The Best Floor & Wall Tiles

People love peel-and-stick wall and floor tiles because they are affordable, easy to install and come in countless colors and styles. The costlier ones are made from glass, stone, gel and metal, while the vinyl ones are pretty inexpensive.

You’ll pay around $12 to $15 for a box of 10 medium-quality 12-by-12-inch vinyl tiles. Some are designed for kitchen backsplashes, and you can also look for ones with texture. Some even add gel for a 3D effect.

As for the installation, vinyl peel-and-stick tiles don’t require a saw, grout, mortar, tile spacers, a drill or grout floats. This means that there will be no grout lines, which is a modern, clean and appealing look. All you need to do is measure the space, order the tiles, lay them out, peel the backs off and stick them up.

When you need to trim pieces for the sides, just mark the backs and cut with a sharp utility knife. If the tiles are made with natural materials, you may need extra tools and grout.

You’ll want to clean your tiles often to keep them in the best shape. You can clean vinyl ones with hot water and a drop of dishwashing liquid; rinse with a clean, damp cloth until the soap is gone.

If you’re concerned about the adhesive not being strong enough, you can install the tiles with a strong construction glue or contact adhesive instead. Ensure that the floor or wall is completely clean and dry before putting up your new tiles for the best results.

It makes sense to only buy one box of tiles when starting instead of several. This way, you can take them out, prop them up on the wall and look at them from a distance. If you don’t like what you see, you’ll only need to return the single box; go back to the other options you were considering and order one.

• Manufacturers may claim that their peel and stick tiles are waterproof, but you can add a line of silicone sealant in between the panels before installing them.
• To remove tough stains from vinyl tiles, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of hot water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid.
• Check to see how thick the panels are; thinner ones often look cheaper.
• Read the product descriptions to find out about the installation; otherwise, you might have more work than you bargained for.