What is your ironing board made of?

Hello, everyone,

A close inspection of my ironing board revealed that the metal frame has begun to rust.  I do tend to iron with steam. 

Is it common for ironing boards to develop rust?  If so, is there a way to prevent this from happening?

Is it necessary to completely remove the ironing board cover after ironing (with steam) so that the excess moisture can air dry more quickly?

Would batting or another material work better than a thin layer of foam? 

Does anyone have an ironing board frame or cover that they love?  What is it made from?

Thank you so much for your input. I truly appreciate it!

I have an antique wooden ironing board. I love it.  It's a little large and I have to make my own covers because of it but, I would never part with it.  I use a metallic fleece (insul bright)that it used in potholders and oven mitts. 
As for your ironing board. I imagine you could wirebrush the rust off and spray it with rust inhibiting paint. I wonder if a piece of insul-bright might help you. I'll be watching for what others have to say about this.

Like Ellen I use an antique wooden board in my sewing room. I made the cover for it with a piece of insulbrite under the outer cover, maybe a layer of fusible fleece too, I can't remember. We also have a metal board that we use for ironing clothes. I know I've revamped the padding on that one but I don't remember what I used. Mine has not rusted even though we live in a fairly humid climate. I think the fabric on that one has a coating on it.

I'll second Ellen's solution of brushing off the rust and repainting. I would use a layer of insulbrite directly under the cloth cover. I don't think foam is very good since it decomposes with exposure to heat. Wool batting might be an option.