I just got a new mat. I had been using my same one for 20 years. I had a white one (Dritz, I think), it was sort of bumpy on the unlined side, and smooth on the lined side. I always used the bummpy side, it seemed more self healing. I have read that the white ones are hard on your blades, I never noticed that but I didn't have anything to compare it to. I got my new one at Alvin's, someone on this board recommended them. I love it. It is thicker than the typical "quilting" mats, and a really nice surface. I also splurged and got a bigger size, 24"x36". It got here really fast, and was cheaper than any I've looked at in the shops, even with shipping. I also, recently bought bed risers to raise my cutting table up, WOW, what a difference!!