I have a large table for making curtains, (terrific for quilting as well), and was gifted a used, large clear 'plastic' mat, the type that is used under office chairs, to protect carpet and helps move around. It gives me a huge cutting area 40x48ins. Does it dull my cutter blades? - perhaps - I haven't done any comparisons as I use proper mats as well, but I wouldn't be without it now. Just wish it was the full width of my table.