Replaced my Olfa 24x36 about 2 years ago -- the surface was still pretty good, but the lines were gone! and moved from line to line regularly to keep from getting "un-healed" groves. Had this old mat cut in half, use top or back now for strip cutting with a slotted ruler, and for cutting circles for coasters, and cutting batting, etc. Mats here are extremely expensive -- 24x36 -- $60+. So use smaller mat whenever possible, saving this big one. Store my mats standing on end, between the wall and the china cabinet -- they are snug but not too tight, have for 7 years, without any warfs; live in moist climate, no cracks.