It is customary to purchase an ironing board cover with a pad beneath the heat proof surface. The cover is usually elasticized and has additional ties to tighten it up so that it fits your board. The surface upon which you iron is covered by the board and padding and so you should not feel the metal grid of the board’s surface. Most freestanding boards are made this way and require covers. I have an old (1930s) wooden board built into my closet. And I have a pad and cover on that, too. Happy ironing! I am pleased to hear that someone (other than me!) still knows how to do it!

Got it. Thanks. That's consistent with everything I've been seeing on the topic.