How to Install Smart Tiles: Your Guide to Installing Peel and Stick Tile

Are you ready to give your kitchen a facelift in just a weekend? Learn how to install Smart Tiles, and you'll have a beautiful backsplash or accent wall by Monday!

Smart Tiles are an easy DIY project with major impact. Follow this guide and prepare for a home makeover you’ll love.

What are Smart Tiles?

Smart Tiles or peel-and-stick tiles have quickly become a favorite of DIYers all over the country. These easy-to-install tiles provide the finishing touch on a high-end remodel, add some flair and character to an older kitchen, or give some color to a bland bathroom.

It's okay if you haven't worked with peel and stick tiles before. Smart Tiles require no special tools. They're easy to cut and clean. The installation isn't complicated or messy. Best of all, you can choose from an array of colors and patterns from Do it Best.

If you're dreaming of updating your kitchen or bathroom but have felt intimidated by the project, now is the time to learn how to install Smart Tiles. It's so easy; you'll feel confident and proud of this DIY project.

Tools Needed to Install Smart Tiles

If you’re ready to get started on an easy backsplash makeover with peel and stick Smart Tiles, you don’t need much in terms of supplies. The Smart tile panels come with adhesive backing, so there’s no need to add anything before you attach them to the surface. For the most professional-looking tile installation, you’ll need the following:

Cleaner with grease remover
Cleaning rags
Level
Ruler
Chalk or marking pencil

Box cutter or utility knife
Smart tile (peel and stick tile) of your choice
Silicone caulk

Smart Tiles Installation: Peel and stick

Because Smart tile installation is so simple, it’s a perfect beginner DIY project (with a big impact)! To get the best results from your Smart tile project, follow the video guide below and these simple steps.

Step 1: Plan and Gather Supplies

Before you begin your Smart tile installation, you’ll want to decide where you want the tiles to go. Measure the wall space to ensure you purchase enough tiles to cover the area. You'll want to allow for mistakes.

Gather all the supplies and prepare the area ahead of time. Make sure you have a clean, clear workspace to begin your tile installation. Although peel and stick isn't messy, you'll want room to measure, cut, and install the tile properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Wall for Peel and Stick Tile

One of the most crucial steps to peel and stick tile success is to start with a prepared surface. It's essential to make sure there's no grease on the walls if you're working in a kitchen—the grease can cause the tiles to fail to adhere.

Use a cleaner with a degreaser and cleaning rags to wash and remove all debris from the wall. Be sure to dry the wall thoroughly before installing peel and stick tile.

Step 3: Plan Smart Tile Placement and Measure

Before peeling and sticking the tile to the wall, you’ll want to plan the placement and lay out the tile (while the adhesive backing is still covered). Then, line the tiles up against the wall and plan around any outlets, corners, or areas of the wall that you may need to accommodate.

Use a level, ruler, and chalk or marking pencil to trace guidelines for laying out your Smart tile. Ensure that you have enough material to cover the area of the wall. Remember, "measure twice, cut once" before cutting the tiles.

Step 4: Measure and Cut Your Smart Tiles

Smart tile installation is very easy. Because the peel and stick tiles are typically made with vinyl, you can use a ruler and a box cutter or utility knife to cut out the shapes you've planned. Of course, it's best to do all the cutting on a flat surface.

Be sure to put a protective cover on any surface before cutting. Use a cutting board, cardboard, or other material beneath the tile. Cut carefully and slowly, using deliberate, steady pressure.

Step 5: Peel and Stick the Smart Tile to the Wall

Once you’re ready to put up your tile pieces, you simply fold back the protective paper backing and peel it away from the tile. You’ll align the adhesive portion of the tile with your guidelines on the wall. Smooth the tile down, applying light pressure as you go.

If your tile has a pattern, be sure that it aligns correctly. The process doesn’t take a long time, but you’ll want to give yourself permission to go slowly. Occasionally step back and assess the tile application to ensure that it’s giving you the look you want.

Step 6: Apply Sealant, If Desired

After sticking the tile to the wall, you are essentially done with your peel and stick tile installation. But if you want a polished, professional look, you can use silicone caulk sealant to fill in the seams and finish the top and bottom of the tile.

Match the sealant to the color backing on the tile or use clear. Apply a small amount, following the guidelines on the caulk packaging. Consider applying the sealant to any spots where the tile meets the floor, ceiling, counter, cupboards, or other surfaces.

Best Places for Smart Tiles Where should you use Smart Tiles?

You can create a peel and stick backsplash in your kitchen (one of the most common uses for Smart Tiles). You could also use peel and stick tile to cover other surfaces throughout your home.

Peel and stick Smart Tiles can cover wear and tear on the top of a table. You can use peel and stick tile to update your fireplace. Try peel and stick Smart Tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, washroom, laundry room, or any space where tile may be appropriate.

What Surfaces Can You Use Peel and Stick Smart Tiles On?

Peel and stick Smart Tiles are quite versatile. You can install them on many different surfaces and areas throughout your home. However, there are some guidelines to keep in mind as you consider redecorating with Smart Tiles.

Smart Tiles stick best to flat, non-porous, even surfaces. While they can hold up to some water, they aren’t a good fit for constantly damp areas like the shower. Smart Tiles are durable but aren't made for extremely high traffic surfaces, such as floor or countertop installation. On a similar note, while Smart Tiles have a strong adhesive, they also don't work well on the ceiling.

Peel and stick tiles need a smooth surface to adhere. They don’t attach well to plaster, brick, stone, stucco, or raw plywood. However, they are great for updating already-finished surfaces with a brand new look.

For the best results, install Smart Tiles on the following surfaces:

Atop wallpaper
Over mirrored surfaces
Painted, smooth walls

Ceramic or glass tiles
Linoleum and finished wood
Acrylic wall panels

Smart Tiles are wonderful for covering up and updating unsightly surfaces in your home. If you’re ready for an upgrade, consider using Smart peel and stick tiles for a whole new look. These inexpensive, beautiful tiles can transform a space. Find all the tile supplies you need at Do it Best.

While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.