How to Instantly Upgrade Your Bathroom Floor With Peel-and-Stick Titles
Margot Cavin / The Spruce
Most contractors will tell you that re-tiling a bathroom floor is a costly endeavor. Fortunately, you can save your money and opt for peel-and-stick floor tiles instead—these are our secret to an instant bathroom refresh.
Peel-and-stick tiles have come a long way—while they previously were recommended for backsplashes and low-traffic areas, newer versions work perfectly as a low-cost way to refresh your bathroom or powder room.
Because peel-and-stick tiles are an excellent option for many, we turned to two DIY experts for some tips on how to lay it like a pro.
Meet the Expert
Brandon Walker is the superintendent at ASAP Restoration LLC.
Erin Hybart is the realtor, tiny house enthusiast, and house flipper behind ReErin.
How to Know If Peel-and-Stick Is Right for You
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
Before diving head first into this, assess your bathroom to decide if peel-and-stick is the solution.
You're Looking for Affordable, Easy-to-Install Tile
As Brandon Walker of ASAP Restoration LLC points out, affordability and ease are two reasons people turn to peel-and-stick. This is often the case for people tackling a bigger renovation who want to spend their immediate budget on more pressing projects.
“Peel-and-stick tiles are a good option when you need a quick, impermanent solution that you can do now and replace later—without hating the in-between,” Walker says.
You Need a Temporary Solution
While peel-and-stick can be perfect for an instant refresh, they won’t last as long as more traditional flooring options.
“If you want to do a full bathroom remodel in five years but still want the space to feel improved, then peel-and-stick tiles are a great temporary solution,” Walker says.
You Can Spend a Bit More on a High-Quality Option
Erin Hybart of ReErin says she first attempted peel-and-stick tile in her home and quickly learned what not to do. Her first mistake? Using low-quality peel-and-stick tiles.
“I had to rip it up after a few weeks—it looked horrible,” she says. “Needless to say, I did some research before taking the project on again.”
Expert's Best Tips for Applying Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Be mindful of uneven flooring. Installing over anything with grout lines means your tile won't stick to the grout, she says. In a high-traffic area like a bathroom, it won’t take long for the tile to separate entirely.
Preparation is key. Our experts noted that cleaning and preparing your floor before installing peel-and-stick tiles is an absolute must. If you want the application to be as straightforward and painless as possible, Hybart says a flat surface also helps.
Plan your layout in advance. Before sticking the tiles down, triple-check their placement, Hybart says. Use a box cutter for precise cuts and a professional finish.
Be mindful of how many times you lift and replace. As Hybart points out, pulling tile up to reposition will only weaken the peel-and-stick aspect of your tiles. It’s better to start with a new tile than try to reuse one that was not placed properly, Hybart says.
How to Add Peel-and-Stick Tile to Your Bathroom
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
With these tips in mind, Walker talked us through the full process, step-by-step.
Prepare the surface. Walker says when getting started, your space must be perfectly clean, dry, and made of something that works well with the tile adhesive.
Gather your supplies and plan your layout. Walker also says the must-have supplies include a tape measure, utility knife, scissors, a straight-edge ruler, or other metallic straight-sided cutting backer, and a pencil or marker. Measure the dimensions of the room to figure out to get an idea of how much tile you will need, Walker says.
Purchase and cut your tiles. Once you’ve determined how much tile you’ll need, it’s time to place your order. Make sure they’re all the same lot number to get a consistent look, Walker suggests. When cutting tiles to fit around your bathroom, be sure to leave the backing on. Walker suggests using a tape measure and straight-edge ruler to mark the tile as needed, then, use a utility knife or scissors to cut the unwanted section out of the tile.
Peel off the backing. Only do this step when you've double-checked your layout and are absolutely ready to place the tile, Walker warns.
Place your first tile. Walker says the first tile is the most important. It must be set in place correctly—straight, level, and in line with the square of the room to guarantee true lines and a consistent look throughout.
Install the rest of the tiles. Now that your first tile is in place, you can install the rest. Make sure to stay consistent when laying subsequent tiles by either staying in rows, columns, or the pattern that you have chosen.
Secure tiles with something heavy. One possible downside of peel-and-stick tiles is that they can rise. The best way to prevent this is to press the tiles down with something heavy, says Walker. Once you’re finished, Walker suggests placing heavy objects on top of the tiles, particularly in the corners and seams.
Apply additional adhesive if needed. Additional adhesive can be used to ensure a stronger bond. Walker says this is common for the corners of the room, and can be a great solution to any lifting.
Allow time to set. If you find the tiles don’t stick immediately, don’t panic. Walker says it can take a minute to adhere to the surface. Good adhesion helps to prevent the tiles from rising, spreading, and even chipping.
Read Next: 36 Beautiful and Timeless Bathrooms With Hexagon Tile Floors
Read the original article on The Spruce.
