After a few installations of peel and stick backsplash, I have to say that it’s one of my favourite budget-friendly updates! It’s so simple to install, so it’s an easy DIY project that’s good for beginners or experts alike! Let me show you how to install peel and stick tile backsplash.

What is peel and stick tile?

Peel and stick tile is a very thick vinyl peel sticker that has the texture and colour of ceramic or porcelain wall tiles. It usually comes in 12″ or 10″ square sections that you can piece together to create a backsplash.

It comes in many shapes and styles, just like regular tile! The product I used in my studio kitchen as a backsplash was a subway tile. I really like the the look of the warm white colour with grey-looking grout lines. It looks similar to high-shine glass, and for the price I paid (Dollarama!) I was quite pleased with it initially.

I prefer to use larger scale peel and stick backsplash tiles on a kitchen wall rather than stick mosaic tiles. It’s easier to line up the pieces in a straight line.  There’s so many different peel and stick tiles, you just have to find a style that works for you! You can find them in many shapes and colours, just like regular tiles.

This product is a great way to achieve an easy makeover in many spaces where ceramic tiles would normally be used, for a fraction of the price of a regular tiling job. We all like finding budget-friendly ways to create a fresh look of sophistication, and these tiles are a great way to do just that!

In case you’re thinking peel and stick tile lacks variety and your only option is white subway tile backsplash, think again! Peel and stick tile is incredibly varied and versatile. It comes in all kinds of patterns. From clean simple lines with a classic look to hexagonal or geometric design patterns, and more. If you are looking for a clean white look, great! If you want a pop of color or a beautiful patterned tile, that’s great too! It mimics a wide variety of materials usually available for tiling, helping you achieve any look. Whether you’re looking to add a finishing touch on anything from vintage to farmhouse styles, you can find what you’re looking for in peel and stick tile.

 

Does peel and stick tile work?

I’ve installed peel and stick tile three times, and have been happy with the results. It was easy to install, and durable enough that it hasn’t even come off the wall in our camper that sits outside in extreme temperature changes (three years later). I’ve tried Smart Tiles, Amazon products, and peel and stick tile from Dollarama. 

How long will peel and stick backsplash last?

Depending on the quality of tile used, you may notice a bit of lifting at the corners over time. Which of course would give away that you did not use real tile. This has only happened to me with the very cheapest of tiles. I found it could be fixed with a dab of hot glue here and there if you really wanted. This would make the eventual removal of the tile more difficult. So definitely keep that in mind when choosing your product! They are often used in areas where you have a tight budget and want a temporary solution. So if you are renting, gluing cheap peel and stick tiles might not be the best option.

Generally speaking though, if you invest in quality adhesive tiles you will be surprised at how well they work over time. I believe these more expensive tiles can actually work for a long term tiling solution and replace traditional tile if you prefer. I have found that some of my own projects have held up for years!

Where to buy the best peel and stick tiles

I have installed peel and stick a few times now and have used three different products: tiles from Dollarama, Smart Tiles, and Amazon tiles.  While all three added a realistic look of tile to my project areas, they didn’t all work exactly the same.  

The Dollarama tiles are what I put in my studio kitchen to achieve a classic subway tile look for the backsplash area. They were only $3.50 per sheet! I really liked how they looked initially. But after a few months I’ve noticed some lifting of the corners of the tile here and there, which of course messes with the new tile backsplash look I was going for! I’ve also noticed that there are some colour variations between the stick panels. While they should all be classic white, some are a bit more grey.  I wouldn’t recommend these for a large scale DIY project, although I think they would be great for small crafts or spaces.  

I checked on the Amazon tile sheets five months after I installed them in my DIY Camper 2.0 and they still look quite nice. There’s a little lifting where I made a mistake in the installation process and had to reposition them two or three times.  This was definitely my mistake! But overall these tiles were pretty forgiving and still sticky after moving them a couple of times.  I found these particular mosaic style Amazon tiles the most challenging to install. 

So, the verdict is in! The best performing tile is the brand name tile, SmartTile.  They are more expensive, but they’re going to last the longest according to my experience. This tile has been in my first DIY camper for three years where we get temperatures ranging from -40 to +30 degrees Celsius, and they still look great.  This is a classic case of getting what you pay for. These are definitely my recommendation for larger DIY projects like your kitchen or laundry room.

Watch the full review: Peel & Stick Tile: Dollar store vs Amazon vs Brand Name… Which is BEST?!

Can peel and stick tile go over existing tile? Over a stove? In a shower?

Most peel and stick tile backsplash will stick to existing tile as long as it is a relatively smooth surface and very clean. I’ve used peel and stick tile over an electric stove, but I wouldn’t use it over a gas stove because of the heat. And I wouldn’t use it on a shower wall because of the extreme moisture.

I did install them over the sink in our camper bathroom because we really don’t use that sink all that much. So, I didn’t think moisture would be an issue there. They are water resistant, but I would never consider them waterproof.

How to Install a Peel & Stick Tile Backsplash

Peel and stick backsplashes are so easy to install compared to the real thing! You don’t need to worry about a tile cutter, wet saw, grout float, or any of the other tools necessary to install real tile. All you need is your peel and stick tiles, some scissors or other cutting tool, a ruler, tape measure, level, and a clean flat surface to put your tiles on. This really is the easy way to get a brand new look.

How do you prepare a wall for peel-and-stick backsplash?

Make sure the surface you are putting the tile on is clean.  Use a degreaser and clean the entire surface, because the tiles will stick best to a clean, dry surface. And don’t do this too far in advance! Walls will get dusty again fairly quickly. As previously mentioned, you don’t necessarily need to use a bare wall for this. Peel and stick tiles should stick to a variety of surfaces, as long as they are clean and flat. Take the time to make sure your surface is truly clean and completely dry and you will be much happier with the end results. 

What is the best way to install peel-and-stick backsplash?

In my opinion, the best way is to just do it! You don’t have to plan too much. Your tiles all look the same and you don’t need to worry about a pattern like you would if you were doing hardwood flooring. 

The most important thing is to make sure your first line of tiles is straight. I recommend using painter’s tape to mark a straight line using your level and tape measure. Then take your first tile sheet, remove the backing, and line it up with the painter’s tape. Then you can get started!

Eventually, you are going to run into a space where you need to cut your tiles to go around something or where you meet a corner. Fortunately, they are easy to cut! I like to use a ruler, a pencil, and regular scissors for this operation to get a nice straight edge.  You could use a utility knife or a box cutter style knife, but I actually prefer to use scissors because I have a little more control this way. 

In my experience, you can reposition tiles once. Twice is too many and takes away the stickiness of the back of the tile, especially if you’re using cheaper tiles.  Make sure your tile sheet is in the correct position before you smooth it to the wall.

Do a dry check before you peel the backing paper off the tile!

I recommend you watch the tutorial below before you start your installation.  It can be tricky to go around outlet covers, cupboard corners, windows, and other edges. I’ll show you step by step how to install in these areas to reduce waste. 

Install Peel & Stick Tile: Video Tutorial

Peel & Stick Tile Before & After Photos

Here is my studio kitchen before:

And here it is now!

I love the texture and pattern the tiles bring to the kitchen while still keeping it light and bright for my photos and videos.

 

Are peel and stick backsplash tiles a good idea?

So, after all this, you tell me the answer to this question! I personally believe that they are a great idea, especially if you live in a rental where a permanent change is not feasible, if you just need something to tide you over until you can do a proper renovation of your space, or for a camper where you don’t want to spend a lot of money renovating. If you buy good quality tiles, they will pass the test of time and give you a beautiful, clean, bright space for very little cost or effort! 

Have you done a peel and stick tile transformation in one of your spaces? Tag me @thediymommy, I would love to see it!

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