hi... im a brand new builder as well... i just finished the wings on my first build, a 4 star 60...

for my building table/surface, i went with an old metal (super heavy duty) desk... its super flat... but, after talking to many of the folks here at RCU, i decided to buy a solid core door (home depot) and top it with ceiling tile...

this has worked very well for me... im on a tight budget, so i needed to get the things i had easy access to, for the right money...

im very happy with the way my very first build is going and my work surface...

a few weeks ago i posted a poll here at RCU about what the people HERE would rather build on...
heres that thread if you want to see...
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_90...tm.htm#9039212

good luck with the beginning of a whole new world of modeling!!!
its fun and satisfying... just take your time and follow all instructions!!!