Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Buying Guide
Installing a tile backsplash has never been so easy.
Affordable, versatile, and easy to install/remove, peel-and-stick backsplash tile is the perfect solution for anyone who doesn't want to undertake a huge, expensive project. Read on to learn more about this backsplash option.
What Is Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tile?
(Shop this image: green peel-and-stick backsplash tile, gold rectangle wall mirrors, white table vases, gold towel rings, gold bathroom sink faucets, and white bathroom sets)
Peel-and-stick backsplash tile includes single tiles or groups of tiles that come with an adhesive backing. This means no messy mortar or grout required! You just peel it off the backing and stick it on the wall (or over existing tile). Here are some of the pros and cons of peel-and-stick backsplashes:
No Tools Needed: Peel-and-stick backsplash tile is easy to DIY. All you need to do is cut the tile sheet to size (for some materials, all you'll need is a pair of household scissors), peel off the adhesive backing, and stick the sheet to the surface you've chosen. It's mess- and hassle-free. Read our guide on How to Install Peel-and-Stick Backsplash for more info on this DIY.
Budget-Friendly: Another advantage of using peel-and-stick backsplash tile is the cost – not only will you save money on the tile itself, but you won't have to pay a professional to install it for you.
Easy Removal: These backsplashes are also incredibly easy to remove. If your design preferences change often, you won't need to worry about a costly, destructive, or time-consuming removal process.
Stylish Options: Though some peel-and-stick backsplash tile materials can lack the authentic look and feel of conventional tile, there are many that are just as textured and high-end in appearance as their traditional tile counterparts.
Important Note:
When installing peel-and-stick backsplashes, it's also important to recognize their temporary nature, particularly in moisture-prone areas. The adhesive does tend to wear down over time quicker than mortar and grout do, especially when it comes in contact with water.
Types of Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are categorized by material and/or design. Here are the main types to consider:
1. Vinyl/PVC
Inexpensive, water-resistant, and easy to clean, vinyl and PVC peel-and-stick backsplash tile is a great choice if you're a first-time tiler. Vinyl and PVC can lack the authentic feel of other tile materials, but their low cost and ease of installation more than makes up for it.
Gel peel-and-stick tile is flexible, soft to the touch, and a cinch to install. Like vinyl and PVC tile, it is easy to clean, but it has the added benefit of looking more three dimensional and authentic than other synthetic tile types.
Made of engineered stone, a composite material comprised of crushed stone and an adhesive agent, or thin slabs of natural stone, this material is lighter and easier to install than natural stone backsplash tile.
Available in a variety of organic materials and patterns including slate and marble, natural stone backsplash tile is uniquely textured and beautifully colored with subdued earth tones. Though thicker than other options, natural stone peel-and-stick backsplash tile is just as easy to install.
Intense and clean-cut in appearance, metal backsplashes can instantly transform any room in your home. Though a bit more expensive than other materials, metal peel-and-stick tile is durable and easy to clean.
Timeless and sleek, glass peel-and-stick backsplash tile can make any surface look elegant and expensive.
This trendy, vintage backsplash tile design is made up of staggered rows of neat, shiny, rectangular tiles. Opt for white tile for the classic subway tile look, or mix it up with a vibrant color, like bright blue.
Arrays of rectangular or square tiles line up neatly to make up traditional and easy-to-install grid-patterned peel-and-stick backsplashes.
A vintage, geometric twist to the classic penny round tile shape, hexagonal peel-and-stick tile is clean-cut and unique.
If traditional patterns and designs aren't for you, out-of-the-ordinary novelty peel-and-stick backsplash tile comes in shapes and patterns that can make your space stand out.
Instead of being made up of uniform tiles like subway backsplashes, staggered joint backsplashes are made up of alternating rows of tiles that differ in width and length.
Herringbone backsplashes are made up of zigzagging lines of rectangular tiles that resemble chevrons from a distance.
Matte peel-and-stick backsplashes are perfect for bright or modern spaces because they don't have an elaborate glazed finish.
Glossy peel-and-stick backsplash tiles have a bit of a shine to them, which helps them stand out and brighten dark corners. Glazed backsplashes offer even more of a glossy sheen – it all comes down to your preference.
Textured peel-and-stick backsplashes bring 3D style to your kitchen or bathroom. Bring your walls to life through textured stone veneer tiles, faux brick tiles, or subway backsplashes that pop against faux grout.
