How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Kitchen backsplash tiles are regarded as the beauty of the kitchen, thanks to the several aesthetic features they offer. While backsplash tiles protect your kitchen walls against splashes, greases, and spills, they take the role of the focal point of the room.

Hence, choosing the right backsplash tiles can help elevate the look of your kitchen and create the right impression.

Thankfully, you no longer have to struggle to install your backsplash tiles, thanks to the DIY friendliness of peel and stick tiles. With the self-adhesive feature of peel and stick tiles, you can design your kitchen yourself without hiring the services of an installer.

This guide provides you with all you need to know when choosing the right backsplash tiles for your kitchen.

A few reasons justify why homeowners are ditching tradition tiled backsplashes for peel and stick tiles. These reasons include:

One impressive reason is the elimination of installers. Since peel and stick tiles come with a strong adhesive backing that sticks to the wall easily once you peel the protective sheet, installation is seamless, and you don't need an installer.

Of course, you don't need any special tools to install your kitchen backsplash tiles. With a utility knife to peel the protective sheet and a roller to smooth the tiles, you can install your tiles in a matter of minutes.

Interestingly, you don't deal with grout during installation or drying time. Plus, you can easily remove your tiles without leaving any residue behind or causing damage, which makes this option of backsplash ideal for rentals or homeowners who like changing their kitchen style frequently. 

Peel and stick backsplash tiles only cost a fraction of traditional backsplash. This is understandable since traditional kitchen backsplashes are made from ceramic and stone, which require intensive work to manufacture.

With a budget of $5-15 per square foot, you can have your kitchen decorated with your choice of style. 

When it comes to design, we differ in tastes and styles, and hence our choices of colors and patterns differ. Kitchen backsplash tile manufacturers have recognized this uniqueness in taste and offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures.

The appearance of these tiles mimics premium materials like subway ceramic, natural stone, and luxurious marble, creating the impression of traditional backsplashes.

Your kitchen style is the best place to start your tile selection from. Depending on your choice of style and the impression you want to create in your kitchen, choose the backsplashes that suit your dream aesthetic.

For example, if you cherish a sleek modern look, go with large-format neutrals or options with clean subway. If you aim to create a farmhouse design, aim for shiplap-inspired tiles. Traditional kitchens look well with herringbone patterns, while traditional kitchens wear metallic and concrete-looking tiles perfectly well.

Regardless, you want to consider trending designs. Subway tiles are often used in designing the whole kitchen wall from the floor to the ceiling to create a bold statement and a natural look with some sense of sophistication in the kitchen.

While patterns matter, colors also play a huge role in selecting the right backsplash tiles for your kitchen. If you own a small kitchen that you would like to make airy, go for light shades like white and pastels since they reflect light. Conversely, darker shades like navy, charcoal, and black help add mood and contrast to the space and are a better option for larger spaces.

Here are a few pro tips to prepare you for your tile selection and installation:

Gather Inspiration and Measure

You can get inspiration about the perfect peel and stick tiles for your style online or in magazines. Follow this by measuring the backsplash area by multiplying the height by the width and subtracting the cabinet and appliances areas.

Select and Purchase

Pick your style and ask your supplier if they can send you samples to have a better idea of what you are investing in. Don't forget to buy extra tiles, at least 10% of your estimated backsplash area.

How much preparation goes into your installation surface influences the final result you will get from your installation. Clean the surface with a vinegar solution or any degreaser product to remove grease, old residue, and dust. You also want to fill holes and ensure the wall is dry before installation.

Start your backsplash tile installation from a corner. Peel the backing halfway and stick firmly to the wall as you unpeel the other half. Stick firmly and smooth, and remove bubbles with a roller. In the absence of a roller, use a credit card or any similar object. Your utility knife comes in handy when you need to make a cut to accommodate outlets or windows.

Peeling of tiles often starts from the edges. Hence, it makes sense to ensure that the edges are secure by pressing thoroughly against the surface. Some options come with trim pieces for polished ends.