The Pros and Cons of Backsplash Stickers for Your Home

Want to restyle your home but in the most affordable yet stylish way? Or, are you planning your home remodeling on an extremely limited budget? Or do you want to temporarily (and drastically) change the appearance of your rental property? If your answer to any of these questions is a yes, you need to think about choosing peel-and-stick backsplash stickers, which might be the perfect solution. 

These self-adhesive wall tiles take the ease and simplicity of renovation to the next level. They simplify remodeling. You can apply these backsplash tiles to a thicker and more durable material that’s specifically designed to meet the challenges of a kitchen or bathroom.

But please don’t underestimate these tile stickers; they are durable enough to hold onto walls and protect them. 

What are peel and stick backsplash stickers?

Peel and stick backsplash tiles are essentially decorative, adhesive-backed sheets that mimic the look of traditional tile. They come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials — from vinyl to glass to stone — and are designed for easy, DIY installation. Simply clean your surface, peel off the backing, and stick them on. That’s it.

These stickers are especially ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rental properties where long-term installation isn’t always an option.

Moreover, unlike standard ceramic tiles, or any other type of tiles for that matter, these are so pliable that you can hand-cut them into any shape that you desire. 

FYI: These wall tiles work well with awkward corners.

If there are advantages to something, more often than not, disadvantages do not take long to follow. Anyway, since we always attempt to explore both sides of a coin, we got in touch with various experts and customers to see what they thought of backsplash tile stickers. 

What about a brick backsplash? Let’s take a look!Based on our analysis, we’ve curated a list of the pros and cons of these peel-and-stick self-adhesive fixtures. We hope it helps you answer some of the common questions regarding backsplash tiles and whether they’re a good option or not.

Backsplash tile stickers pros

• Easy installation

  Forget grout, spacers, and tile cutters. Installing a peel-and-stick backsplash is as easy as it sounds. Just measure, cut, peel, and stick. They’re a game-changer for DIYers and anyone who wants to save on installation costs. Compared with installing ceramic tiles or other contemporary bathroom or kitchen backsplash tiles, this requires a certain amount of skill, knowledge, and, of course, tools.  With backsplash tile stickers, all you have to do is measure the space, peel off the backing, and stick the tile sheet to the wall. Simple! You don’t have to worry about dealing with mortar, grout, or other messy substances.

Moreover, these adhesive-backed plastic or vinyl tiles can easily mimic the look of a regular tile. What more could you ask for?

• It’s the cheapest way to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom

  Backsplash tile stickers are at the bottom price range of remodeling materials. Also, you can save money on installation. Needless to say, these factors reduce the overall cost of a bathroom or kitchen remodel. Just make sure that you choose quality self-adhesive wall tiles that are attractive and serve the particular purpose that made you install them in the first place. If you’re on a tight remodeling budget or have time constraints, peel-and-stick tiles are one of the best materials you can use to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom.

• A good choice for renters

  These stickers are perfect for you if you live in a rental property. Ensure that you choose a material that’s removable in a not-so-shoddy-way. When you move in, all you need to do is cut, peel, and stick — with absolutely no mess at all. And, when it’s time for you to move out (or if you grow tired of them), just take them down to restore the earlier look. These renter-friendly tiles make your job easier. Take a look at these 12 Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas for the Perfect Focal Point

• An excellent choice for DIY projects

  Peel and stick tile backsplash is a great choice for a DIY project. Many people choose this type of backsplash as it’s the simplest way to refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom. How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? We can help you. Try our free kitchen remodel estimator tool to figure it out!

• Available in a wide variety

  Fortunately for renovators, there are numerous backsplash kits available on the market. You can find a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles, including glass tiles, faux tin tiles, and copper tiles. Choose the most suitable design for your interior.

Backsplash tile stickers cons

• Requires a preliminary wall preparation

  If you’re contemplating applying sticker wall tiles, keep in mind that they require that you prepare that particular wall in advance. You need to ensure that it’s smooth, otherwise, the adhesive will not stick properly. In case you see any cracks or holes in the walls, make sure they are filled. Also, the wall needs to be completely dry before you install the tiles.

• Doesn’t last long

  Since these adhesive tiles are meant to be removed, they are not made to be especially durable. And it can wear down over time, especially in a kitchen or bathroom where there’s a lot of moisture. In extreme cases, it may even fall off the wall — damaging the surface underneath.

• May look a tad tacky

  Here’s a fact that is sadly true. Such quick fixes are NOT the real deal. If you choose thin peel-and-stick kits, you need to keep in mind that they won’t give you the desired depth that real tiles or bricks do. And, sometimes may end up looking cheap as per decor experts. Of course, you may opt for higher-quality kits. However, their costs can run up to $25 per square foot. Which, by any standard, is a lot. If you’re spending this much, you may want to rethink backsplash stickers. And, here’s another important downside: most potential homebuyers can easily spot tacky, quick fixes. It might leave them wondering about the other corners you may have cut in your house.

Pros and cons: quick takeaways

Types of peel-and-stick tiles

As mentioned above, these peel-and-stick tiles come in a variety of materials. Let’s briefly look at some of them to help you choose the right tile for your home:

How about tile? take a look at our guide on How to Choose the Right Grout Color for Your Tile

How do I install peel-and-stick backsplash tile stickers?

The installation instructions are in the name itself. You may choose to complete the project yourself or hire a professional. Either way, you should know the process inside out. 

Here are some installation steps to aid you:

1. Start with a clean surface. 
2. Get your wall repaired if there are cracks or holes.
3. Use a cleaning spray or soap and water to remove any residual grease.
4. Let the wall dry completely.
5. Measure the space with a ruler.
6. Cut the amount you’ll need. 
7. Remove the back sheet.
8. Stick the backsplash to the wall, pulling off the back sheet as you adhere it.
9. Smooth out the surface with a credit card or ruler.

Is home remodeling on your mind? Use our free home renovation estimator to have a fair idea of the total expenditure of your project. Get a head start on seamless home improvement.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve explored the pros and cons, types, and installation of backsplash tile stickers, we hope it helps you to decide whether you want to install them or not. 

We, of course, think that these smart tiles can be very innovative and beautiful if you choose the right one. Keep in mind that there’s a fine line between looking great and appearing tacky. If the style you love is just a click away, don’t hesitate to add it to your cart; your walls will thank you.  And, they are almost child’s play when it comes to installing them. Just peel and stick. And, voila! Your kitchen or bathroom will look dreamy — with a touch of drama, of course.

Read more: Kitchen Floor Tiles

Written by Ramona Sinha. October 16, 2019

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.