I cook every weekend for my family so that during the week, we always have homemade food and we can avoid impulse buying of bad/unhealthy take out. Many Friday nights and/ or Saturday mornings, I literally spend hours standing for prep and for cooking in the same spot between the island and the stove. This mat is large enough to cover both the end of the island and the entire front of the stove/cooktop. The color and texture go perfectly with my kitchen and the density of the mat provides such a stable and comfortable base that I can work for hours without a care. I wish that I had done this years ago!! Thanks to my wife for this thoughtful Christmas gift!!!