Backsplash Update with Stone tiles

Backsplash Update with Stone tiles

It only makes sense to combine them and use stone tiles to add classic elegance and style to your backsplash. They are elegant naturally, so you don’t ever need to worry about the backsplash going out of style. There are also so many color and design options, you’ll easily be able to coordinate them with your overall kitchen decor to create a stunning focal point.

Popular stone backsplash tiles

  • Marble. This is one of the most luxurious stones with veining variations that are always one-of-a-kind. Marble backsplashes can add dramatic contrast to a room with dark cabinets or give even more light to a room with white or light-colored ones. They do require a bit more maintenance, but as long as they’re sealed and used on a backsplash, you’ll be fine.
  • Granite. This is considered the hardest rock, and people love it because of the stone’s strength, durability, and heat resistance. It also comes in many colors and veining variations.
  • Soapstone. This is completely impervious to liquid, so you don’t need to worry about stains. It withstands scratches, too. Soapstone has a distinctive marbling that will upgrade any kitchen.
  • Limestone. This is durable and resistant to mold and bacteria with visuals that include patterned specks or streaks, as well as a large color assortment.
  • Slate. This stone adds sophistication and functionality with waterproof capabilities and easy clean–grease stains just wipe off.
  • Travertine. Used for decades as a building material, this comes in a peel and stick color palette with striation and pockets. It’s durable and resistant to water and moisture.
  • Peel and Stick Stone Tiles. They are made of PVC composite material, painted as real stone look, lightweight and easy to install, everybody can do-it-themselves even you are a kid, it added much more fun to make a DIY backsplash.

Various finishes

There are many kinds of finishes. but these are the most common: Polishing makes stone slick, reflective, and shiny, Honing is similar to polishing, but the result is a matte, satin-like, and somewhat glassy look. Tumbling means the stone goes into a special machine and their edges are smooth and polished, making them look almost like marbles.

Peel and Stick Stone Tile Backsplash is the Best Choice

When you are selecting peel and stick stone tiles, you are selecting them in a warehouse or (heaven forbid) outdoors. The lighting is questionable at best and definitely NOT what you will have in your home. Even if you take your paint colors, your tiles, etc., to the slab, it is really difficult to see the right undertones and to verify all will look great together.

You’re also looking at a slab in a vertical position and unless

you are using it on a wall, that position can even affect the overall coloration and appearance with your other samples. Especially if you have a peel and stick mosaic tiles that tends to vary a lot, like Clever Mosaics, for example, which I use often. It can look warm toned on one job and gray on another, depending on the part of the mountain it is coming from and the stock available. Any peel and stick stone product have variation and some unpredictable color tones. Whether it is slab material or tile, peel and stick stone has variations. You could have 3 samples of the same peel and stick stone tile and all 3 might look alike until you get a box or a lot of the tiles. The box just likely will have some tiles in a different color tone. That is part of the beauty of peel and stick stone. 

That’s why pairing together two different materials that have variation and changes in undertone can be risky. Especially if you are comparing them in a poor lighting situation. 

Peel and stick Stone Also Affects Backsplash Choice

It’s not ONLY that the undertones in peel and stick stone products can be difficult to see, especially in a compromised lighting situation like a stone tile warehouse, but it has to do with the movement and variation.

I’m a firm believer that you should pick one of the two to have strong variation and movement when selecting countertops and backsplashes. Either the countertop has it or the backsplash. It just makes for a pleasing combination design-wise.

How to install peel and stick stone tiles

Before you install peel and stick tile, Start with a clean, dust-free wall before installation. If you’re starting with bare drywall and it needs to be primed or painted first, I would let it cure for a few days at the least. 

When you start, use a level to make a straight line on the wall above your first tile. Use this as your guide as you start your first line of tile.

Mark the middle of your wall and start your first tile centered on that spot. 

This product has a sticky adhesive back — hold your tile up and determine placement and cuts before peeling the plastic off the back:

There are composite PVC tiles that are SUPER easy to cut — just use a utility knife or strong pair of scissors.

You will not be able to adjust this stuff — once it’s on, it’s on! It’s scarier than it sounds though. As long as you take your time and figure out the placement before peeling off the back, you’ll be fine. Then simply stick the tiles on the walls. 

After sticking each piece to the wall, use your hands and press firmly along the whole piece to make sure it’s flat against the wall. 

This is just a peek at the progress! The sticky tile made for an easy makeover in this spot

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