Several months ago I had a drive to change the backsplash in my kitchen. I paint color on the spaces between the cupboards and the counter; and between the rangehood and the stovetop, was a color I liked. However, the paint was unwashable and it contributed to the dark feel in the kitchen/dining area of my house. I have one whole wall without windows, and this is the wall occupied by my cupboards, sink, and stove. Even the mirror on the wall to reflect the light coming in from the windows on the opposite wall, seems deficient in casting more light in the space. These details; and the fact I am home much, led me to dream of other options.
With a limited redo budget, I decided to purchase some peel and stick tiles for the mentioned space. In measuring the target area; in my non-exact manner, I guesstimated needing approximately three boxes of tiles. This was great! The cost of these tiles added up to be under $50.00. That was a far cry less than the over $300.00 it would have cost to purchase the pretty subway tiles that I truly had my eye on. Now, a good friend of mine warned me that those peel and stick tiles were horrible and fell down more than they stuck to the wall. Even with that warning, I was sure that this would be the exception to the rule.
After purchasing the guesstimated three boxes of tiles, I got to work getting them on the wall. I had some of the tiles on the wall when I realized because I picked out a patterned tile, I would not have enough to complete the project. Off to the store I went for a few more boxes. Thankfully my husband helped me with the difficult tasks; like precise measurements, and I was able to complete this ‘do-it-yourself’ project. It wasn’t perfect; however, I liked it because it brightened up the space so much and it was much prettier than the sage green paint color. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the wall color. I was just tired of staring at it while I did dishes instead of being able to look out a window or at a pretty wall pattern. The grease spattered on the walls that I couldn’t wash off didn’t help either.
When I picked out and purchased the peel and stick tiles, I figured since they were for floors and would need to be pretty durable for foot traffic, they would be more than safe for the walls. I was beyond disappointed when the first time we turned on the oven, several of the tiles above the stove fell to the floor behind it. My wonderful rescuing husband moved the stove and retrieved the rebellious tiles. He proceeded to head out to his garage to grab some industrial spray adhesive which he used to spray on the backs of the fallen tiles and press them back onto the wall. This began our need to always run our exhaust fan whenever we use the oven or stovetop. Not to mention the constant chore of repressing the several other rebellious tiles to the wall.
I currently have about half of the tiles that several times a day need to be pushed back onto the wall as they oh so slightly push away from it. Frustrating! Yes, it is. Why do I share this? I’m glad you asked.
First, when a friend that does home renovations advises against using a certain product, my advice is to listen to them because they know what they are talking about. They can save you much money, time, and frustration.
Second, this morning as I was seeking God for what His to-do list looked like for me today, I began to consider what I am going to do about my falling peel and stick tile wall. I really like the look of the patterned tiles; however, I am done with the constant work it takes to keep them on the wall. To keep my ‘less expensive’ option on the wall, I will need several cans of spray adhesive with no guarantee that it will work any better. My decision… I have some paint in my storage room that will find it’s way on the wall. Paint; mind you, that was available when I installed the tiles. Painting the walls with this already owned product would have been a free; therefore even cheaper, option to begin with. Lesson learned, I think.
In my consideration of starting the painting task today, I felt more led to write. Off to my desk I went to consider what to write about. I have a couple projects I am working on. It quickly occurred to me how applicable to life this peel and stick wall issue is to real life. Here are a few things that have occurred to me; I would love to hear from you if you have any you would like to add to the list.
- Advice from a knowledgeable trusted friend is a good thing to take under advisement.
- Pride and/or belief that ‘it’ will be different for me can come before disappointment.
- It’s never too late for a redo. NOTE: I really like this one!
- My big idea or plan could take more time or resources than an already existing option. NOTE: I really like this one, too.
- Being content with what I have is a good thing.
Life is full of lessons. And stories. Make sure that you are sharing yours with those around you, it can make a difference to the lives of many that you may never meet.
Hope's Table 