Vinyl Backsplash

An Inside Look at Vinyl Tile Backsplash

Posted on October 4, 2016

When it comes to choosing kitchen backsplash tiles, some people simply want an eye-catching cover-up, a dash of color, like a bit of lipstick or a fancy outfit. However choosing the type of tiles for your kitchen can be quite daunting. While walking into a tile showroom can be inspiring, it can be quite overwhelming as well. With spectacular tile displays and with so many options to choose from, all at different price tags. Which one do you choose? Hold up! Before you run over to the home center for a box of plain white tiles and miss out on a big opportunity to make a one of a lifetime impact on your kitchen, use vinyl tile backsplash.

Backsplash vinyl tile not only give your kitchen the makeover you desire, by adding texture, color, and pattern, but they also protect your walls from staining, especially in the areas close to your stove and sink; simply, the places where you prepare food, cook and clean… (And yes, you can use vinyl tile backsplash in bathrooms as well).

There is a myriad of different backsplash designs in the market. Hence, choosing the right vinyl tile backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom area can be quite daunting. But before your light at the end of the tunnel dims and fades out, below is a comprehensive review on a vinyl tile backsplash to help set you on the right path. Below we will help you decide which design works best for you, as well as, explain how to DIY your vinyl tile backsplash on your kitchen and delve into the pros and cons of these backsplash tiles plus we’ll give you tips on how to ensure your DIY backsplash look amazing.

But before we get into it, you should probably know that reading about these backsplash tiles is only the first step. The second step is figuring out what would work best in your kitchen. As you are reading this review, maintain an open mind and remember that what might work for your neighbor might not work for you. This is, of course, dependent on your preference and end game.

So, without further ado, let’s get right into it…

What is Vinyl Tile Backsplash?

Vinyl tile has been a popular flooring and backsplash choice for many people’s homes for decades. As a matter of fact, backsplashes have been around for quite some time, in fact, they have come a long way. They are self-adhesive, and with their peel-and-stick nature, backsplash tiles are probably the easiest way to add style to your kitchen without a lot of work. Today, these self-adhesive backsplash tiles are available in a wide array of different durable materials, color and styles including; faux metal patterns, glass mosaic tiles, simple laminate designs and painted artistic squares. All designed to make a bold statement and enhance your décor.

Why Choose It?

While there are a variety of flooring and backsplash materials you can choose for your kitchen or bathroom, Vinyl backsplash and flooring is almost indistinguishable from some of its pricey counterparts such as stone or ceramic. Vinyl tile is a DIY favorite for many. Made from a mixture of plasticizers and polyvinyl chloride, vinyl is highly resilient, durable, and easy to clean and provides a pliant cushion that gives underweight for comfort and then leaps right back into its previous form. Additionally, it is available in both tile and sheet form for versatile installation options.

Now grouped into a category known as “resilient flooring” today’s vinyl has evolved a lot from its previous make. Vinyl tiles are manufactured using the latest advancement in flooring technology to give improved, wear resistant and long lasting materials. Also, to offering better performance in flooring, vinyl tiles have gotten an evident makeover. They are available in a wide array of colors from dark to light, stylish patterns and designs, sizes as well as, different textures mimicking high-end impressive styles to choose from. This versatile kitchen backsplash and flooring offers something for everyone’s kitchen theme and style.

The kitchen vinyl tile does not absorb bacteria or odors making it a safe and sanitary option for your kitchen. Vinyl tiles are also extremely easy to clean making them an ideal option for bathroom, kitchen, laundry areas or just about any room where occasional spills are expected. Vinyl tiles are also extremely easy to maintain and install over the most existing flooring. Not to mention, they are an extremely fun DIY project to do.

Vinyl Tile Buying Guide

Vinyl tile

Vinyl tile

In this buying guide, we will delve into the different types of vinyl tile floors available, along with information on the wear layer and installation and care tips.

1. Choose from three types

Vinyl tiles can be installed either as a plank, tile or sheet.

a) Sheet.

Sheet vinyl is expansive, it comes in either 6 or 12 feet cut measurements or prepared in rolls. Sheets are best for high moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms because they can be installed seamlessly.

b) Tile.

Tiles are manufactured to exact dimensions of 12 or 18 inches; their uniform thickness is designed to give the finished room a homogenous look. Tiles are made from a variety of patterns to choose from. Self-adhesive tiles are the easiest to install and great for a DIY fanatic. Precision vinyl tiles make replacing backsplash tiles easy to replace.

c) Plank.

Plank vinyl is mainly manufactured 4 or 6 inches wide by 3 or 4 feet long. Plank mimics the hardwood look though easier to install and maintain, at an affordable place.

Modern vinyl designs can mimic ceramic, metallic and even stone elements at affordable prices that won’t dent your bank. However, note that vinyl tiles are the best for backsplash does it yourself kitchen ideas.

2. The Design

a) Color

You’ll be pleased to know that there is a wide range of color and pattern in the vinyl tile to choose from. The modular tile format gives you the chance to either other different colors to create patterns, check boards or use a single color for a uniformity effect.

Remember that darker colors can help create an intimacy effect in larger rooms while, lighter colors can help create the illusion of an expansive feel.

b) Pattern

Depending on how to plan to decorate your room, vinyl tiles are available in a variety of options that you would like. You can find the perfect look you desire; from traditional to trendy, geometrical to floral or even retro-modern designs. Let your room be the inspiration you need to create and amazing effect.

As you choose the type of vinyl tile for your room, keep in mind that larger patterns look work best for larger rooms while intricate patterns work best for smaller rooms. Large patterns in smaller rooms may be quite overwhelming.

c) Gloss and size

The standard vinyl tile sizes are available in low, medium or high shiny gloss to suit any style.

3. Printed VS. Inlaid Vinyl tiles

That said, when shopping around for vinyl tiles, you will most likely come across two types inlaid and printed. So, what is the difference?

a) Inlaid vinyl

This vinyl type embeds tiny vinyl granules on the backing, for a richer finish. This process creates extremely durable and much heavier flooring. This process gives these floors their fine texture and coloring from top to bottom eradicating any signs of scrapes and eventual chips.

b) Printed vinyl

This type of vinyl mimics the production of a magazine; such that patterns are printed using a paper top coat that is placed directly onto this sheet. This type of vinyl is a less pricey option to the inlaid but is less durable.

4. The essential Wear Layer

When you decide to choose a vinyl backsplash tile, you want it to remain last for many years to come right? As a general rule, the thicker the vinyl tile is the better the quality. Good quality vinyl tile should have the ability to resist wear, repel dirt and prevent staining as well as hold up to foot traffic. There are three types of wear layer and vinyl tile finishes to consider:

a) Vinyl no-wax

This is the most affordable option. It is stain resistant and easy to clean, also stays shiny. However, it requires a specific polishing time for it to retain its luster and is the least durable of the three finishings.

b) Urethane-coated finish

This type of finish is more durable, easy to clean and more resistant to stains and scuffs than the Vinyl no-wax finish with no need for daily polishing.

c) Enhanced coatings

The enhanced coatings finish holds up a high tier over the vinyl no wax and the urethane-coated finishes. It provides an excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and household stains better than the two finishes above. Plus, it is durable with no buffing or polishing needed.

Installation Considerations

Vinyl tile backsplash install

Vinyl tile backsplash install

Once you have chosen the design, color and look of you vinyl backsplash tiles that match your style, the next step is installation. If you plan on installing the backsplash vinyl tiles on your own, you must ensure you have the right tools for the job.

Basic installation items are:

  1. Utility knife
  2. Scissors
  3. Pry bar
  4. Rolling pin
  5. Ruler
  6. Handsaw
  7. Carpenter’s square
  8. Chalk line and,
  9. A hammer.

Before you start, prepare the wall surface before installation. Ensure that the wall surface is smooth, dry and flat. You should not feel any indentation, ridge or bump as it may eventually show on the surface of the vinyl tile, you don’t want that do you? So, be sure to fill in any holes and smoothen out rough areas.

Keep a clean damp rag near you during installation; it will come in handy to wipe up any excessive adhesive on your hands. If you are installing backsplash vinyl tiles directly over new concrete, ensure it is tested for pH level as well as moisture emission rates before installation. Lastly, if you are using self-adhesive tiles, it is ideal to apply latex primer to the surface before installation.

Tips to choose the perfect Vinyl Backsplash Tile

  1. Determine the surface where the tile is to be installed before you select the design.
  2. Read through the difference between different tiles.
  3. Determine your budget before getting sold on design and stick to it.
  4. Consider your household’s lifestyle and choose a themed effect that goes with it.
  5. Choose a backsplash style that can withstand your family’s habits; children and pets.
  6. Don’t settle until you get the best backsplash design, color and pattern that bring a decorative flair to your bathroom or kitchen. The sky is the limit for your backsplash.

Pros

  1. With these self-adhesive tiles, you save both time and money simply because, once you stick them on the wall, your job is done!
  2. Peel and stick tiles backsplash tiles come in an endless array of colors, designs, and texture suitable for any interior.
  3. They are extremely easy to install, no rocket science needed, installation simply involves cutting the tiles, peeling them off and sticking them on the wall, plus there is no mess made.
  4. This does it your job is a fun activity for you and your spouse or kids.
  5. They are highly durable and great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms and are very easy to clean off stains.
  6. If your kitchen needs a makeover and you are renovating on a budget or are a DIY fanatic, vinyl backsplash tile is a good choice.
  7. Requires no high maintenance compared to its counterparts ceramic and stone.
  8. Very affordable, you can rest assured you won’t break your bank with vinyl tile backsplash plus they create a beautiful effect in your home.

Cons

While the vinyl backsplash tile may be the best in the market, there are a few downsides to it:

  1. DIY peel and stick backsplash tile require a preparatory wall representation.
  2. If the walls surfaces are not smooth, the adhesive used to stick the tiles will not stick properly and the desired results will not be as expected.

Conclusion

Overall, and judging from customer reviews, vinyl backsplash tiles allow you the chance to make a bold statement in your kitchen and achieve high-end, elegant floors that are durable at an affordable price. When evaluating backsplash vinyl tile options, consider your unique lifestyle needs to select the best match in design and performance.

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