How to Install Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash & Product Review

After a few installations of peel and stick backsplash, I have to say that it’s one of my favourite budget-friendly updates to a kitchen! Installing peel and stick backsplash is very easy, and the result looks great. Let me show you how to install peel and stick tile backsplash.

You might be interested

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 stick subway tile, in a warm white colour with a grey looking grout. 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 tiles rather than stick mosaic tile, because I find it easier to line up the pieces. 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 for something 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 SmartTiles, Amazon product, and peel and stick tile from Dollarama.

Depending on the quality of tile used, you may notice a bit of lifting at the corners over time. This has only happened to me with the very cheapest of tiles, and it could be fixed with a dab of hot glue here and there if you really wanted. Of course, this would make the eventual removal of the tile more difficult, so definitely keep that in mind when choosing your product! Because they are often used in areas where you want a budget friendly and temporary solution (like if you are renting), this might not be the best option.

Generally speaking though, if you invest in quality adhesive tiles, you will be surprised at how well they do work over time, and I believe these more expensive tiles can actually work for a long term tiling solution.

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, SmartTiles, 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. They were only $3.50 per sheet! While I really liked how they looked initially, 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 didn’t install them properly, as I had to reposition them two or three times. This was definitely my mistake, but this tile was 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, and definitely my recommendation for larger DIY projects like your kitchen.

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 relatively smooth and 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, or 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, and 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

Make sure the surface you are putting the tile on is clean. Use a degreaser and clean the entire surface, as the tiles will stick best to a clean, dry surface.

They are easy to cut! I like to use a ruler, a pencil, and regular scissors for this operation. 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. Two times is too much, and takes away the stickiness of the backing, 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 adhesive backing off the tile!

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