6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Peel-and-Stick Tile Backsplash

Kitchen backsplashes are beautiful additions to your cooking space. They protect the walls from muss and fuss, while simultaneously bouncing light around and adding a design pop that you simply can’t replicate with paint. Plus, backsplashes don’t have to be expensive, especially when you use the peel-and-stick approach. “A peel-and-stick tile is an adhesive-backed tile that can be installed on walls or floors without grout or specialized tools,” says Tony Roberts, an interior designer at Direct Splashbacks. “Available in vinyl, PVC, or even gummy material, these tiles take the appearance of the classic tile and provide a fast way to update a space.” 

A peel-and-stick tile backsplash offers a wealth of pros. “It’s designed to give the look of real tile without the mess of grout or the need for power tools,” explains Jeannine Rose, founder of Sweet Humble Home. “Whether you’re updating a rental or just want a quick kitchen or bathroom refresh, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a big visual impact with very little effort.”

Of course, as with anything else in life, this quick approach comes with a number of cons, from a shorter lifespan to adhesion issues to the cheapness factor. Before choosing whether this design approach is right for you, it’s helpful to review the pros and cons — here are six of each.

Foremost among the pros of a peel-and-stick tile backsplash is the ease of installation. “It’s a favorite for DIY-ers and renters because it’s super simple to install, easy to remove, and often budget-friendly too,” says Teri Simone, head of design and marketing at Nieu Cabinet Doors. Simone has worked with HGTV’s Kortney Wilson and Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk, and has seen every type of remodel under the sun, so she knows what she’s talking about when she says peel-and-stick is a low-road option. “You just peel off the backing and stick the tile into place, making it perfect for renters or homeowners looking for a fast and stylish update without the hassle. You can totally install them over a weekend afternoon.”

Plus, you get to avoid all the headaches and design mistakes that come with grout, and the pieces are already pre-cut. “It’s usually a 12-by-12, which means it’s one foot at a time,” explains Colleen Bennett, principal designer and founder of CBB Design Firm. “So it allows you to map out a grid pattern where you can straight stack it, and it will give a continuous look as it goes.” All you need are a few simple tools. Make sure to get a reliable tape measure. Either a 25 foot easy to read decimal retractable tape measure or a pack of two flexible tape measures will work. You’ll also need a utility knife, such as the seemingly well-named Internet’s Best premium utility knife set.

Because nothing in life is ever easy, a peel-and-stick tile backsplash does come with several cons as well. “These tiles don’t have the same staying power as ceramic or stone,” Tony Roberts says. “Eventually the adhesive will deteriorate, or the finish will fade, particularly in high-traffic areas.” This isn’t necessarily true of peel-and-stick tiles that use real materials (such as stone or wood), but since most use plastics, it’s a definite concern.

Colleen Bennett estimates that you have between six months and a year for peel-and-stick tile, after which you will have to re-adhere it. This is doable through various means — applying heat, adding adhesive, managing humidity, and so forth — but it’s still annoying. If you use real tile with adhesive backing rather than a vinyl product, it may have a bit more staying power. However, she says, “You’re not actually putting the grout work behind it, which means it’s only as good as the adhesive is.”

The most effective way to deal with this is to manage your expectations. “It’s best to think of them as a temporary upgrade rather than a long-term renovation solution,” Teri Simone advises. That way, you won’t be as disappointed when you find you have to fix or upgrade them. Where possible, try to see their impermanence as a selling point, but keep in mind that there are environmental considerations of plastic use and find a balance.

One of the major pros associated with a peel-and-stick tile backsplash is that the tiles come back off the wall pretty easily. If, for instance, you decide to change your style from a Tuscan kitchen design to a modern farmhouse vibe, you’ll want the greatest flexibility to update the installed features of the room.

“Most peel-and-stick tiles are designed to come off without damaging your walls, so they’re perfect for renters or anyone who changes their mind often,” Jeannine Rose says. The other experts agree that the impermanence of the installation is a huge benefit, giving folks who don’t own their space a similar degree of control over it as homeowners have. It provides plenty of style opportunity without risking your security deposit, Teri Simone says.

That’s not to say it’s not a good option if you own your home or want a longer-lasting solution, either. As long as you’re willing to do periodic inspections and fixes, you may get some serious mileage out of your tiles, and you don’t have to pay anyone to do real grouting — or worse, learn to do it yourself. Shudder. It also gives you the freedom to change the look of your room with the seasons, if you’re an especially enthusiastic DIY-er.

Another of the main cons is that peel-and-stick tile backsplash can be a bit choosy about which surfaces they adhere to. “These tiles need a clean, smooth, and dry surface to really stick well,” Teri Simone says. “If your wall is textured, uneven, or freshly painted, you may run into problems with adhesion.” The same is true if the surface beneath has existing tile, which is not a good surface for adhering products on top. This is why most interior designers do not use it on job sites where homeowners are doing an actual renovation, Colleen Bennett says.

“Porous finishes, such as those found in textured walls, unevenly painted surfaces, or porous materials, may prevent proper adhesion which can cause bubbles or peeling,” Tony Roberts says. If your walls, for instance, are finished with an orange peel texture, then the tile is unlikely to adhere well.

Even if you do have a clean, dry surface, you should do your due diligence to ensure the tiles have the best chance of sticking well. “Start by choosing high-quality brands and reading reviews, especially from people who’ve used them in the same kind of space,” Jeannine Rose says. Always follow the prep instructions to the letter to ensure you set yourself up for long-term success. “You can also test one panel first before committing to the full wall to make sure it sticks well and looks the way you want,” she points out, or add a layer of clear silicone caulk around the edges to help with adhesion. GE advanced silicone caulk for kitchen and bathroom is one option.

While a real tile backsplash isn’t as expensive a kitchen renovation as, say, cabinets, it can still cost a pretty penny to install. Some estimates put the average cost of a 25-foot backsplash at $800, and that’s assuming it isn’t the full wall up to the ceiling. Cost, therefore, is certainly a factor when considering the pros and cons of a peel-and-stick tile backsplash.

If you’re on a tight budget, peel-and-stick tiles are hands-down the winner. “You can transform a backsplash for under $100, which makes it a budget-friendly way to update your space without committing to a full renovation,” Jeannine Rose says. If you buy quality products and do all the prep as directed, you can get an expensive look for a very low price compared to ceramic or stone tiles. It’s the ideal makeover solution for little money, and it can even be a way to see if you’ll like real tiles in that same space.

If it is cheap, it can look cheap. Some brands are worse than others, of course. “There are good options out there,” Tony Roberts says, “but some, especially any budget peel-and-stick tiles, have an appearance or finish that makes the final project look a bit fake or too shiny.”

There are other giveaways as well. If the pattern is too repetitive, Jeannine Rose says, you can tell that the tiles are actually a sheet rather than put in by hand. For that reason, you might want to confine peel-and-stick tiles to smaller areas, so the eye is not confronted with a large expanse of cookie-cutter patterns. You can also buy larger peel-and-stick tiles, such as LONGKING colorful Talavera Mexican peel and stick backsplash tile stickers, which distract the eye with a pretty pattern.

Whatever approach you take, do a test patch before committing to the whole area. That way, you can spot and return any tiles that look plasticky or flimsy up close, as many do, Teri Simone says, “especially when compared to real tile.” This DIY, like any other, is only worth it if you like the result.

Back to the pros: Peel-and-stick tile backsplash comes in a huge range of options, so as long as you’re into the general concept, you’re pretty certain to find something you’ll like. “You’re not limited to basic patterns,” Teri Simone says. “I’m now seeing peel-and-stick tile in high-end finishes that mimic marble, ceramic, and even real metal, so you can totally find a look that fits your aesthetic without the custom price tag.” It’s a good idea to make sure, though, that the brand you choose will be able to replace tiles down the road. “You might want to order enough spares to replace a few here and there as needed,” she says.

Just as with design, there are lots of options for where to get your tiles today. From Lowe’s to Home Depot, Etsy to custom designers, you can source your peel-and-stick tile backsplash from almost anywhere that provides home improvement products. And, Colleen Bennett adds, a lot of actual tile companies are now coming out with peel-and-stick options, which may provide higher value since they’re industry experts. Whatever you choose, Bennett says, “I always recommend reading reviews and looking at previous customer pictures.”

Among the bigger cons of a peel-and-stick tile backsplash is that it’s usually not waterproof. Considering “splash” is inherent in the name, that’s a pretty major downside to consider. While real tiles with grout are highly waterproof, peel-and-stick options have serious vulnerabilities in that department. Worse, Teri Simone says, the lack of waterproofing means that water can get underneath and lessen adhesion further, a vicious cycle that can result in peeling.

“While most are water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof, making them less suitable for use in showers or environments with high moisture,” Tony Roberts says. Behind the kitchen sink, for example, probably isn’t the best place to put a peel-and-stick product. The same goes for the stove, which can also generate lots of steam and spatter that may damage your tiles. It’s a good idea to relegate them to areas of the kitchen where there might be some splashing — e.g. cutting a tomato or mixing cake batter — but there’s unlikely to be true moisture constantly coming at it.

Although the impermanence of a peel-and-stick tile backsplash is something to consider, this is less of an issue for homeowners, renters, or the highly creative who want to sub out their design features in little time for less money than actual installations. In that case, the simplicity and impermanence become one of peel-and-stick’s biggest pros.

Not only does it help you highlight the walls of your kitchen, but you could even consider putting a backsplash into a kitchen scullery or butler’s pantry, spaces that are adjacent to the main space to offer extra prep and storage capacity. The same goes for above a buffet or at the back of a built-in hutch. Really, the sky’s the limit, and since you can remove it easily, there’s little downside — and it’s satisfying to boot. “This is one of those satisfying weekend projects where you can actually see a before-and-after difference right away,” says Jeannine Rose, who advocates it as an ideal quick DIY makeover. “It’s low-risk, high-reward.”

If you don’t want to live with them forever, that’s okay. “If your space feels dated but you’re not ready for a full remodel, peel-and-stick tiles are a great interim solution,” Teri Simone says. “They’re easy to apply and can totally transform a kitchen or bathroom in just a few hours.” Colleen Bennett agrees: “You can try out a new style or material or pattern and give your space a completely new feel for a low cost and relatively less effort,” she says. “It is a great way to test something out before making a permanent change.”

Another of the main cons? Heat and sunlight aren’t too friendly to peel-and-stick tile. In the case of wood, metal, or ceramic, the effect is somewhat mitigated, because these materials hold up to both environmental factors better than plastics do. However, even then, you should be careful to keep your peel-and-stick tile backsplash away from them where you can.

“Direct heat from your stove or too much UV exposure can cause the adhesive to break down or discolor the tile,” Teri Simone explains. It can also cause the tiles to warp, making them look crummy in addition to pulling them away from the wall. “Always check the manufacturer’s heat ratings if you’re planning to install them near a cooktop,” she advises. If they are specifically labeled as heat-resistant, you have a little more freedom with placement, but in general, these elements will shorten the longevity of your tiles. When dealing with such a short shelf life already, that may prove prohibitive even to the most avid DIY-er.

There is a pretty simple solution, though. “Use peel-and-stick tiles for lower-traffic zones or as an accent, rather than in spots that take constant use,” Tony Roberts says. That way, you can still enjoy the design aspect without having to deal with wear-and-tear issues as often.

In some cases, a peel-and-stick tile backsplash can help protect your walls. “In kitchens and bathrooms, they can act as a barrier between splashes and your drywall,” Jeannine Rose says. “That little extra layer helps keep things cleaner and easier to wipe down.” In addition to splatter, they can also protect against grease spots and minor dings, the experts point out.

Plus, they have lots of uses beyond the cooking zone. “Peel-and-stick tile isn’t just for kitchens and bathrooms anymore,” Tony Roberts says. “They’re being used in creative ways in stair risers, furniture makeovers, and even ceilings. They’re a play-it-safe, flexible design tool that allows homeowners to experiment with trends while making less of a commitment.”

This is especially true for those who have online social accounts dedicated to DIY trends or home makeovers and want to showcase different design approaches without committing long-term to any one installation, especially for apartment-dwellers and renters who don’t have the power. “Just keep in mind that the right prep and placement can help them look polished and last longer,” Roberts adds. That way, you can protect rather than damage your walls.

Last among the cons, but unfortunately far from least, an improperly installed or monitored peel-and-stick tile backsplash can lead to mold growth. “I would not recommend doing it on a bathroom wall or floor as this is a wetter space, which can cause the adhesive to come undone and the tiles to come up or move,” Colleen Bennett says. “There is also the potential for mold or water damage because in a bathroom, you’re more likely to get water everywhere.” The same is true for behind kitchen sinks, where you should assume the wall will get wet a good percentage of the time.

Plus, she adds, water isn’t the only potential issue: “Aside from mold, peel-and-stick can also trap dust, dirt, and other things.” Once they get stuck back there, Jeannine Rose adds, they’ve got nowhere else to go. That makes it super important to look for waterproof varieties if you can find them. Surface prep is also important, Teri Simone says, because the right prep work can mean better adhesion, which will resist the accumulation of water behind the tiles.

If you’re determined to go a watery route, she says, “Reading reviews is super helpful to get a feel for how well the tile performs in real kitchens and bathrooms. That way, you can choose a thick, durable, and effective product, and minimize the chances of a poor outcome.