When we first looked at our house, I knew that the kitchen needed a full renovation and that I couldn’t afford to do it. But I also didn’t want to live with a kitchen I hated for a few years while I save up to rip everything out. So I’ve decided to do budget updates with no huge changes besides paint. Today’s update is a diy peel and stick backsplash tile!
I started by painting the fridge pink, next I even attempted to to redo my counter tops with a coat of paint, then painted the cabinets. I installed open shelving, updated the hardware and tiled and grouted behind the stove.
And here’s a recap of how I decorated the kitchen on a budget.
Ready for today’s project?!
diy peel and stick backsplash tile
Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:
If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!
why change up the backsplash?
If you have a backsplash you don’t like, a peel and stick backsplash adds a fresh design element that can really transform the whole room!
Or, if you have a painted backsplash, a peel and stick backsplash will protect the walls from splatters and damage. They’re really easy to wipe up.
The next reason why is my favorite- a peel and stick backsplash is super easy to install for anyone who can use scissors! You just cut to size, peel off the backing and put it on the wall.
So if you don’t feel like doing demo in your kitchen to rip out the old backsplash, buy expensive tile and tools, and then take days to install fancy tile, this project is for you!
what are peel and stick backsplash tiles made of?
Peel and stick backsplashes are made for a few different materials- it depends on the one you get. It can be made from vinyl that is water resistant. The vinyl is printed with a realistic image that’s 3D (this is the kind I use). It can also be made from silica gel that has been hardened.
They both have a plastic sheen that’s easy to clean.
There’s also a third, more unique option where thin natural materials like mother of pearl create mosaic tile.
peel and stick mother of pearl tile 1 / peel and stick mother of pearl tile 2
what style can you get peel and stick backsplash in?
This is one of the most fun parts! Peel and stick backsplashes come in lots of different designs and colors. I guarantee that there’s a cute design for whatever your style is.
Here’s a few examples of the different patterns and colors they come in-
hexagon / scallop / brick / quatrefoil / herringbone / terrazzo / Moroccan / subway tile / catalan
what kind of maintenance is needed?
Since they’re made from easy to clean materials, the maintenance is to just clean them up with a damp rag. That’s it!
Ok, now that I’ve gone over all those details, ready to see how I actually installed them?!
supplies
- peel and stick tile (I personally got 14 sets)
- scissors
prep
The prep is super easy! Just clean your back splash area with hot water and soap. Remove all outlet covers.
I put the peel and stick tile right over the old backsplash (some of which is textured) and it worked like a charm!
Peel and stick backsplash tiles also work over drywall.
step one
First off, decide where to start. I suggest going top to bottom, right to left. My back splash area was perfectly sized for 2 sets of peel and stick tile from top to bottom (each sheet is 10″x10″ and 4 come per pack). So I started at the top.
Take the paper off your tile sheet and carefully place it. The backing is nice and sticky so it will adhere easily.
This particular brand has white areas to overlay other tiles. At first I cut this off, but later decided it worked better and was faster to leave it on.
Continue with the full size tiles as far as possible.
step two
Next, cut around the outlets. Just use scissors to cut out the shape of the outlet box.
The bottom of my tile sheet matched up with the bottom of the outlet, so it was pretty simple to snip out the excess tiles where needed to go around the outlets.
step three
To finish up, cut out individual tiles for along the edges. I had to cut tiles in half to fill in the tip and bottom and the edges off for the side.
I just counted how many I needed and did it while watching TV to make it less tedious. Then it was a matter of peeling off the back and carefully placing the cut tiles where needed.
frequently asked questions
how much does it cost?
The cost will vary based on the price of peel and stick backsplash tiles that are purchased and the size of the kitchen.
For my tiles, each pack comes with 4 10″x10″ sheets and costs $26. I ordered 14 packs for my big kitchen. The total was $364.
Because of the time saved without having to rip out the old backsplash, fix the drywall, buy and install new tile, and grout, I think it was worth it.
was it hard to cut?
It was maybe a little boring, but definitely not hard! The peel and stick backsplash tiles easily cut with scissors.
would this work for renters?
The package on the tiles I got doesn’t recommend it. Why? They say the adhesive is so strong it may pull up paint. So if you’re going over old tile in a rental, I don’t think it’d be a problem.
BUT shop around, there are lots of renter friendly options (I’ve included some at the bottom!).
what is the finish like?
The finish is smooth- like a big sticker. It is wipeable with soap and water.
how long will these last? Are they durable?
I’m not sure! I’ll keep this post updated. I’ve looked at this product on lots of sights and read lots of reviews and haven’t seen comments on how long it’ll last.
I’m hoping to do a full kitchen renovation in 1-2 years so hopefully it’ll last that long! It is super sticky so I am confident it will.
**Update- after two years of living with the peel and stick tiles, they have lasted well! I still 100% recommend this project and would do it again. Only a few of the tiles have come off and it’s just been the little pieces I cut and put along the bottom. With how frequently the countertops are cleaned, sometimes the bottom row gets bumped and one falls off.
how difficult was the back splash to install?
It was super simple! I put that whole section up in about an hour. It was really satisfying to do too!
can you use this over tile that is not completely flat?
A portion of my tile isn’t flat- and it worked just fine! I’m sure it’d depend on how uneven your tile is.
how did you finish the edges?
I didn’t do anything for the edges. The tiles just go to the edge and look nice that way. When you cut them, they have a white edge. I don’t think you need to do anything for the edges- but you could if you want.
would you recommend it?
For the right person- yes! If you want a backsplash that’ll last you forever and forever, then I’d just go with real tile.
However, if you want something that’ll truly upgrade your kitchen for a few years- do it! If you’re saving up for a renovation and want a solution in the meantime- do it!
I wanted to share a few more options of peel and stick backsplash tile in case you want to try this project out too!
1 gold hex / 2 blue agate / 3 marble herringbone / 4 staggered marble / 5 black and white / 6 Spanish tile / 7 pink and mint eclectic tile / 8 grey and white stone / 9 gray patterned / 10 scale neutral / 11 scale mint / 12 gold star
1. black and white gingham / 2. herringbone marble / 3. quatrafoil Moroccan / 4. grey pacific Moroccan / 5. black and white Moroccan / 6. pink floral / 7. navy daisy / 8. black and white starburst / 9. grey diamond
I LOVED how instantly gratifying this project was. It was a simple project and it made for a huge transformation!
Please let me know in the comments if you have any further questions for me!
Update- if you’re wondering how the backsplash is wearing/any regrets, check out this post.
DIY Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile
DIY peel and stick tile backsplash. Are you looking for a quick fix for your kitchen or bathroom back splashes? I share how to install vinyl removeable tile. It comes in lots of different patterns- hexagon, herringbone, catalan, subway tile, sheel, and more. It is super easy and needs no grout! Plus ideas for a variety of peel and stick tile that you can put on your backsplash! Plus it can go over old tile easily- no demo!
Materials
Instructions
1. Prep
To prep, clean your back splash area with hot water and soap. Remove all outlet covers.
2. Place full size tiles
First off, decide where to start. I suggest going top to bottom, right to left.
Take the paper off your tile sheet and carefully place it. The backing is nice and sticky so it will adhere easily.
3. Going around obstacles
Cut the peel and stick tiles to fit around the outlets. Just use scissors to cut out the shape of the outlet box.
4. Finish with half tiles
To finish up, cut out individual tiles for along the edges. I had to cut tiles in half to fill in the top and bottom and the edges off for the side.
Then you'll have a beautiful backsplash without any major construction!
Notes
Clean the tile with a rag and soapy water
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When you said it’s not ideal for renters, what do you mean? Do you think it’s okay for someone who is potentially renting out the house in a few years?
Hi Devin- sorry I wasn’t clear on that! It would be great for someone potentially renting out a house! The package says” “We recommend this product be considered a more permanent application. However, they may be removed from most surfaces carefully, without damaging walls. If desired, test in an inconspicuous location before starting the entire application.” I’m guessing they might pull of painted surfaces when removed. Which means the adhesive is strong which is a great thing in lots of uses.
Hi Devin! Ashley is spot on with her recommendations. We designed the backsplash to be able to hold up to kitchen traffic, so the adhesive is stronger than your typical peel and stick decal (it also needed to be stronger to support the weight of the backsplash designs as they are 3D). I will say that I have them in my own rental apartment, but my walls are slightly textured so they’re able to be peeled off with no issue- and I have a bucket of paint at the ready. If they were stuck to a completely flat wall, it’s likely they could pull off some paint when removing them due to the nature of the adhesive. I hope this helps!
-Lauren @ WallPops