Stone effect tiles

Which stone effect wall tiles you will find in this collection

These are wall coverings that reproduce the look of stone, almost all with a 3D relief. The adhesive is already applied on the back, under a protective film, so no glue, mortar or filler is needed. There are four types of stone effect tiles in the collection:

• 30 × 30 cm tiles with a stone effect: with 3D relief, with a matt finish, rustic in style and in a version designed for the kitchen;
• 3D stone effect tiles for interiors and vintage-style 3D wall panels, sold in packs of 10 pieces;
• stone effect tile stickers and a set of 2 adhesive panels, both for the kitchen and bathroom;
• a 3D stone effect peel and stick splashback, to fit on the wall above the worktop.

How to choose stone look tiles for interiors

Start with the format. The 30 × 30 cm tiles fit together one next to another like real tiles: you can cover a whole wall or just a strip. The splashback is made for the kitchen, the set of 2 panels for the kitchen and bathroom: before ordering check the measurements on the product page, so you know how much surface they cover.

Then look at the surface and the style. The 3D relief creates shadows that recall the joints between stones. The matt finish reflects little light and shows fewer fingerprints and water rings. The rustic and vintage styles have a more lived-in look, which goes with wooden furniture and traditional kitchens. On the product page also check the colour, thickness and number of pieces.

3D tiles, porcelain tiles or stone effect slips: what changes

Stone effect porcelain tile is a ceramic: it is heavy, it is fitted with tile adhesive and grouting, normally by a tiler, and it can also be used for floors and outdoors. Stone effect slips, made of plaster or cement, are also stuck on one by one with a specific adhesive. The tiles in this collection stick with their own adhesive and go on interior walls only: you do not need to remove the old covering and you do the fitting yourself.

People who search for PVC stone effect panels, or stone effect PVC panels, usually want exactly this: a covering to stick to the wall without the tools of a builder. The same goes for people who search for 3D PVC wall cladding panels with a stone effect. The material of each model is shown on the product page: check it before ordering. If you want PVC, also with a marble effect, there are the PVC panels for bathroom and kitchen walls; for other reliefs, the 3D wall panels.

Stone effect tiles in the kitchen, bathroom and living room

In the kitchen, the splashback and the 30 × 30 cm tiles cover the strip between the worktop and the wall units. Keep them away from the hob, because direct heat weakens the adhesive. If you want a decoration other than stone, see the self-adhesive tiles for the kitchen.

In the bathroom use them on walls away from the shower spray, for example behind the washbasin or above the vanity unit, and ventilate the room well after every shower; for other designs there are the self-adhesive tiles for the bathroom. In the living room and the bedroom it is enough to cover a single wall, behind the sofa or the bed.

How to fit self-adhesive stone effect tiles

You need a tape measure, a spirit level, a pencil, a utility knife with a new blade and a clean cloth. The steps are these:

• clean and degrease the wall, then let it dry: the adhesive grips on smooth, dry surfaces with well-bonded paint;
• draw a horizontal line with the spirit level and start from the bottom, from a corner: the first piece guides all the others;
• peel off the film, rest the piece on the line and press from the centre towards the edges to push out the air;
• join the pieces following the pattern of the blocks, so the joins are less noticeable;
• near sockets, switches and skirting boards mark the measurement on the back and cut before removing the film.

How to clean stone effect tiles

A soft cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap is enough. For the dust in the hollows of the relief use a soft brush first. Avoid alcohol, solvents, bleach and abrasive sponges, which can dull or scratch the surface.

In the kitchen wipe up splashes of oil and sauce straight away, before they dry. Check edges and corners from time to time: if a corner lifts, press it with the palm of your hand for a few seconds.

How much stone effect tiles cost and how many you need

The price depends on the model and the number of pieces: the splashback is the most economical option, and the rustic-style 30 × 30 cm tiles are the most expensive. An alternative that sticks on in the same way is self-adhesive wallpaper; for designs other than stone see the self-adhesive tiles for walls and floors.

For the 30 × 30 cm models: each stone effect tile covers 0.09 m², so you need a little over 11 per square metre. Measure the width and the height of the area, multiply and add 10% for cuts. A strip of 2 m × 60 cm above the worktop measures 1.2 m²: you need 14 tiles, 15 with the extra. A wall of 3 × 2.7 m measures 8.1 m²: 90 tiles, 99 with the extra. Then divide by the number of pieces in the pack shown on the product page.