New Peel and Stick Subway Tile Backsplash

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This article contains information and pictures to assist you in determining whether a peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash is suitable for your kitchen. Additionally, you’ll find six installation tips and answers to four frequently asked questions about peel-and-stick tiles below.

I spent a lot of time deciding on our new backsplash because of our small budget and researched several interesting backsplash ideas. In the end, we installed a peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash that looks like a classic white subway tile backsplash. Our peel-and-stick tile backsplash cost just over $100.

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Peel and Stick Subway Tile Backsplash Cost Breakdown

• Peel & Stick Tiles, purchased 30 tile sheets (three packs of 10 12×12” sheets) for $107.91
• Plastic Lattice Molding, $3.85
• Level and a basic pencil (already owned)
• Utility knife and scissors (already owned)
• Paintbrush, painter tape, and spackling paste (already owned)

Total $111.76

*Each kitchen is unique, please measure your backsplash area and order material accordingly.

I used an online backsplash calculator to figure out how many 12”x12” tile sheets we needed. If you buy a different brand of peel & stick subway tile—our tips may not 100% apply. Follow the directions you receive with the product from the manufacturer. 

Peel and Stick Subway Tile Backsplash Tips

Tip 1:

You don’t need construction experience to install a peel-and-stick backsplash, but you do need a perfectionistic eye for detail. A few times we laid the tile along the wall and the faux-grout line looked too thick.

Thankfully the tile sheet can be removed and adjusted for the first 24 hours. If you do need to make adjustments, do it right away so it doesn’t mess up the overall tile pattern. 

Tip 2:

Before installing the faux subway backsplash, use a level with a pencil to develop guidelines for sticking your faux tile against the wall.

Tip 3:

Cut out a cardboard template for outlets (if your outlets are the same size, this can be reused). Then pencil in dots of the general size/placement on tile paper. Finally, draw the full rectangle on tile paper and carefully cut out the hole with a utility knife.

Tip 4:

When smoothing on the peel & stick tile sheets, press across the middle first. Then slowly work your way down and up until you have pressed out all air bubbles and the tile sheet is secure to the wall.

Tip 5:

Make the most of your tile sheets. We had 18 inches in height to cover from countertop to cabinet, and were able to do a full row of 12”x12” sheets, then cut and use 1/2 of the tile sheets for the upper 6”.

Tip 6:

We selected a thin plastic lattice molding to edge our new backsplash. My husband cut the molding to size (you can use a saw or Dremel) and hammer nails to the wall (countersink so they go in past the molding).

I filled the holes with spackling paste and sanded them after they dried. Then I painted the molding with leftover white paint from our walls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peel and Stick Subway Tile

Is a peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash heat-resistant? 

According to the manufacturer, the material is heat resistant. Ours is installed behind our induction oven and over the past 9 months we haven’t had a material change. I would contact the manufacturer and ask before installing around a fireplace.

Is a peel-and-stick backsplash tile waterproof?

Our peel & stick tiles are anti-mold and humidity resistant according to the manufacturer. We have wiped the stick on the backsplash with a damp cloth several times without a problem. I would be comfortable installing them in a bathroom behind the sink, but would not install them near or in a shower.

Do peel-and-stick tiles look real?

From several feet away it looks real because the tile sheets have a raised look with high gloss. When I stand 2 feet away from the backsplash and stare I can see lines from the tile paper.

We went with the white subway backsplash with a grey grout look. It feels very neutral and timeless but still adds character and texture to the kitchen.

Update: Condition of Peel & Stick Tiles after 4 Years

After 4 years the tiles still look good overall with no peeling. They are still smooth and easy to wipe. I clean our faux backsplash with a damp cloth with no issue. I have not had a problem with the heat of our induction oven.

However, the tiles have turned more creamy (yellow in some light). I still think these are an excellent temporary solution for backsplashes in RVs, rentals, bathrooms behind sinks, and kitchens. Just know that the white tile color may turn more creamy after a year or two.

According to the manufacturer, the material can be removed by using concentrated heat from a hair dryer.

I hope you have found this article on our faux subway tile backsplash helpful! Our kitchen backsplash was small-budget friendly at under $125 to install, and it has the look and feel of a real backsplash.

In total the DIY project took us 3-4 hours to complete over the weekend and could be a great fit for kitchens and bathrooms on a budget.

Looking for another easy peel & stick tile project? Check out this peel & stick hexagon floor tile!

Julia Fain

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