You guys know I hate to spend tons of money on my projects....well, this one kind of takes the cake in the money saving / thrifty department. I have seen plank walls all over the place, and really wanted to try one myself. One day I hopped in my truck and headed to Home Depot to take a look around and see what I wanted to do. I looked around in the lumber department, and felt a little overwhelmed. So, in true Jess fashion, I just started wondering aimlessly around the store. I found myself in the flooring section, dreaming of new hardwood floors that just weren't in my budget, and noticed a price sticker on one of the shelves that floored me. Pun intended. I looked up from the 98 cents a piece sticker and saw these peel and stick faux wood flooring strips and BAM! The light went off! I knew it was meant to be...I mean, that's how things that were meant to be happen, right?
I decided to buy a bunch and bring them home with me. I was going to make a planked backsplash in my kitchen and fool everyone...except I'm telling you about it, so you really aren't fooled are you?
So, here is what I did. I started by laying them out on my dining table to see just how I wanted them to look on my wall. It's not a very large space, so I wanted to make sure the planks would fit.
I peeled the paper off of the back of the first one and placed it up on the wall.
Then I started stacking them. I couldn't stop myself to take photos, I just kept going. I literally just pealed the paper off of them and stuck them up on the wall and pressed as hard as I could to get the adhesive to stick to the wall.
There were some pieces that needed to be cut to fit in the remaining spaces. The most awesome thing of all is that I could just use scissors because these babies cut like butter!
Once I got them all up, I took a step back. Oh my goodness...amazing! I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to leave them as is...they were to be painted.
I took out my favorite Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint and gave them two coats. The faux wood grain still showed, giving the authentic look of a wood plank wall, so this girl was super pleased!
I am so happy with the way it turned out...and as you can see, I gave my counter tops a little makeover too...that ridiculously easy project will be on the blog soon too, and you will never guess what I used!
I am so happy that I decided to use the peel and stick vinyl! For less than twenty bucks and no tools, I gave my kitchen an entirely new look...that's what I call a win! If you rent and want to make a change in your kitchen, or well, any room...these things are perfect for you! So...what do you think?
UPDATE! I've done it again...I easily removed the peel-and-stick tiles that were on my backsplash for over a year and a half and changed them up! I had made some changes to our kitchen and we had new countertops installed, so I decided to change the look of my backsplash using the same peel-and-stick tile method. For the updated look, click HERE on my Small House Tour!
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tanya says
Cute idea! Its so brilliant. Can't wait to see it when its done.
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
I love this idea! Super cute and cheap! Looking forward to seeing you at #snapconf next week!
Kathy shonk says
i just did this in my kitchen on one wall behind the stove, I love it!, so easy. I think I'm going to leave that the way it is then do the back splash with the chalk finish for contrast.
Jennifer says
Do you think you could remove them without damaging the walls behind? I'd love to add tile and change my countertops but my husband is against anything permanent.
Jessica says
Absolutely! It's pretty easy to take down. No worries!
Renee says
And will it stay up? Do you feel like you got a good stick on the walls, or will it start to lift off? That's my concern...but I love the idea!!
Jessica says
Hi, Renee! Mine stayed on, but have had some readers that had different textured walls and theirs did not stay up as easily. Additional adhesive can be used if they don't stay up for some reason. ~Jess
Sandra says
Can you wash with soap or a cleaner as grease splatters?
Jessica says
I've washed it off with a damp dish towel with dishsoap as well as with windex or whatever multipurpose kitchen cleaner I'm using at the time. Hope this helps! ~Jess
RL Johnson says
i would recommend washing walls with straight vinegar before applying. its what we use for prepping walls before painting. cleans all the grease etc beautifully. - one caveat pick a day you can open all your windows .. the house will smell like a pickle factory while cleaning lol -- but its the BEST wall prep i have ever used.. so should work for this too.
Angela says
Hi Jess,
Thanks for sharing this idea. We built iur house nearly 10 years ago, and I always wanted to go something to with the walls (something inexpensive-charming-easy to DIY). This might just fit my needs :)
I was wondering what your thoughts are on painting the planks before adhering them to the wall, then touching them up if necessary?
I also wondered if the chalky paint is easy to wipe clean. I get super messy in the kitchen and usually use an eggshell or satin finish that wipes up easily.
Jessica says
Hi, Angela! I see no problem with painting them before putting them up at all, then touching up. I used chalky paint and then wax on top for protection, but a semi gloss or gloss paint should work just as well, and then you would have the freedom to wipe them off with a wet cloth. Hope this helps! I'd love to hear how they turn out! ~Jess
Karen says
Love this idea....looks great. Can't wait to see your one on the counter top"
Karen says
Love this idea....looks great. Can't wait to see your one on the counter top"
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
I love this. I've been trying to figure out what to do for my new kitchen backsplash and I think I'm going to do this. How many coats of paint did it take? Thanks!
Robin says
I tried this with 12"x12" floor tiles. Unfortunately, in time (within a few days to a year) the tiles fell off. I tried all kinds of adhesives to keep them back up there, but finally had to use drywall screws to keep them up. I don't know why it works for some people. We have since moved to a different home, so I don't have to deal with it anymore, but I really like the idea and would do it again if I thought it would work. Anybody else have this trouble with their tiles, and if so, did you find a better solution?
Kelli says
I am also curious as to how this holds up over time. Sounds like this is just up my ally but worry about longevity.
Michelle says
I bet if you used drywall adhesive, they would stick longer. No guarantees on how nice they would come off your drywall though.
Beth says
I tried it in my camper and it did not stick on vertical surfaces. I did not try additional adhesive.
Heather says
I have tried with multiple adhesives and they all fall off. Maybe because I live in Florida and there is too much humidity? It's too bad because it looked great for the short time it was up!
JoAnn says
We did the floor planks on our kitchen wall to cover up wallpaper. We found that some stuck better than others but what we did was use paneling nails that matched the colors of the planks and we put a nail in each corner and in the middle so 6 nails total. It adds to the look of being wood.
Terri says
I love what you did. Cannot wait to see what and how you did your counter tops. Thnak you
Tina says
I love your kitchen, it looks awesome and I intend on using your idea !! Thank you !!
Teresa says
Hi Jessica,
I rent and would love to put something up for a back splash but I don't know what to use that won't hurt the walls when I take it back off if I move. I want my deposit back. lol! Do you have any ideas? If so that would be wonderful and would make several renting people very happy. Thank you for putting this site up. I love doing DIY projects. I love this idea. My parents used this type of flooring for their new counter tops. It turned out really neat. When my momma was telling what they were going to use I thought, YEW!! It's really nice and they are very durable also.
Jessica says
There is this amazing wallpaper at Lowes that looks just like beadboard that can be removed using water when you are ready to move...I love the look!
Necole says
You can also use the stuff people use to line the inside of their cabinets. It has a light adhesive and you can reposition it easily. It is very cheap around $5 a roll at Walmart. And they have great designs. I did my eat in dining walls in the kitchen with it. It came out great and stayed up with no problems. Keep in mind I was living in a trailer with ugly old blue wall board that had the vertical strips holding the two pieces together. Which I removed before putting up the "wallpaper" and used a kind of mastic/ grout to hide the gaps between the two pieces. I don't have a blog or anything just a DIYer. I have pics tho of the "wallpaper walls" and of the counterpoint redo using paint and also my plank back splash I did ( I did paint them). Also of a wall I did in my living room using the same product but slightly different color. All came out great just fyi. ; )
Kelli says
I'm wondering how they are holding up over time? Still adhering to the wall? Love the idea but am wondering about the longevity. Thanks,
Jessica says
Hi, Kelli! Mine is still up and going strong..still loving it!
~Jess
Becca says
Such a cool idea, Jessica!! Had I not recently glued faux brick wallboard to our backsplash, I would've done this in a heartbeat, thanks to your easy to follow tutorial! Love all of your creativity!
Sandy @ frugalable.wordpress.com says
I laid these self adhesive planks in my house and love them. Iv posted pictures on my blog https://frugalable.wordpress.com/category/house-and-home/ if you're interested in checking it out. I'm about to re-do my laundry. While I don't want the splashback to look like my floor, painting them is an awesome idea. Thanks you for the inspiration!
Kimberly says
Jess~ this is genius! In the middle of a kitchen Reno also. Would love to see the tut for countertops or what you used to get the look. Also, what brand are the planks for the backsplash? If I go this route, will link to your post as my inspiration.
Many thanks,
Kimberly
Beth Marie says
I think I'm going to go plank crazy now. Looking at all my walls like. You get planked, you get planked, you get planked...
Jessica says
That's hilarious...I LOVE it!
Louisa says
Love this idea! I have a textured tile backsplash, do you think the peel 'n stick would still work?
Jessica says
Hi, Louisa! You can buy them individually, so it's definitely something you should test out. Let me know if you do! ~Jess
Lyn says
Hi. Love the backsplash idea, now any suggestions about my old countertops? I'm a renter but very long term. We've been here 8+ years and intend to stay. Thank you in advance!
Jessica says
Hi, Lyn! There are tons of ways you can update your countertops using paint! It's really inexpensive and will last a long time if you seal it properly with polyurethane. Here is a link to a really old post I did for a company. You can use their product or you can use a black primer then use inexpensive acrylic craft paints and polyurethane.
Genie Johnson says
Where is the link?
Shannon says
Is it possible to paint or stain darker? I would like dark or light wood stain
Jessica says
Of course...if you like dark wood grain, their are darker peal and stick options, or you could always paint in any color you like! I love this stuff, because the possibilities are endless! ~Jess
Megan says
What a COOL idea!! Love it - thank you so much for sharing! :)
Sandi says
Do you think this could be done over that ugly Ole ceramic tile with grout line the 90 craze for tile counter tops and back splash j trying to describe to give an idea what it would be used on.
Lynet says
This is awesome! I'm worried about how protective and durable the chalk paint is... Not sure about that.
My walls have texture on them, I'm sure peel and stick vinyl would not work on my walls but Oh man do I wanna try!
Joanne says
Thanks I am living in a rented space and this is a great way to add some flair....I will be painted some penguins on each end!!
Mark says
I'm told by my nurse sister that vinyl products installed in your house are bad environment additions but you have painted them so the slow off gassing is probably minimized. I definitely advise coating this stuff with an enviro safe paint. Looks great. Nice going. Rental perfect as it may not stay stuck so well long term and should be relatively easy to remove when desired. I'm 40 yrs in the biz and think wholistically. Very imaginative.
Anita says
Looks great but just be careful about what products you use behind the stove/cooktop. Check your local regulations and think saftey in general with regards to flammability and even release of toxic fumes when the product gets warm.
Suzann says
Really nice look, how can I find the counter top makeover?
Fae says
A few tips:
1. Not all Home Depot stores have these yet. Lowes has been carrying them longer and is more likely to have them in all parts of the US. Check the store websites to save the headache of getting there and not finding your tile.
2. Peel and stick tile sticks best on smooth, clean surfaces. Scrub the wall first and rinse well. Glossy paint or ceramic will cause the adhesive to fail faster if it sticks at all. You can use a little bit of liquid nails or similar adhesive to help the tile stay, but spread it thin. You don't want humps of adhesive that will cause unevenness in the finished wall, or hollow spots under the tile for moisture or bugs to find.
andrea dunigan says
Omg frikkin brilliant!!! :D
Christina says
What a fantastic idea! I am fixing up my home to sell and was wanting to do something nicer to the wall behind my sink/counter top in my kitchen. Are you using the vinyl wood-look-a-like planks? I feel like painting over the vinyl wouldn't work well but I don't know anything! Also, how can I waterproof it if it's behind a sink?
Jessica says
You don't have to paint it if you don't want. I actually recently redid mind and didn't paint them since it was a grey wood tone. I'm going to be posting the new one soon. Paint does work great on them though, especially chalky paint. If you wax them or poly over them then they will repel water. If you leave them unpainted, even better since they are vinyl.
Christina says
Thanks for your quick reply :) I don't have any supplies yet but a local place often sells beat up boxes of vinyl peel and stick planks that look like the ones you used...I assume they are the boxes that got beat up and couldn't be sold on the shelf and I thought if that's what you used, then I could get some real cheap and repaint them. I'd want to paint it white, I think, but would be worried the paint wouldn't stick and would be worried about the water and washing the walls. So that was why I asked you what I did :)
Corba Dean says
I love the idea of the vinyl planks. I went to Lowes and bought what I would need. When I asked about the chalky paint it cost $10.00 for 8 oz. I can't afford that because with two coats I might need a gallon. Please give me some suggestions. I love the chalky white look.
Jaynee says
This is so cool looking. I would love to know what you used for your counter tops though. They are so adorable.
Brenda Compeau says
Will this damage the walls at all once they come off? Love the idea and I have a full box of barnboard grey from my living room.
Patti says
We are renting and won't mind repainting but I'm worried they will pull the drywall off. Any experience with removing them?
Crystal says
Hi! Looks great! What is the trim piece between the top of the countertop and backsplash please?
Jessica says
Hi, Crystal! It's just a piece of trim that I bought when I picked up my peel and stick tiles. I used a brad nailer to add it.
Deanna says
Could you let me know what the brand/color of your NEW backsplash is? It seems like the perfect gray I would like as my backsplash!!
Lisa says
The new Grey planks are exactly what I'm looking for, did you paint those or find them like that? If so do you know the name? Thanks!
Mary Lou says
I wondered if you could use the vinyl flooring on the ceiling? Love your site!!
linda kelley says
I love your project...looks beautiful!!! I have a question...how did you do the countertops...do you have a tutorial on them?
Karl Miller says
I'm not sure how this project turned out so easy for her, but my experience with peel n stick vinyl planks on a wall was not that good. Looks and ease of use were great. But 5 out of 6 planks would not stick to the wall at all. Even after brad nailing the corners and middle, they would warp and sag and pull off of the brad nail. Slathering the adhesive they use on floors just didn't seem like a good option. This was all on a smooth and very very clean/flat wall.
Glad it worked out, but no idea how it just peel n stuck for her.
Charlotte says
I'm also very curious how you did the countertops...have you shared that yet?
Peggy Miner says
Hi Jessica, I noticed in your first redo (gray backsplash) the finished project had a shine to it. Did you put a polyurethane over the chalk paint to give it the shine?
Lyn Hayes says
Could I cut and use as a frame around a bathroom mirror?
Barbie says
Love this idea. I see cheap planks on craigslist all the time. I was wondering if they are easily removed? I live in a very old adorable farmhouse but I'm a renter. My landlord said I could do anything I wanted but I know I change my mind often! The wall is wallpaper that i have primed ready for painting. Anything else i should do to the wall?
Mackenzie says
I love this idea! Could you paint the planks and then stick them on?
Michelle says
What is the name of the product and where did you buy it? I am so doing this.
Courtney DeVries says
Did you use the same color for the back splash as your cupboards??
Kelly says
How would you suggest "finishing" the backsplash at places in the kitchen where the backsplash simply ends and does not meet an adjacent wall? Looks really good.
Carrie says
I was wondering the same and looking for the answer in the comments. Can you show a picture of the backsplash at the end?