Silicon rubber tamper mats will protect both the counter top and the espresso portafilter spout.
A corner coffee taper mat is fixed in place up against the corner of the table and wont move when tamping.
Professional tamper mats for the cafe or restaurant are thicker and will put up with more wear and tear.
Flat and corner tamer mats have a space to hold the tamper in place and hold the portafilter in place.