Pros and Cons of Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash

The peel-and-stick backsplash is one of the best home remodeling inventions of the last decade. The majority of the products are designed for use in the kitchen, but there are some bathroom options available at DIY stores and other similar locations. It is an adhesive-backed square that looks like tile and is made from one of several different materials. It is incredibly simple to install. There is no need to be concerned about any of the messy substances that occur when using traditional products.

The peel-and-stick version is novel, but can your decor look tacky if you don’t use the real thing? In essence, are peel-and-stick tiles any good? More importantly, how long do peel-and-stick tiles last?

It’s a fine line to walk, which is why we’re here to assist you in weighing the pros and cons of peel-and-stick tile.

What is a Peel-and-Stick Tile Backsplash?

Peel-and-stick tile backsplash is made of a variety of materials and, as the name suggests, homeowners can simply peel the backing off and stick it to a surface.

While that may sound crude, peel-and-stick backsplash is a cheap and easy way to create a beautiful wall accent in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms while also protecting the wall.

It’s simple to keep clean; simply wipe with a damp rag. When it comes to sprucing up a room in a home, designers turn to peel-and-stick backsplash.

Peel-and-stick backsplash is a more durable alternative to ceramic tile backsplash because of the strong adhesive on the back and the use of water-resistant materials. It has the appearance of real tile but does not require the use of mortar, grout, or other messy products that are required for traditional backsplash installation.

Pros of Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash

• Water-resistant and, in some cases, heat-resistant

• Easy to care for

• Cheaper than traditional backsplash options

• No need for a messy installation; simply measure, cut, peel, and stick.

• Provides a plethora of styles, colors, textures, and designs

• Guards against water and food splashes on walls

• Some types and brands are resistant to moisture or heat.

Cons of Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash

• It is difficult to align seams and edges for outlets and other wall fixtures.

• Lacks the depth that real materials do.

• Higher-quality peel-and-stick may be as expensive as real tile.

• Does not easily come off, potentially damaging the wall or surface underneath

• Not suitable for use in a shower or bathtub.

• Will not work on walls that do not have a flat surface.

• Moisture can cause the glue on the back to deteriorate, resulting in peeling.

• Vinyl products discolor over time.

Peel-and-stick backsplash products offer the same design options as traditional backsplash without the messy installation or high cost for homeowners who need an easy way to add a backsplash to bathrooms, utility rooms, or kitchens.

This do-it-yourself backsplash comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials to complement any décor.

Although peel-and-stick backsplash appears to be a low-cost option for home improvement, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience of traditional backsplash options.

Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Types

Peel-and-stick backsplash can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, silica gel that has been hardened, and small fragments of mother-of-pearl and glass.

1. Vinyl

Vinyl peel-and-stick backsplashes have a foam or plastic base and are available in a variety of hues, designs, and 3D realistic images of real-world materials like slate, brick, stone, or wood.

When a brick wall needs to be built around a fireplace but the homeowner does not have the time or resources to complete such a massive project, peel-and-stick construction is a fantastic solution.

2. PVC

The tiles of a PVC peel-and-stick backsplash are perfectly matched and composed of real PVC. The panels can be used in the kitchen or bathroom because of their heat and water resistance and realistic-looking tile-like surface texture.

Additionally, they are antibacterial and anti-mold. Use in a shower or bath may still be excessively direct moisture despite being seamless. Consult the specific manufacturer.

3. Natural Materials

In order to create different varieties of peel-and-stick backsplash, real materials are used; thin strips or blocks of the material are cut, and the backs of these pieces are coated with a potent glue.

Regular cleaning helps natural materials avoid fading over time, although depending on their quality, vinyl and gel can fade over time.

Having depth and dimension is another advantage of natural materials. In contrast to gel and vinyl, natural materials have a lifelike texture. However, vinyl is completely flat, giving it a tendency to look cheap or artificial. Gel peel-and-stick backsplashes have some height.

Natural materials run the additional risk of requiring grout to finish the job. The true materials are separated by bare spaces. Without grout, it will appear incomplete. Although ready-made grout simplifies the task, grout is still dirty.

4. Metal

Another simple material for peel-and-stick backsplash is metal. Aluminum, which is usually light and thin, is used to make 1-square-foot portions, which have adhesive on the back.

Compared to other varieties of peel-and-stick backsplash, metal is more expensive.

5. Faux Glass

The surface of hardened silica gel can be smooth like glass or textured like genuine tile. The gel, a 3D product, faithfully reproduces stone tile, wavy glass in various hues, and backsplashes made of subway tile.

Is Peel and Stick Tile DIYable?

Even for DIY beginners in home repair, peel and stick tile is a terrific endeavor.

You must ensure the surface is ready before adhering the tile to the wall, floor, or backsplash. The tile will adhere to a smooth, flat surface. Additionally, the type of surface must be considered because some goods cannot be put on specific surfaces.

Prior to starting, make sure you measure the entire surface. By measuring, you may establish how many tiles you’ll need and whether any tiles will need to be trimmed in order to fill in tiny gaps. You make exact cuts, make sure to use a sharp knife.

How Much Does It Cost?

Peel and stick tile is priced by the square foot and sold by the piece or case. The price is mostly influenced by the material’s quality and design.

The most cost-effective option isn’t usually peel and stick. However, actual subway tile is far less expensive than peel and stick, typically costing less than $2 per square foot for the most basic version.

How to put up peel-and-stick tile for a backsplash

Fortunately, most of the installation guidelines are in the name!

Peel and stick backsplash tiles should be installed on a clean surface. Remove any grime from the wall with a cleaning spray or soap and water, then let it dry.

Use a ruler and a box cutter to cut the quantity you’ll need for the space after carefully measuring the area. Pull off a portion of the back sheet before attaching the backsplash to the wall. Pull off more of the back sheet as you continue. With the ruler or the edge of a credit card, smooth the surface.

To Summarize

Are you looking for inexpensive backsplash tiles but are unsure of your options? Consider installing vinyl tile on your walls and floors if you’re upgrading your home on a budget or simply want to get the most for your money. Vinyl tiles may simplify your life and improve the appearance and comfort of your house since they are long-lasting, water-resistant, and simple to maintain.