When my mat gets too ancient I cut it in half which means I use another section to cut on. Finally when it gets to be A4 size, I get two pieces of thin hardboard layer some wadding (batting) on one side of each and then cover with some fancy fabric - this joins them together like a book. Glue the fabric down on the other side from the wadding. Then on one "page" stick a sheet of fine sandpaper (which should cover the folded over fabric edges) and on the other "page" stick your A4 cutting mat. The "book" should have a narrow "spine" so that you can fold the two "pages" together when its not being used. Great for applique work or piecing on your lap in front of the TV, and also for workshops.