How to Choose Peel & Stick Vinyl Flooring?

Given that flooring is traditionally such a major commitment, it makes sense that a handful of alternatives—like peel and stick floor tile—have sprouted up to offer a fresh look for less money and less hassle. Peel and stick flooring is applied over your existing floors in a manner similar to wallpaper.

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But is it the quick fix of your dreams or just a temporary improvement? Ultimately, the answer depends on your overall budget, space, and personal preferences. To help you make the decision, here's the lowdown on what you can expect from peel and stick flooring.

• Tamara Day, interior designer and the host of HGTV's Bargain Mansions

Pros of Peel and Stick Flooring

As with most DIY home solutions, there are both pros and cons to peel and stick flooring. Here are some of the upsides and downsides to using peel and stick flooring.

Little Preparation

Vinyl peel and stick flooring doesn’t need an underlayment, so you don’t have to put anything down before placing the tiles. Like the product says, just peel off the backing and stick! This type of flooring is popular not only for its low cost, but also how easy it is to install yourself without the help of a pro.

Easy Application

Peel and stick flooring is made from a vinyl material that's roughly 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters thick (much thicker than wallpaper). It is also sometimes referred to as vinyl plank flooring, vinyl tiles, or peel and stick tiles. It's super easy to apply and sticks to most subfloor materials.

Common floor types you can usually place peel and stick tiles on (depending on the product you buy) include concrete, plywood, tile, and vinyl. Some varieties of peel and stick flooring tiles can also be placed over linoleum, but not all. Be sure to check the product description of the tiles you're buying to see which materials they can be placed over, as not all peel and stick flooring is the same.

Variety of Styles

This type of vinyl flooring has come a long way from the eclectic sheet vinyl found in outdated kitchens and baths. Instead, today's peel and stick flooring can look like wood planks or stone tile, and options are available for every design style.

"While you might think of the laminate flooring from decades ago—and maybe cringe a bit—peel and stick flooring comes in a huge variety of patterns and styles, and can be an affordable alternative to engineered or more luxury products," says Tamara Day, an interior designer and the host of HGTV's Bargain Mansions.

Cost Effective

Depending on the quality and style of the flooring, you can expect to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot, which means that a 200-square foot room costs between $200 to $ to have peel and stick floors installed. You can save on the cost by installing the floors yourself, which Day says is surprisingly easy to do.

Long Lasting

On average you can expect peel and stick floors to last between five and 25 years. However, their life span ultimately comes down to how well they're installed, how much traffic they receive, and whether they're repeatedly exposed to water.

Excellent installation means that the subfloor is in good shape and completely even before you apply the peel and stick planks. "In a space that is rarely used you will get a lot more life out of it than you would from a high traffic area, but even in your high traffic area, you will have years of use if the flooring installed well," Day says.

While some products are approved for heavier water areas, you may find that the flooring lasts longer if such areas are avoided.

Easy Removal

When it's time to upgrade your floors or you just want to change up the look, removing peel and stick flooring is easy for a few key reasons:

• No need for tools or special solvents. The adhesive backing on peel-and-stick floors is designed to be easily removed. You should be able to remove the flooring without any tools (beyond a basic utility or putty knife) or special solvents.
• Minimal residue. High-quality peel-and-stick tiles shouldn't leave much adhesive residue behind. While there is likely to be some residue, there shouldn't be the need for extensive cleaning or scraping.
• Quick process. Because the tiles of a peel-and-stick floor are typically smaller and lighter, you can quickly lift and remove them without extreme effort or a big time commitment. Depending on how much flooring you have, it should only take a minutes to remove (at least for small sections).
• Easy disposal. Peel-and-stick floor tiles are lightweight and can be easily disposed of without the need for special handling or large waste containers. You can toss them out in your house and take them out with your regular garbage.

Cons of Peel and Stick Flooring

While there are tons of benefits to using peel and stick flooring, it's not necessarily the best solution for everyone.

Not a Long-Term Solution

Peel and stick flooring is particularly ideal for spaces where you're looking for a short-term solution or for areas where you don't want to invest a ton of money just yet. "The material is actually very durable and somewhat water-resistant," says Day.

"For instance, I consider them a great solution for a kids' space or a multi-purpose room. Because these vinyl tiles are easy to install yourself and pretty easy to remove later on, you can use them while the kids are young and upgrade the space to something more sophisticated when they've outgrown a playroom."

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Peel and stick flooring could also work in a guest bedroom, the laundry room, or even in a walk-in closet. However, they're not ideal for the long term if you might want to invest the money in a better-quality solution.

Tricky for Busy and Large Spaces

Day recommends avoiding super high-traffic areas, such as the living room or an entryway. Large spaces may also benefit from a better-quality option since the adhesive used may degrade over time, causing the tiles to shift or curl. Plus, bubbles or inconsistencies in the adhesion can result in gaps or uneven surfaces, which can cause tripping hazards.

While some people opt to install vinyl plank flooring throughout their house and have had a positive experience doing so, it's not necessarily ideal for large spaces.

Not Ideal for Damp Areas

Peel-and-stick floors have the potential to be damaging to some subfloors as they can trap moisture beneath the surface, which can cause mold growth. That's why Day recommends avoiding major "splash zones," such as bathrooms and kitchens. Avoid humid areas and make sure to quickly clean up any spills before they seep into the seams.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you clean peel and stick flooring?

  To clean peel and stick flooring, start by sweeping it up or vacuuming it to remove any dirt and debris. Then, mop the peel and stick flooring with warm water and a mild detergent. (To avoid damaging the adhesive, make sure that the mop is only damp, not soaked.) You can spot clean stubborn stains with a gentle cleaner, as well. Be sure to dry the floor with a dry rag to prevent mold.

• Can I install peel and stick flooring myself?

  Yes, you may be able to install peel and stick flooring yourself, as it is designed to be a DIY-friendly option. The process involves measuring and cutting the flooring to fit your floors, and then removing the sticky backing to press the titles into place. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to best prepare the surface, and take your time to avoid air bubbles or misalignment.

• Does peel and stick tile need to be grouted?

  Typically, peel and stick tile floors do not need grout. The tiles are designed to fit tightly together, minimizing the need for grout between them. Overall, peel and stick floors are easier to apply and maintain since they don't need to be grouted and re-grouted. However, you can choose to grout the tiles for aesthetic purposes if you prefer.

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 are 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.

Vinyl floor tiles run the gamut from traditional looks that mimic elaborate Spanish and Moroccan designs to contemporary styles with bold geometric shapes and colors. There are also transitional styles that combine contemporary and traditional influences. 

Not sure what you want? Get samples and stick a few tiles on the floor before committing to buying a whole roomful.

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 and sensation of a room. 

For 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. 

If you want to elevate your look, opt for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring instead. It mimics 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.

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