How Are They Holding up? Smart Tile Backsplash Review

Have you ever considered adding Smart Tiles peel-and-stick backsplash in your home?  Are you curious how Smart Tiles hold up over time?  Get all your questions answered and find out how ours are holding up three years later! 

I can't believe it's been over three years since I installed our Smart Tiles peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash.  At the time, I was looking for an affordable, quick, and mess-free update for our kitchen and these peel-and-stick subway tiles were just what the space needed.  

They're the next best thing to a real tile backsplash and perfect for a temporary budget-friendly update.  They were super easy to install (I installed them myself one afternoon while my husband was at work) and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.   

I get a lot of questions about their durability and now is a great time to let you know how they are holding up and answer all your burning questions. 

ARE PEEL-AND-STICK TILES EASY TO INSTALL? 

Yes!  There's no mess and all you need is a straight edge, tape measure (or ruler) laser level, utility knife, and a little patience. 

WHAT BRAND OF PEEL-AND-STICK TILES DID YOU USE?

I used Smart Tiles, which I think is the best brand of peel-and-stick tiles around.  They can be bought at Home Depot or directly from Smart Tile.  

WOULD YOU INSTALL PEEL-AND-STICK VINYL TILES AGAIN?

Yes, if I were looking for a temporary update to my home.  I'm no stranger to tiling (I tiled our basement bathroom floor and bar backsplash) and would probably choose real tile over peel-and- stick for a longer-term investment.

DO PEEL-AND-STICK VINYL TILES FEEL LIKE REAL TILES?

Smart Tiles are made of a shiny gel component resin that gives them dimension so they LOOK like real tile but don't necessarily feel like real tile.

ARE SMART TILES RENTER-FRIENDLY?

Even though the tiles are technically removable they have a strong adhesive backing that can damage walls when repositioned or removed.  The damage is minimal (peeling off paint or drywall), but I recommend asking your landlord before installing this type of tile.  You can use a hairdryer or heat gun to heat tiles and loosen the adhesive to help limit damage.

HOW ARE YOUR KITCHEN SMART TILES HOLDING UP?

I wipe down the walls often, especially behind the sink and there are only a few areas where corners of the tiles are peeling up.   If you look closely in the picture below you can see where a small corner of one tile is peeling away.  It also gives you an idea of how the seams look where the tiles overlap and join together.

CAN PEEL-AND-STICK TILES BE INSTALLED ON TEXTURED WALLS?

I do not recommend installing tiles on plaster or textured walls as they won't adhere properly.

DO YOUR KITCHEN ADHESIVE TILES STAIN EASILY?

I have had everything from spaghetti sauce to paint (yes, I am one of those people who rinse their paintbrushes out in the kitchen sink) splattered on our tiles and there are no stains or yellowing. 

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST TIPS FOR INSTALLING PEEL-AND-STICK VINYL TILES?

1.  Before applying tiles clean walls with a degreaser and smooth out any uneven areas for maximum adhesion.

2.  A laser level will save your sanity when installing the tiles.

3. Use caulk around windows and corners to seal gaps for a professional and realistic look.

4. Measure and cut out around electrical outlets and windows before removing the backing.

5. Use a brand new blade in your utility knife to keep cuts as clean as possible. 

Three years later, I am still happy with how my vinyl peel-and-stick kitchen backsplash is holding up.  

I recommend them to anyone looking for an easy DIY project with minimal mess and expense.  There's no need to hire an installer, rent a tile saw, or wait for adhesive and grout to dry.  You can have these tiles up in one afternoon and enjoy your updated space right away. 

     

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