I watch for specials at some of the Quilting Stores or JoAnn's and purchase a new different size mat so that I can change them out so that they don't cut much. When I first started quilting 6 years ago, I purchased only one mat and literally wore that mat out. Now, I have several and change them out when I start a new project. I turn them over, turn them around and then just plain switch them out. Have had much better luck with not wearing them out.