Pam, I don't know if this will be functional for your bench scrapper. I use a glass cutting board--not that I use it to cut because it would dull the knife. I use it to designate the work area for DH to make sandwiches and another thing he might be fixing (which ain't much). I like it because it isn't real obvious and it saves having to clean mayo and peanut butter off the granite counter top. It's 20" x 16".

Here is a link that might be useful: Glass Board

It really depends on why you need to use a bench scraper (btw, is it metal or plastic?); it may be better if you got a cutting board of some appropriate material to use for your specific purpose.

I have five different ctop surfaces in my kitchen (don't ask...)

1950's Formica
1970's Maple Butcher Block
1980's Corian
1990's Stainless Steel
2000's Plastic (HD Polyethylene)

I use each surface for different things - so some more info might help to answer your question.

Mainia,
I have totally 2008 Formica Etchings 'Perlato Granite'. :) I knew its limitations when I decided to use laminate and I knew I'd have to deal with this one issue.

I use my bench scraper for cleaning up the countertop after rolling dough for bread/pastry/biscuits, to mix dough on the work surface and to cut dough into pieces. HTH.
Pam

I would be hesitant to use a scraper on my laminate. And if you are using it in the same spot over and over it could be a problem... I would think.

I use a very large chopping board (plastic - would love marble) with that drawer liner stuff underneath. They sell it at chain grocery stores, it's kind of a waffle looking fabric and comes in a few colors. It's a non skid thing, so I can knead the crap out of my dough, or roll things out, without the board slipping around.

Would that work?

Do you have a grinder or files in the garage? You may try just rounding the corners off. I've noticed that I don't have much issue with my bench scraper on my formica countertops until I get "off-axis" and drag a corner. I've not tried rounding the corners on mine, but it may be an idea...

I use a big maple cutting board on top of my Formica when I roll out dough for pies, cookies and rolls. It's about 21 x 24. I never thought to put the drawer liner underneath it though; what a great idea, trsinc! But I don't make croissants or Danish pastry, and for that, I don't think wood works as well, correct? I would think a plastc scraper would be OK, but would be hesitant with metal.

After 20 years, my laminate is still in pretty good shape. It's dulled in a few places and has very small scratches, and there's one spot that is completely dulled in a round pattern - don't know what caused that.

BTW, if I were in the market for new laminate, that pattern of yours is gorgeous!

I've never found that the pastry scraper scratched my formica counters. But if you are concerned about that, buy a Nylon dough scraper.

Or have someone make you a larger pastry board. Moe made me one that fit on my counter in the Nanaimo house. Unfortunately it is two big for my counter in this house.

Thank you, everyone, for the inspiration! Ann, I never thought of a nylon scraper. Duh! That would be the most economical way to go, I'd think. Another possibility I read about somewhere...is that someone went to the home supply store and purchased an 18 X 18 marble tile. You all have given me a lot of choices. This is such a great place full of generous cooks. Thanks so much.
Pam

If you get a granite remnant or possibly marble tile, you may need to put something like cork or rubber feet on the bottom to keep that from scratching the countertop. And a granite remnant would be pretty heavy to move around. I think a wood cutting board may be better if you decide you want something instead of the nylon scraper.

I have a silcone pastry mat, I don't use it for everything..because I have Corian..and it's great to work directly on...and I don't have a bench scraper..but have been thinking about getting one..I'll look for a plastic one similar to Ann's link...:)

Pam, you and I are sort of at oppostie ends of the scraper spectrum. For Christmas I got a nice stainless bench scraper. Actually the RR one. Even with the RR name it is a nice scraper. I've been using the plastic ones for years that I got for free from commercial food suppliers. Being thrifty, ok cheap, I had no reason to bother buying a new metal one when mine took legs at some point. I'd check out the plastic ones if I were you. Easiest solution and certainly the cheapest, although I do love the look of Ann's nice board. I happen to have my grandmothers old agate top table so my stainless one won't be an issue for me.

For our Bread Camp in 2007 I bought a package of nylon bench scrapers for less than $10 so all the campers had their own. You can buy just one from King Arthur Flour.com or go to a restaurant supply store and get a lifetime supply. ;o)

I have a black Formica counter top and need to be particularly careful of scratching since every little scratch shows up. What I did was purchase a 2' by 2' marble tile from a floor store. Then I glued on rubber feet on each of the corners. This is my main work surface. It does not scratch, is impervious to heat, will not stain or absorb odors, and best of all it looks great.

Here is a link that might be useful: traveling and cooking with grandpa

My son worked for a marble granite company, brought home a remnant, heavy as all get out and worked great until I noticed little black bug thingys wandering around it one day!!
Argh. And I'm a bleach freak, so how they outlived my cleaning I'll never know.
I went to the hardware store, poked around the scrap lumber and found a large beautiful piece similar to Ann's. Took it home sanded and oiled it and use it often.
For Christmas my sister bought me a 16"x24" silicone baking mat :) I had the half sheet one, but it wasn't large enough for pie dough. I'm a happy camper now though :)
I have a stainless and a nylon dough scraper, but always seem to grab the stainless one.
I didn't have one for years and now don't know how I got by without!