Why Are Ironing Boards So Expensive

An ironing board seems like a simple household item. You would expect it to be fairly cheap as there is nothing complicated in its design and there is no special technology needed to make it… until you shop for one. That is when you will discover that it can cost you a bundle. So, why are ironing boards so expensive and should you splurge on one?

Wide Range of Prices

Ironing boards come in a wide range of prices. You can get one for about $20 but you can also spend over $100 for it. It depends on what you are looking for in terms of size, construction, and other add-on features.

A simple tabletop ironing board would probably be the cheapest that you can buy. But even that will have different price ranges. Generally, those with a steel board will cost more than wooden ones with the same size.

Then, you need to consider the material used to construct the boards. One of the reasons why people opt for tabletop ironing boards is because of the weight. Hence, some brands have taken this into consideration and their ironing boards will tend to be more lightweight than their competitors’ products. It follows then that this would be reflected in the selling price as well.

Why Ironing Boards Are Expensive

Big Size

Those stand alone ironing boards are large in size and it is natural that they will cost a bit more money to manufacture and transport. These will naturally have a bearing on the prices. Furthermore, some of these ironing boards are really heavy and that will further increase their costs. It is not uncommon for the weight of ironing boards to exceed 12 lbs.

The question then becomes why do you need such a large ironing board? Well, the larger surface area will make it easier and more comfortable for you when you do your ironing. Just imagine ironing linen, for example. A large ironing surface area will definitely make the chore easier and faster. Otherwise, you will have to keep repositioning your linen or whatever you are ironing more often. This will not only force you to take a longer time to finish your task but it will also make the chore harder.

Safety Issues

While you may think there is nothing dangerous about an ironing board, this is far from the truth. For instance, an ironing board needs sturdy legs. You can’t manufacture an ironing board with thin legs that don’s last. This is because when you iron, you will be pressing down on the ironing board. This means the legs need to withstand a certain amount of weight and pressure. It is dangerous if the ironing board collapses because that could hurt your feet.

Similarly, you would want an ironing board with a secure lock that would ensure that it remains stable as you iron. If the lock fails to latch securely, the ironing board will collapse as well. So will the legs drop open when you have folded it up for carrying if the lock fails. If you have young kids around, you can imagine the danger.

Hence, don’t go for cheap ironing boards. The reputable brands have to ensure that they comply with acceptable safety standards and these will also tend to cause their ironing boards to be more expensive than unbranded ones.

Stability Considerations

This is related to the safety issues above. An ironing board needs to be stable especially if you are using a heavy steam generator iron like the Rowenta DG5030. When you place the appliance on one side of the ironing board, you will have to ensure that the board won’t tilt.

What this means is that a flimsy ironing board won’t do. You really need one that is constructed of sturdy materials and with a stable design that won’t cause the board to tilt over easily. Thus, if you are using a heavy iron or have the habit of placing your appliance on the iron holder at the end of the board, you really shouldn’t skimp on this household item.

An ironing board is expensive because you need the assurance that it is stable and safe and you can only get that with the costlier ones which are constructed with sturdier materials.

Add-On Features

The more features that you have for a product, the more expensive it will be. So, if you like more bells and whistles included in your ironing board, you will just have to pay more for it. For instance, you could have a rack for your clothes underneath the board. Or you might like a better quality ironing board cover. Some have a coating that reflects heat for more effective crease removal.

Hence, you can check out the features before you buy and decide which ones you would really like so that they could make your ironing easier, quicker, and more comfortable. Naturally, these additional features will also jack up the price of the ironing board compared to basic models.

Is An Expensive Ironing Board Worth It?

Generally, an expensive ironing board is worth it because it should last longer. Flimsy ones tend to buckle easily and you could be spending more money on replacements in the long run. Not to mention, they could also be a safety hazard.

It is recommended to go for reputable brands although they will have a higher selling price. But these brands also tend to stand by their product with guarantees offered. So, it is another reason why an expensive ironing board is worth a buy.

Of course, you would also have to take other considerations into account such as size and weight. You need storage space for such a bulky item and the heavier it is, the harder it will be to carry it from one spot to another. So, what is the best ironing board for some will not be for others due to different needs and preferences.

Nevertheless, we hope the above will help you to understand why ironing boards are expensive despite it being a simple household item for your laundry needs.