The ironing boards through the centuries
People were puzzled by the question of ironing clothes long before the iron appeared. The first mentions of ironing devices date back to the 9th century AD when the Scandinavian Vikings used pieces of wood as planks, and stones heated over a fire as an iron.
Everything changed with the advent of cast iron in everyday life. But the question of the availability of durable structures that could withstand these heavy household appliances became acute. They began to use a kitchen table or any smooth wooden surface that was installed between two chairs as a board for ironing linen.
In 1858, the American inventor Vandenburg received a patent for a device called the ironing table.
In 1861, his compatriot Isaac Ron invented a folding ironing table.
Considering that mostly only black women worked in laundries in the United States, it is not surprising that the next patent was received in 1892 by African American Sarah Boone, who invented a tapered ironing board, which greatly simplified the process of ironing blouses and shirts.
In 1914, an ironing board with three legs was developed by the inventor Springer. Thanks to this, stability was improved, and the board could easily be adjusted to any unevenness in the floor.
Standard ironing board production process
- A drawing of the ironing board is created and transferred with a pencil to the furniture board. Along the prepared lines, the surface of the board is cut out with an electric jigsaw.
- The dimensions of a standard ironing board are 1220×300 mm. Using an electric plane or a hand-held milling machine, it is necessary to round off the edges on all sides of the cut part.
- Then cut out blanks for the bottom of the board from planed bars with a section of 35×40 mm and also round off their edges.
- Drill through holes in long bars (three pieces of 1100 mm and two pieces of 300 mm), retreating from the middle of 30 mm towards one of the ends. The holes should be 8 mm in diameter.
- Then, with a drill with a diameter of 25 mm, recesses for M10 bolts are drilled on two bars on one side.
- A bolt with a washer is installed in the hole and the bar is turned 180 degrees.
- The upper ends of the legs are rounded off with a milling machine and connected to short bars with bolts.
- Next, the folding structure is connected to the board by screwing the supports with screws to the legs. The foot stop is installed on the back surface of the board in accordance with your own wishes – the height of the board can be different.
- To upholster the board, cut out a piece of natural fabric – cotton or coarse calico with a size of 1500×400 mm. On the reverse side, the fabric is attached to the board with a furniture stapler. Excess pieces of fabric are cut off with scissors.
Top ironing board manufacturers
The rating of the best ironing board manufacturers is headed by the products of German, Italian and Scandinavian manufacturers. The brands of these countries are leading in quality, safety, and reliability.
Most ironing board manufacturers’ devices are equipped with additional accessories in the form of a moisture-resistant multi-layer cover, shelves, foldable hangers, clothes holders, and other accessories, the presence of which can significantly affect the final cost of products. These are multifunctional and expensive models designed to create optimal conditions for ironing things of any cut and size.
Asko
Country: Sweden
Rating (2021): 4.8
The Swedish brand Asko was created in 1950 and is now one of the most reputable Scandinavian companies producing home appliances and multifunctional systems for professional needs.
Philips
Country: Netherlands
Rating (2021): 4.8
The legendary manufacturer of large and small household appliances Philips is the oldest company in our ranking.
Metalnova
Country: Italy
Rating (2021): 4.9
The Italian brand Metalnova is the developer of the patented continuous steam ironing system. This innovative technology has allowed the company to make a real breakthrough in the production of equipment for the delicate, yet most effective care of wardrobe items.
GIMI
Country: Italy
Rating (2021): 4.9
Ironing boards of the Italian brand GIMI have established themselves as reliable and simple devices that can significantly facilitate the time-consuming process of everyday ironing.
LEIFHEIT
Country: Germany
Rating (2021): 5.0
For more than 55 years, the German company LEIFHEIT has been supplying European housewives with high-quality and modern home appliances, being a leading supplier among the ironing board manufacturers.