Anyone ever lay "peel n' stick" floor tiles before? Are they any good?

Question

I am on a limited budget, & remodelling my kitchen, so I figured they were the cheapest way to go. Anyone have any advice, tips, complaints?

Answer 1

I did that and it was a nightmare. They all peeled up.

Answer 2

The problem with these things is the surface you are applying them to has to be VERY clean otherwise they will not stay stuck.  What you should do, after cleaning and degreasing the floor, is to apply a primer made for tile adhesive, then brush on a thinset tile adhesive.  When the adhesive gets tacky, set your self-stick tiles into the adhesive.  

I would never trust the adhesive on the back of the tiles by itself.  Unless your kitchen floor is COMPLETELY free of wax, dirt and grease you can count on the tiles peeling up.

Answer 3

They are easy to install but they do not last long.

The finish wears aways to even minimal traffic.

Kp

Remodeler

Answer 4

Peel and stick are fine in small spaces make sure surface is clean and free of hard debris like crumbs and such go over one time with a mop and water(soap0 let dry then make mark for the middle of room and start there work your way outword so any small pieces are along wall!

Answer 5

I was living in a rental apartment and couldn't stand the tiles anymore so I used peel & stick. It's been 8 years and they still look great. You can buy them for a $1 a piece at the Dollar store but I DO NOT recommend that. It works out cheaper (and much better quality and selection) from a hardware store like Home Depot, Lowe's, Rona etc. You save a few dollars and a lot of heartache with cheap, crappy tiles.

My kitchen isn't very big so it didn't take me very long!

Answer 6

Ialways use glue with them...not a good idea in kitchen or bathroom where it gets wet!...Make sure to put rugs down in front of sinks,toilets and tub and check often to insure they are dry!...I also use a pc. of small 2x4 or rubber cube  with a hammer to make sure all pieces are tight together...Just start in middle of floor-or u will run into a night mare!...Make sure that the first few pcs are all even with each other or as you progress it gets further and further in alligned and boy does it look like c**p!...I prefer lino over squares any day, but can't make correct cuts and sorry no trim hides my mistakes!...Oh once you peel the bvacking off be careful as they really stick to you!...Make sure u sweep very well 1st then take a vacuum to the floor as well...use a small notched trowel as to much glue is a mess!...I will put the unopened boxes of tiles or paint cans or large books down on my tiles that I already laid as a weight after I have walked over them...U will see what I mean...Alot of mistakes I made and trial and errors!...Good luck and my best wishes to you!...Try the parquet wood floor-its just as cheap as tile squares and you install the same way...I never buy the expensive wood glue-just all purpose henrys in the smaller pail-works great...I have put it right over existing linoleumn or plywood etc...be sure to fill in plywood holes,patches first-or you will see them thru lino or sq. tiles!...

Answer 7

I have answered so many Q's about peel and stick, and while not at all a fan I GET IT, in your situation.

   Most important initially is what they will be installed Over/On.

   No matter that however, assuming the substrate, or old flooring is level, MY personal preference is to use a water based contact cement, Du Pont, I think, makes one in a pleasing Aqua color, about the consistency of Milk.

   AFTER measuring out and squaring the floor, much as one might for ceramic tile, I suggest working in small areas at a time. Apply the contact cement to the substrate, assuming it will work with the overlay, then peel the paper and apply to the base of the tile piece. Allow proper dry time, then press into place. This process allows less OOOPS, initially, but a more secure bond in any long term.

   The water based contact, is as effective as the gooey lacquer base, cleans up with water in throw away brushes, is less toxic, or odor offensive.

   A gallon may cost as much as the tile??? BUT in the end will offer a better job, properly applied.

   TIPS:  Always use drops and masking where you don't want any tile to be sticking. Measure and make cuts in advance, even if you have to adjust by fractions, and work backwards to an exit point.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 8

Yes Peel and Stick are AMAZING!  Huge difference for very little money.

A couple of things -

1.  Make sure the surface is clean.

2.  Measure the middle of the room and put four square tiles there and work out from there.  That way the room is balanced.

You will LOVE the result!