We found that some users prefer to skip the wooden options all together and opt for a hard slate surface. While these material does have a few drawbacks, there are quite a few advantages that make it worth a look. The first thing that users really love about slate is that it looks rustic and unique. Plus, it looks like something that is expensive (but most of the slate options we found were very affordable). The best part about slate is that it is completely non porous, and cleanup involves a simple wipe down of the surface before packing it away. The downside to this option is that it can be a little heavy, and using stainless steel utensils on the surface will dull your blades over time.