Many homeowners love to do their own DIY tile renovations at home, especially when it comes to backsplashes. This saves a lot of money, but a major fallback is the amount of effort you have to give in a tile project. There’s also the concern of not being able to do actual renovation because you’re only renting the property.
Thankfully, there are many ways for you to add a stylish tile element in no time, and you won’t even have to use actual tiles.
Peel and stick backsplashes are the ideal solution for people who don't want (or can’t) install permanent tiles in their homes. They’re a great option if you want to constantly change the look of your home or if you’re living in an apartment or condo unit that restricts you from making major renovations and won’t allow you to make damages like holes on the walls. With these, you merely need to peel off the backing of the sticker and stick the panel on the wall.
When it comes to choosing peel and stick backsplashes, you have a couple of choices. These come in a variety of materials, but the most common ones are made from vinyl. You can also get peel and stick backsplashes made with real glass, stone, and metal.
What are the pros and cons with these peel and stick backsplashes? Below is a short guide to help you choose which one suits your needs.
Pros of Vinyl Peel & Stick Backsplashes
Also called self-adhesive 3D tiles, these types of peel and stick backsplashes are easy to find, affordable, and simple to install. Vinyl peel and stick backsplashes are made with a thin but durable vinyl that you can easily cut as needed.
With these, you don’t need special cutting tools since they are thin enough to cut with a good pair of scissors or a utility knife. They also come is a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs so you can definitely find one that fits the space’s decor.
They’re easy to install. Simply peel off the protective layer from the adhesive side, stick it onto your backsplash, and adjust accordingly. You also won’t need a tool to smooth the surface since you can just use your hands for this.
The adhesive on the sticky side of these vinyl panels are sturdy enough to keep them in place, even in spaces that could be exposed to moisture. You won’t need special adhesive or a grout mix to install these to your backsplashes.
If you want to add your own personal touch to your space, but can’t install real tiles, vinyl peel and stick backsplashes are your best options. These are very easy to remove, making them an ideal for apartment or condo units that have strict building codes.
High quality vinyl peel and stick backsplashes bring the realism of materials such as glass and stone with the practicality of peel and stick paper sheet together. Vinyl wall tiles don’t yellow over time and can be installed over existing tiles or on a concrete wall.
Cons of Vinyl Peel & Stick Backsplashes
Vinyl peel and stick backsplashes, especially the low quality ones, can make a space look “cheap”. Thin vinyl peel and stick backsplashes don’t have that depth that you’d see with real glass, metal, or stone. That’s why it’s important to choose high quality vinyl peel and stick backsplashes that have that 3D look to them.
Another potential con is the adhesive on the backing. Many think that it’s not durable enough, especially if you’re placing these stick-on panels to areas where moisture is present. With this, just remember to follow the installation instructions properly, and make sure that your walls are clean before you attach the vinyl peel and stick backsplashes on, so they pretty much stay put.
Pros of Peel & Stick Backsplashes with Real Glass, Stone, and Metal
These types of peel and stick backsplashes are the closest you can get to real tile. Unlike vinyl peel and stick backsplashes, these are made with real material, giving you the aesthetics of real tile without having to spend all that time and money on a renovation.
Peel and stick backsplashes do not discolor over time. So long as you take good care of your backsplash and give it the right cleaning maintenance, it can last you a long time.
Since they’re made with real materials, you don’t have to worry about the space looking “cheap”. These stick on panels have more depth to them, looking and feeling like real tiles. They can definitely raise the value of your property. Since buyers are more careful when it comes to quality and look, you can get a better deal if you ever decide to sell your property in the future.
Another bonus is that peel and stick backsplashes made with real materials tend to coordinate better with high-end cabinetry. They never fade, and real glass, metal, and stone will always look better with beautiful cupboards and cabinets.
Cons of Peel & Stick Backsplashes with Real Glass, Stone, and Metal
Unlike vinyl peel and stick backsplashes, you will need a special tool to cut these to the right size. Other than a sharp utility knife to cut between the materials, you’ll also need a glass nipper. These are usually sold in most home improvement or hardware stores. Many tile retailers who sell peel and stick backsplashes made with real materials also offer these in kits.
You’re also going to need grout with peel and stick backsplashes made with real materials. The spaces between the chips are usually bare, and you’ll have to grout this yourself as a finishing touch to the installation. It’s a good thing that grout is fairly simple to apply, and you don’t need to be a professional to do this.
In summary, both types of peel and stick backsplashes make a good choice if you don’t want permanent tiles. Choose whichever is best for your needs, time, and budget, and create a beautiful kitchen without the hassle and the price tag of installing real tiles.
