A peel and stick backsplash is a great option for easily upgrading your kitchen or bathroom. These backsplashes come with an adhesive already attached, making installation a breeze. Choosing the best peel and stick backsplash for your space depends on factors like budget, style, and ease of installation. With so many excellent options available, you’re sure to find the perfect product to transform your space.
Pros and Cons of Peel and Stick Backsplashes
Peel and stick backsplashes offer many benefits compared to traditional tile or other materials:
Pros:
- Easy, do-it-yourself installation – no grout or special tools needed
- Removable and repositionable – easy to change up your look
- Affordable compared to ceramic or stone tile
- Wide variety of materials, colors, textures and patterns available
- Water and stain resistant
- Lightweight and easy to cut to size
Potential Cons:
- Not as durable as real tile or stone (but can last 5-10 years with care)
- Adhesive could lose grip over time, especially near heat or moisture
- Limited backsplash size options – mostly come in standard kitchen height
- Surface prone to scratches or dents which can be hard to repair
- Not ideal for heavy use areas or behind stoves
Top Materials for Peel and Stick Backsplash
Peel and stick backsplash tiles come in a range of different materials, each with their own pros and cons.
Plastic/Vinyl
- Most affordable option
- Highly water/stain resistant
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Prone to peeling up, especially near heat/moisture
- Not as durable as other materials
Stainless Steel
- Sleek, modern look
- Resilient and easy to clean
- Can show smudges, fingerprints
- Conducts heat from stovetops
- More expensive than plastic or paper
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
- Huge range of colors, textures, patterns
- Budget friendly
- Install and remove with ease
- Prone to bubbling if improperly installed
- Not as durable or scratch resistant as tile
Peel and Stick Tile
- Realistic stone and ceramic looks
- More durable than plastic or paper
- Resistant to moisture and kitchen stains
- Heavier than other materials
- Can be prone to peeling up around edges
Stone Veneer Peel and Stick
- Natural stone look at a fraction of the cost
- More durable than plastic, vinyl or paper
- Resistant to moisture and heat
- Heavier to install than other options
Best Brands for Quality and Style
These top brands offer excellent peel and stick backsplash options that are easy to install and look great:
Art3d
Offers the widest variety of materials like luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, subway tile, and stainless steel. Known for realistic stone, brick, and wood looks. Budget to luxury options available.
Smart Tiles
Specializes in high quality vinyl backsplashes designed to mimic ceramic, marble, and natural stone. Realistic textures and beveled edges.
Rustoleum Transformations
Features unique stone veneer tiles that provide an affordable natural stone look. Grout-free installation. Options like white marble and ledgestone.
NuWallpaper
Trendy, removable wallpaper backsplashes featuring modern graphic prints, textures, and patterns. Budget friendly, intuitive installation.
MSI
Known for their peel and stick floor tiles, but also offer stylish backsplash options. Variety of materials like vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, and metal.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Product
Keep the following in mind when choosing the best peel and stick backsplash:
- Location – Near a stove? Get heat resistant material. High moisture? Prioritize waterproof.
- Longevity – Plastic and vinyl are most budget friendly. Porcelain, stone veneer hold up better long-term.
- Ease of installation – Lighter, thinner products go up easiest. Heavier stone veneers require more precision.
- Styling – Consider colors, patterns, textures. Does it match your cabinetry, counters, appliances?
- Cleaning – Glossy plastic wipes clean easiest. Textured surfaces more prone to grime.
- Cost – Prices range $3-10 per square foot. Measure your space for total estimate.
- Special considerations – Do you need to cut around outlets? Work on curved walls?
Tips for Flawless Installation
Follow these tips for a beautiful, long-lasting peel and stick backsplash installation:
- Thoroughly clean the surface and let dry completely before applying. Remove existing backsplash if necessary.
- Cut tiles to fit using a sharp utility knife and metal ruler. Use pencil to trace cut lines.
- Apply the tiles in a staggered brickwork pattern starting at the bottom. This avoids straight vertical seams.
- Use a roller tool or firm pressure with a grout float to ensure strong adhesion after applying tiles.
- To install around outlets/switches, carefully cut tile with an exacto blade and outlet as a guide.
- Apply a silicone caulk bead around edges and seams for an extra moisture barrier.
- Take care on textured or uneven walls – use silicone adhesive to fill any gaps before installing tiles.
- Avoid putting backsplash behind stoves or on surfaces exposed to grease and heat.
- Gently wipe and clean with damp microfiber cloth after application. Do not use harsh chemicals.
FAQs About Peel and Stick Backsplashes
What’s the best peel and stick backsplash?
The best option depends on your needs and style. Smart Tiles and Art3d make excellent quality peel and stick tiles in a wide variety of realistic materials like ceramic, marble, and stone. NuWallpaper offers trendy removable wallpaper backsplashes.
How long does peel and stick backsplash last?
With proper installation and care, most quality peel and stick backsplash products will last 3-10 years. Plastic vinyl is on the low end (3-5 years) while porcelain, ceramic and faux stone tiles last 5-10 years.
Is peel and stick backsplash waterproof?
Most peel and stick backsplash tiles are waterproof and moisture resistant, making them suitable for kitchen and bathroom areas. Ensure you use a quality product meant for wet areas. Seal all edges with caulk.
What surface should I install peel and stick backsplash on?
It can be installed directly onto existing tile, drywall, plaster or wood panels. The surface must be smooth, clean, and dry for the adhesive to properly grip. Painted surfaces work well too.
Can you install peel and stick backsplash over existing tile?
Yes, peel and stick backsplash can be applied directly over most existing backsplashes, including ceramic tile, marble, and grout. The tile surface must be well-cleaned and very flat for proper adhesion.
Conclusion
A peel and stick backsplash offers an easy and stylish way to update any kitchen or bathroom. With quality installation and care, these backsplashes can provide beauty and protection for years before needing replacement. Be sure to consider location, material type, colors, and patterns when selecting the best product for your space and style. With so many excellent peel and stick backsplash brands now on the market, you can achieve the look of high-end tile for a fraction of the price and labor. Get ready to install a stunning new backsplash in a day and enjoy the compliments.