HOW TO INSTALL PEEL + STICK TILE

Sharing an afternoon project on how to install peel and stick tile.

I was compensated by Aspect for this tutorial. 

IThis peel and stick project had my husband and I on opposite sides of this budget-friendly, DIY option. Today I will share the details of this afternoon project and suggestions on where or where not to install peel and stick tile. So let’s dive into the details.

HOW TO INSTALL PEEL + STICK TILE

The unexpected surprise was this was a much easier project than I anticipated.

The easiest part was of this tutorial was I knew where I  wanted to install these adhesive-backed tiles. 

DIY STEPS

Last year we took down the dated, stock cabinets in our almost 20-year-old builder-built basement bar. We replaced the cabinets with these shelves.

When we removed the cabinets we installed an MDF board. My plan was to create a chalkboard with a Starbucks vibe. Yeah, not so much. It turns out there is a reason why Starbucks has a great vibe in their stores. They know how to work a chalkboard.

I knew the peel and stick tile would dress up the bar and give the wall behind the shelves a multi-dimensional backdrop.

When the box arrived the only thing I was worried about was if there were enough peel & stick tile panels to cover the approximate 6×5 foot wall behind the bar. A quick non-math calculation looked promising. The visual method (eyeball the space) gave me the enthusiasm I needed to install these sticky tiles.

SUPPLY LIST

•  level
• scissors
• permanent marker
• Aspect Peel & Stick stone in Charcoal Slate

STEPS TO INSTALL

I started at the bottom of the wall  (just above the counter) and in the corner behind the kitchen sink. I decided if I screwed up the corner it would be less noticeable hiding behind a roll of paper towels.

The project moved right along until I got to the outlets and the shelf hardware. I freaked a bit thinking this was where my project would go off the rails.

Tip: Remain calm when faced with outlets.

I removed the shelves’ brackets and outlet covers and used the stone tile scraps to fill in around the outlets and hardware. It went much smoother than I anticipated.

I had a little bit of wiggle room with the straight line cuts because the hardware flange and outlet covers covered the cut edges of the stone tile.

I used a level with each panel.

Translation: I did not screw it up. 

I used a level with each panel and the black plywood made any tiny gaps blend into the wall. The Charcoal Slate tiles included shades of grays. It adds texture and depth to the bar where the chalkboard did not.

I love, love, love the finished look. It took about two hours to complete. The added bonus was there was no cleanup, grout, or glue. 

SUGGESTION ON WHERE TO INSTALL

• Choose a small space
• Do not install on an exterior wall (the temperature fluctuations may cause adhesive to break down
• Consider lining a bookcase or hutch with these adhesive tiles

Realtor opinion: I recently showed a fix and flip to a buyer and the sellers had installed peel and stick tiles to an entire wall. It was pulling away from the wall. I don’t suggest this on a fix and flip property because the adhesive tiles will “flip” away from the walls.

THE DETAILS

The Aspect Peel & Stick tile products are available in stone, metal, and glass in the subway and matted styles. r. You can find lots of inspiration at their e-commerce site, DIY Decor Store. 

On the fence? You can request a sample here.

Disclosure: I received a product in exchange for creating a review and sharing photos of the project. All opinions are my own. And, I loved this product! 

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