What Is Peel-and-Stick Flooring?
Peel-and-stick flooring is a type of vinyl flooring that has an adhesive back. Once you do some surface prep and layout work, simply remove the plastic film and stick it to the floor. It's an easy do-it-yourself project that can be done in a few hours.
Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring is available in planks or tiles. Choose from a large variety of colors and patterns that can replicate the look of marble, stone, tile, wood plank and more.
Types of Peel-and-Stick Flooring Materials
There are five types of peel-and-stick flooring. We'll explain the benefits and features of each.
Vinyl Floor Tiles
These peel-and-stick tiles are a true DIY product. They’re like stickers for the floor. Peel off the backing to reveal the adhesive and position them on the floor. They can be installed over any smooth floor surface like laminate, tile or wood. When you're ready to install a different floor, these tiles simply peel off. No need to call in the pros or risk damaging the subfloor.
Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring replicates the look and feel of wood and tile. Stone-look peel-and-stick flooring is a popular alternative to tile. The texture will give the floor a realistic feel, elevating the look of a room.
Here are a few peel-and-stick floor tile ideas to choose from:
- Marble Look
- Stone Look
- Wood Look
- Brick Look
- Spanish and Moroccan Tiles
- Geometric Shapes
- Checkerboard Designs
- Herringbone Pattern
Use patterned floor tiles in high traffic areas because they hide dirt and mess better than solid white or stone-look tiles.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Everybody loves wood floors but they can be pricey. Peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring can give you the look of wood without the cost. Vinyl planks are the most affordable wood flooring alternative and are easy to install, making them a great option when you’ve got a tight budget.
Manufacturers emboss the top layer of the vinyl to mimic the natural unevenness of wood grain. This adds character and detail to the flooring, a subtle change that can make a big difference in the appearance of a room.
For the best results you need a smooth and even subfloor to apply the peel-and-stick vinyl planks. The adhesive backing is pressure sensitive, so after laying a plank in position use a floor roller to secure it to the floor.
Not sure what you want? Purchase a few pieces and lay them out on the floor before committing to buying a whole roomful.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Most peel-and-stick vinyl flooring is water-resistant, but some products are waterproof which makes them impervious to puddles and moisture. Waterproof vinyl flooring is a great option for bathrooms and mudrooms that'll have to endure soggy towels, wet boots and splashes of all sorts.
Stain-Resistant Vinyl Flooring
All vinyl flooring is easy to clean. A damp mop with a splash of vinegar is all you need to wipe away spills and dirt. For high-traffic areas, opt for stain-resistant peel-and-stick vinyl flooring. It has a urethane coating that repels stains, resists fading, and is scuff resistant.
Try this type of flooring in entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. If you’ve got kids or pets, you’ll probably want to opt for stain-resistant flooring throughout your house.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank
If you want to elevate your look, opt for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It looks like interlocking engineered wood floors but it’s more expensive than vinyl plank and not as easy to install. LVP is still more affordable than wood floors, though.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile has the look of real tile, but without the hefty price tag. It's easy to install and doesn't require underlayment. A protective coating helps shield the flooring from stains and scuffs. Select a groutable peel-and-stick luxury vinyl tile for an even more realistic tile look.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Peel-and-Stick Flooring
If you're considering peel-and-stick flooring for your home, we'll break down some of the pros and considerations to keep in mind.
Pros
- Peel-and-stick flooring costs less than traditional tile or hardwoods.
- It works great for renters that want to cover up flooring they may not like. It won't damage existing floors and it's easy to remove once your lease it up.
- This is an easy DIY project that can be done in a weekend.
- Waterproof peel-and-stick flooring is great for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and laundry rooms.
- It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can replicate the look of wood, marble, terrazzo, stone and more.
Considerations
- Peel-and-stick flooring isn't as durable as tile, luxury vinyl planks or hardwoods.
- Extra preparation might be needed to install peel-and-stick flooring. The subfloor must be level and completely clean of dirt, debris and bumps or they'll appear under the surface.
- It could affect the resale of your home. Buyers typically look for higher-end materials such as tile, luxury vinyl plank or hardwoods.
Peel-and-Stick Flooring Ideas for Every Room
From budget peel-and-stick flooring ideas to luxury vinyl tile, peel-and-stick flooring can be used throughout your home. We'll show you how to incorporate it in your space.
This office gets a sophisticated update with a light brown wood-look vinyl floor.
Love the look of marble, but not the price tag? Try these vinyl floor tiles that mimic the look of your favorite stone.
If you have a space where mud, dirt, rain and snow get trekked into the house, we recommend using waterproof peel-and-stick vinyl flooring. These dark brown wood floors complement the dark blue cabinetry.
Stain-Resistant Vinyl Flooring
If you have pets, you need stain-resistant vinyl flooring. It provides an extra layer of protection from dirty paws.
Waterproof Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring
In this bathroom, a black hexagon pattern livens up an otherwise plain white space. And you won't have to worry about it getting ruined by splashes or spills because it's waterproof.
Peel-and-stick tiles aren't just for floors. They can also be used on a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom backsplash. Look for a groutable peel-and-stick product that looks like real tile.
Choosing Peel-and-Stick Floor Thickness
Peel-and-stick flooring is available in 1-millimeter to 2 ½-millimeter thick options. Vinyl flooring under 2-millimeter thick will not wear as well so place it in low-traffic areas like bedrooms and closets. Flooring that is 2-millimeter thick or more will be more stable and work best for covering existing flooring like tile or laminate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peel-and-stick flooring good for bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes, peel-and-stick flooring is good for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, entryways and more. If you're in an area in the home that's prone to mud, rain and other liquids, purchase waterproof peel-and-stick flooring.
How long does peel-and-stick vinyl flooring last?
As long as it's installed correctly and properly maintained, peel-and-stick flooring can last 20 years or more. For high-traffic areas, such as entryways or mudrooms, consider using a washable area rug or runner to cover up areas that see a lot of activity.
Can you install peel-and-stick flooring over tile or wood?
Yes, peel-and-stick flooring can be installed over tile or wood. But it's crucial that proper surface preparation is done first. The floor needs to be even and free from dirt, debris and bumps. Learn how to install peel-and-stick vinyl flooring.
Is underlayment needed for peel-and-stick flooring?
As long as the floor is clean and level, you typically don't need underlayment for peel-and-stick flooring.
Can you remove and replace peel-and-stick flooring easily?
Yes, it's usually easy to remove peel-and-stick flooring. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to separate the adhesive back from the subfloor. Once the tiles are removed, use heat or an adhesive remover and putty knife to remove the excess residue.
Conclusion
Don't have the budget for marble or wood flooring? Look no further than peel-and-stick-vinyl tile flooring. It's an affordable and easy DIY project that you can do in a few hours. This flooring comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors.
- Vinyl Floor Tiles
- Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
- Stain-Resistant Vinyl Flooring
- Luxury Vinyl Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you're ready to get started, purchase your peel-and-stick tile online or from your local Lowe's store. Then learn how to install it.