooring;
- the presence of interesting and useful additions.
The disadvantages of floorboard models include the following parameters:
- when unfolded, such boards take up quite a lot of space, and usually they have an impressive weight, so dragging them from place to place or hanging on hooks is not always possible;
- it is undesirable to place the boards close to other furniture, otherwise such a “neighborhood” may prevent the convenient and easy unfolding of the mechanism present in the product.
Tabletop
More compact and modest in all respects are modern desktop boards for ironing. In most cases, these models are equipped with very small legs. Table boards must be fixed on a table or other flat surface, and then used according to their main purpose.
In the desktop models there are small tabletops, on which there is no opportunity to iron large things, for example, bed linen or large fluffy dresses. They are only suitable for working with shirts, T-shirts and other small things.
The main advantages of modern desktop designs are:
- maximum stability - such a model will not collapse to the side and will not fall during ironing;
- low weight and size, especially relevant for small apartments;
- a battleshirt that comes in a set (its size is 50x9 cm);
- easy folding;
- compact dimensions (often these models are stored, hanging on hooks behind the door);
- mobility - such instances can be easily transferred from one room to another.
But there are similar boards and cons:
- large items such as bed linen cannot be ironed on them;
- these constructions cannot boast with high strength characteristics - they can be quite accidentally bent during ironing.
Embedded
In-demand models of ironing boards are in great demand today. Every hostess dreams of such a convenient design. The popularity of such instances is due to the fact that there is no need for them to search for a suitable place for a long time and scrupulously. In addition, households do not have to drag heavy and bulky (wide and tall) structures from one room to another.
Experts recommend the purchase of recessed boards also because they easily fit into a variety of interior compositions. These products do not spoil the situation.
Consider the main advantages of these options:
- compact size;
- esthetic appearance;
- convenient in operation mechanisms and systems for folding and unfolding the table top;
- the ability to hide the board behind a decorative camouflage, for example, a mirror or panel;
- strong fixation during ironing;
- ability to withstand heavy loads;
- availability of built-in sockets complete with many models.
The disadvantage is that it will not be possible to move the board after embedding.
Transformable
No less popular today are ironing "transformers." These models are made in the form of cabinets or dressers. At first glance, they can be easily confused with simple stationary furniture. By placing such a product in a room, it will be possible to significantly save free space. For a small apartment, such a board is an excellent option.
Despite the fact that these types of ironing boards have compact dimensions and easily fit into many interiors, they remain the same practical and functional. Often, the hostesses keep many different things in them. This may be clothing, and various accessories for ironing.
The main advantages of "Transformers" are:
- high functionality;
- incomparable stability;
- aesthetic design that fits easily into many settings;
- availability of storage systems.
As for the minuses of transformable structures, these include:
- low mobility;
- impossibility of installation next to other furniture.
Materials
Ironing boards are expensive and quite cheap. The price of such products affects not only their functionality, but also the material from which they are made. Let us consider in more detail what options are offered by modern manufacturers.
Pressed plates
Despite the seemingly simple and understandable name, such variants are made far from ordinary boards. Similar copies were made earlier, but today they were replaced by more thoughtful designs from the waste of woodworking production. Such raw materials include sheets of MDF, chipboard or plywood. They are inexpensive and are very common. Long look for this option is not necessary.
Countertops made of pressed plates are made more dense and strong so that they can withstand the corresponding loads. However, it must be borne in mind that over time, structures from such raw materials will inevitably absorb moisture into their structure, which will then lead to their separation or swelling.
Thermoplastic
Plastic ironing boards are considered very light. Such specimens, despite their low weight, are quite strong and durable. They do not accumulate moisture or moisture, which has a positive effect on their service life. The main requirement that such a design must meet is the use of heat-resistant raw materials in production. Otherwise, it will simply begin to melt under the action of the iron, which very soon will bring it down.
Experts recommend to give preference not only to heat-resistant, but also to those options that have thermo-reflective properties.With such characteristics, the laundry will be smoothed a lot easier. But buyers need to keep in mind that the last mentioned options will cost much more than usual. However, heat-reflecting options are more efficient, and they are chosen by many hostesses. According to consumers, these models are worth the money.
Metal
Metal ironing boards are also very popular today. The lion's share of modern manufacturers makes such structures from lightweight aluminum. Such specimens are durable and have an attractive appearance. However, we must bear in mind that metal boards over time inevitably become covered with red spots.
If you find in the store a more durable model of waterproof aluminum, then you will need to treat it very carefully and carefully. Such products are too easily bent, you can damage them completely by accident.
Upholstery ironing boards also can be different. The following types of textiles are commonly used:
- canvas;
- cotton fabrics;
- heat-resistant synthetics;
- carbon fiber.
As printed materials used:
- foam rubber;
- synthetic winterizer;
- batting.
Sizes of different models
As mentioned above, ironing boards are available with different dimensional parameters. Consider the standard dimensions of the various options for these devices.
Small copies have the following parameters:
- width of the working area - 30-35 cm;
- length - about 110-120 cm;
- the height of the board in the assembled state - standard - 133-143 cm;
- thickness of the folded model - 7 cm.
If in the room where the board is located, there is a fairly spacious area, then you can pick up a larger model with a working area of 38-40 cm and a length of 140-145 cm.
When folded, larger models can be 163-168 cm in length and 7 cm in width.
Most often on sale there are constructions with the following overall values:
- 110x30, 120x38, 130x45 (dimensions that are considered optimal) - such dimensions generally have the usual classic versions with a length of at least 100 cm;
- 130x35, 150x45-46 - with these parameters make new, larger models;
- 130x35 - these dimensions have desk-boards or dressers in a disassembled state;
- 128x38 - with these dimensional parameters, built-in boards go on sale (of course, consumers have the opportunity to purchase a product to order according to individual sizes);
- 70x30 - this size has a modest mini-board desktop format.
Choosing a suitable ironing board, it is very important to pay attention to its size. Note that this design should not block the passage in the room or be too close to other items of furniture. Otherwise, it will be completely inconvenient to use the tabletop, especially if it is a large desktop or embedded.
Tips for choosing an ironing board in the video below.