If mats are exposed to heat of any kind it will warp. So always hang it up on the back of a door, slide it under the living room sofa or under your bed. Never let the sun lite hit it. Also if you blade is dull it will do damage to the board. I would not rest my machine on the board either. My DH drilled two tiny holes in the end of my board so I put some string thru them to hang it up. I also hang most of my rulers up on a peg board in my sewing room. they to, will snap easily and break if stepped on. These things are expensive and need to be well taken care of. Marge