10 Questions You Should to Know about Flexible Tile Supplier

04 Aug.,2025

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Smart Tiles INT

Smart Tiles are self adhesive wall tiles designed for quick and mess free installation without grout, glue, or special tools. They are renter friendly and easy to apply on smooth surfaces, making them a smart choice for any kitchen renovation or backsplash upgrade. Designed to last as long as you want, each tile features our patented Gel O layer, a clear flexible gel that protects against yellowing and cracking over time. Smart Tiles are a high quality solution that delivers long lasting value and a polished look you can trust.

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Smart Tiles offer a wide range of benefits that make them a practical and stylish choice for wall coverings. They are easy to install without grout or glue and are specially designed to resist heat and humidity, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Built with our patented Gel O technology, they offer long lasting durability and a clean, finished look. Made in Canada, Smart Tiles are produced with a focus on quality, sustainability, and supply chain reliability. They are also fire resistant, emit low VOCs, and are certified safe for indoor use, making them a smart solution for renters, homeowners, and DIYers alike.

Increasingly popular for interior decoration due to their easy installation and modern design, Smart Tiles raise questions about their resistance to heat, humidity, and water.

Heat resistance: Smart Tiles are designed to withstand the heat from stoves once properly installed. It is important to follow our installation requirements to ensure optimal heat resistance.

Moisture resistance: Smart Tiles are also designed to withstand moisture from bathrooms and water splashes once properly installed. Again, be sure to adhere to our installation requirements.

Water resistance: Regarding water resistance, Smart Tiles can withstand water splashes and humidity once properly installed. However, they should not be installed on a surface directly exposed to water, such as a shower cabin, as this could affect their adhesion.

Smart Tiles are renowned for their long-term durability, thanks to their ability to maintain their appearance without yellowing or cracking. Furthermore, we promise that your Smart Tiles will stick to your wall for as long as you desire! However, to ensure this durability, it is essential to follow Smart Tiles' specific recommendations:

  • Make sure to adhere to our requirements regarding appropriate substrate surfaces and their preparations. This will ensure optimal adhesion and increased durability of your Smart Tiles.
  • Follow our installation guides properly to ensure a perfect installation.
  • Use gentle, non-abrasive products during maintenance to avoid damaging the Smart Tiles.

By following these simple yet important tips, you can ensure that your Smart Tiles remain durable and attractive for many years to come. Remember that taking care of your Smart Tiles from the moment of installation will guarantee their longevity and allow you to fully enjoy their beauty in your living space.


If you are unsure which Smart Tiles model is best suited for your project, our interior design team is here to help. Whether you are planning a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom refresh, or a full DIY home update, we offer free personalized guidance.

To receive assistance, contact us by at:

In your message, include details such as your preferred style (modern, classic, minimalist, etc.), the type of room you are decorating, and any color or material preferences. The more information you provide, the better we can help you choose the ideal peel and stick tile for your space.

If you're considering a renovation or construction project, whether it's for the bathroom or even your kitchen, it's important to know how many tiles you'll need. This will help you estimate the cost of your project and complete it as quickly as possible.

Measure the surface to be covered

The first step is to measure the surface you plan to cover. Use a tape measure to measure the width and height of the surface. If the surface to be covered is not a perfect rectangle, try to divide it into smaller sections that are rectangles or squares and measure these sections individually.

Use our tile calculator

Once you have measured the surface to be covered, enter the information into our tile calculator. This calculator is available on each product page of our website and will help you estimate the number of tiles for your project.
Enter the width and height of each section into the appropriate fields of the calculator as illustrated on our calculator. It will give you an estimate of the number of tiles needed. Please note that the Smart Tiles calculator automatically adds a 10% markup to account for minor incidents during installation (cuts, breakages, etc).

To ensure successful installation, it is imperative that Smart Tiles are applied to a smooth, even, clean, and dry surface. For cleaning the surface, make sure to use a degreasing product (TSP). We do not recommend using dish soap, which could leave a slight greasy film on your wall and compromise the adhesion of Smart Tiles.

If your surface is not smooth and/or even, you need to properly prepare the surface you will be working on. First, make sure to fill in any gaps between panels using plaster to achieve a surface that promotes optimal adhesion.

Next, apply a coat of primer to the entire prepared surface. Let the primer dry for 72 hours to allow for perfect bonding of the coating. If you prefer to use paint instead of primer, make sure to wait for 21 days to ensure complete drying before proceeding with installation.

By following these preparation steps, you ensure an ideal surface for your Smart Tiles.

To install your Smart Tiles around an electrical outlet, start by measuring the outlet and transferring the measurements onto the tile. Then, use a retractable blade knife to cut the tile according to the measurements taken. Once the cut is made, apply the tile to the wall, making sure to fit it snugly around the outlet. If you encounter difficulties during this step, feel free to consult our detailed tutorial video on installing Smart Tiles around electrical outlets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51vJ0J23oWM.

If you want to install your Smart Tiles on a wall with a concave or convex angle, here's what you need to do.

When dealing with a concave angle or a curved wall, our Smart Tiles are flexible enough to be installed directly.

When encountering a convex angle, make sure not to cut the Smart Tile in half. It's better to make a shallow cut and place the tile directly on the angle. This method helps avoid unnecessary pressure on the Gel-O.

To visualize this technique, we recommend watching our explanatory video that will guide you step by step in installing Smart Tiles on curved or angled surfaces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51vJ0J23oWM.

To properly align your Smart Tiles during installation, follow these simple steps:

Mark the wall

Use a level to draw a horizontal line at the height of the first row of tiles. This will serve as a guide to maintain the alignment of your tiles during installation.

Realign the tiles if necessary

Our Smart Tiles come with a specially formulated adhesive that allows for repositioning during installation if firm pressure has not been applied. So, you can easily peel them off the wall to reposition them correctly without risking damage to the product or the wall.

If you need to remove Smart Tiles after installation, don't worry! The tiles are equipped with a specially designed adhesive that allows for repositioning during installation if firm pressure has not been applied. If firm pressure has been applied or if more than 48 hours have passed, the tiles can be removed practically without damage, depending on the surface they were initially installed on. To facilitate the process, heat each tile with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, then start gently pulling on each corner. Next, use a cleaning product to wash the wall and remove any excess glue left by the Smart Tiles. The ease of removing Smart Tiles makes them your preferred ally for all your decoration projects, even if you are a tenant!

The letters and numbers printed on Smart Tiles are only there for production purposes and should not be visible once the tiles are installed on the wall. To determine the desired pattern of your Smart Tiles, we recommend arranging them on your workspace before fixing them to the wall. During installation, ensure that the letters and numbers overlap along the grout lines so they are not visible once installed. It is important not to cut them as it would compromise the proper installation of your Smart Tiles.

Certain uneven or porous surfaces should be avoided when it comes to installing Smart Tiles. Also, your Smart Tiles shouldn't be installed outdoor.

Here is a list of surfaces on which your Smart Tiles should not be installed:

  • Textured wall
  • Unpainted drywall
  • Porous wood
  • Textured ceramic tiles
  • Textured wallpaper
  • Inside shower
  • Floor
  • Countertop
  • Ceiling
  • Brick
  • Stone

In general, textured or uneven surfaces, as well as surfaces with relief, do not allow Smart Tiles to adhere optimally. Therefore, it's important not to install them on such surfaces. In some cases, it may be possible to smooth the surface by sanding it and applying a primer (letting it dry for 72 hours). To help you prepare your installation surface, you can refer to our detailed article 'How to prepare my surface for Smart Tiles installation'.

Yes, Smart Tiles can be installed behind a stove or gas cooktop as they are heat-resistant. However, it is important to follow certain recommendations. If your stove does not have a rear control panel or metal plate, you should leave a safety zone of 8 inches without Smart Tiles behind your stove or cooktop to avoid contact with the flame.

To avoid direct exposure to steam, ventilation, or an open flame (in the case of gas stoves), we recommend installing our Smart Panel.

If you have countertop appliances such as ovens, toasters, or toaster ovens, keep a space of 2 inches between the peel-and-stick tiles and the appliance. It is also important to note that some spices rich in colorants like turmeric can permanently stain the tiles.

Our tiles are designed to withstand heat and humidity, making them suitable for bathrooms. However, it is not recommended to use them directly in the shower or bathtub, where they would be exposed to large amounts of water, and if the installation is not done correctly, leaks could occur. They can be used in areas only exposed to water splashes. If you want to apply them above the shower wall, make sure the surface is completely dry before installation to ensure optimal adhesion.

You can install Smart Tiles adhesive wall tiles directly over your old backsplash, whether it's glass or ceramic, as long as the surface is smooth and texture-free. It's important to consider the width and depth of your existing grout lines, as this could affect the final outcome of the installation.

Some designs of textured tiles may make underlying textures more apparent. To avoid surprises, we recommend testing with one or two Smart Tiles before covering the entire wall.

Finally, some Smart Tiles models have specific recommendations. You can check our dedicated page for more information: https://www.thesmarttiles.com/installation

You can purchase Smart Tiles products in various ways.

Online: You can find a wide selection of Smart Tiles products on our official website or on popular online selling platforms. Buying online allows you to browse through our different models, sizes, and colors and place your order with just a few clicks, without having to leave your home.

In-Store: Smart Tiles are also available in most major home improvement stores, where you can find them in the wall covering or kitchen and bathroom accessories section.

Whichever option you choose, purchasing Smart Tiles is simple and convenient, allowing you to easily and quickly transform your interior spaces with style and functionality. Don't wait any longer, find a retailer to purchase your Smart Tiles today.

Each product page features a dedicated button that allows you to order samples. It is important to note that our samples have dimensions of 4x4 inches.

You have the option to order up to 6 samples and enjoy free delivery for this quantity. Beyond 6 samples, delivery charges will apply. This option allows you to visualize and compare the different models and colors available, ensuring that you make the best choice for your decorating project. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity to be fully satisfied with your Smart Tiles purchase! Unfortunately, free shipping is not available for sample orders shipped to Australia and New Zealand. Shipping fees will apply for these destinations.

To cancel your Smart Tiles order, follow these steps:

1- Go to your Smart Tiles customer account
2- Find the order you wish to cancel
3- If the order has not yet been shipped, you will have the option to cancel it directly from your customer account
4- Follow the instructions to confirm the cancellation of the order

Soft Stone Master are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Please remember that only orders that have not been shipped can be canceled. If your order is already in transit, please refer to our article 'How can I return my order?'

If you made a purchase on our website, it is possible to return or exchange a product within 30 days of receiving the order. However, please keep in mind that some products may be excluded from this policy, such as those purchased during final sales or those for which it is clearly stated that returns are not accepted.

To return a product purchased online, please follow the procedure below: first, contact our customer service at to obtain a return authorization number. This number is essential to ensure the efficient processing of your return. Once you have received this number, please carefully package the product to be returned and include all original parts, accessories, and packaging.

Ensure that the returned product is in perfect condition and has not been used. Once your package is ready, please send it to the address specified when requesting the return authorization number. Upon receipt of the package, our team will inspect the returned product and inform you of the status of your refund or proposed exchange.

If you made a purchase in-store, please note that specific return policies for that establishment apply.

A Smart Tiles panel is a decorative wall panel designed to create a premium-looking backsplash that mimics marble or stone — while offering simple installation that’s accessible to any DIY enthusiast. Rigid, durable, and easy to install with construction adhesive, the panels are easy to cut and align seamlessly from one to the next, creating a continuous look that replicates real marble across multiple wall sections.

Each panel features a realistic marble print and is available in three standard formats:

· Panel A: left side of the stove

· Panel B: right side of the stove

· Panel C: central panel behind the stove

Together, these panels form a complete, cohesive backsplash that replicates the look of high-end slab installation — without the weight, cost, or complexity of real marble.

It’s normal for a small gap to remain at the back when installing a panel in a corner. If the fold aligns properly, you can bend the panel directly to fit the angle.

While panel overlap is generally unnecessary, it's acceptable to slightly overlap one panel over another when needed to achieve the best result and avoid visible gaps in the back. This method is especially useful in corners or areas where surfaces aren’t perfectly straight.

SUSTAINABLE CARPET TILES: 7 KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK

Creating sustainable work environments now goes beyond being ‘the right thing to do’ and is fast becoming a commercial imperative. The Bupa Wellbeing Index highlighted that just under half of today’s Gen Z workforce would consider leaving a job if their employer doesn’t demonstrate action on social and environmental issues. With much of our time spent at work, workplace interiors clearly have an important role to play.

As one of the largest materials finishes to be specified, floor coverings will inevitably have a significant impact on an interior’s overall carbon footprint. Given the importance of sustainable carpet tiles for workplace interiors, our focus for this blog is on the key questions to ask when evaluating how environmentally sound a carpet tile product really is. Here’s our checklist of 7 key questions to ask.

1. What is the carpet’s carbon rating?

The EU estimates that the construction sector is responsible for 5-12% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 35% of its total waste generation. In the UK, the government estimates that the built environment is thought to be responsible for an astonishing 25% of the UK’s GGH emissions. With climate change one of our planet’s most pressing issues, this is at the top of our list of questions to ask.  

The Embodied Carbon rating, usually found on a manufacturer’s product specification, will provide a point for comparison. Typically expressed as an A1-A3 rating, this Cradle to Gate figure expresses a product’s footprint to the point in which it is ready to ship.

While carbon off-setting programmes have enabled some progressive manufacturers to offer carbon neutral products, as part of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the construction industry will be required to focus in the future specifically on the embodied carbon of the product itself based on its material content, its manufacture and supply chain. 

(You may also be interested in reading our blog  HOW CARPET TILE RECYCLING CAN HELP ACHIEVE YOUR CARBON AND ESG GOALS)


Major Frequency - Low Carbon Carpet Planks

2. Is carpet tile re-use a potential option for the future?

Taking responsibility for the end of a carpet product’s life to ensure that it doesn’t end up in landfill should be a minimum environmental commitment for any carpet manufacturer.

Today, this doesn’t just mean options for carpet tile recycling. For sustainable carpet tile specification, it is important to think holistically about the circular economy and whether the carpet is designed at the outset for potential re-use.

Initiatives such as Milliken’s N/XT Life Circularity Programme, maximise the environmental and social value of the product where carpet tiles are recovered, cleaned and given a new life. High performance products can be re-used through either charities and social enterprises or via specialist ‘second life’ suppliers for commercial re-sale.

When considering a carpet tile’s re-use potential, it is crucial to determine firstly, whether the product been engineered for longevity – how long is its wear warranty? And secondly, how easy will it be to recover in the future? Choosing a glue-free installation will ensure the product and the sub-floor are protected from damage and the carpet tile recovery volume can be maximised.

Depending on the end use you are specifying for, used carpet tiles through one of the specialist second-life carpet tile vendors referenced earlier could also be an option worth considering.

Also see our blog EMBRACING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: HOW CARPET RE-USE WORKS


Wireframe carpet tiles with TractionBack® glue-free installation

3. What material is the carpet tile made from?

Carpet tiles are constructed from multiple components, the two primary elements being the yarn content for the face fabric and the backing material.

Carpet yarns - For commercial carpet tiles, exposed to high levels of foot traffic, the yarns are usually man-made fibres – typically nylon for durability, but also may be polypropylene or polyester. Recycled or regenerated versions of nylon yarns are now increasingly available and generally make no compromise on the yarn’s performance. Thrive® matter and Econyl® are  example of sustainable fibres made from waste and recycled nylon, which can themselves be potentially recycled again and again.

Carpet backings - Carpet tile backing materials vary widely, some feature hard backings from polyolefin or bitumen-based materials, while others have an additional softer cushion-based backing material. The choice of backing material will impact the final product’s performance in use: its comfort, acoustic and long-term wear properties. As with yarn, backing materials exist in varying degrees of recycled content and performance properties. Again, the ideal solution is one engineered to deliver all the required performance properties during the lengthy lifespan of the product while still being composed of low carbon materials with a high degree of recycled content.  

4. How are the carpet tiles manufactured?

It should be simple to establish how environmentally responsible a manufacturer’s production processes are. Do they have a robust and transparent sustainability reporting system that is easily accessible? If not, why not?  A credible sustainability report should provide environmental commitments and goals on all the key metrics - GHG emissions, waste management, water usage and use of renewable energy. Reports that conform to the Global Reporting Index standard help to avoid vague greenwashing.

Look out for products manufactured according to core international environmental and social standards : ISO, to ensure Environmental Management systems are in place;  ISO to ensure Energy management standards and energy reduction targets are in place to drive down climate impact, and BES for transparency on ethical labour sourcing throughout the supply chain.

5. How long will the product last?

While perhaps more expensive, a higher quality carpet tile, engineered to perform will not only last longer, but could have a second life in another building. As referenced earlier, when considering carpet re-use potential, a product’s wear warranty is a good point of comparison on its estimated lifespan. The longer the wear warranty, the longer it will perform in-situ if required, and if not the greater its potential for re-use. Cushion-backed carpet tiles are designed to last longer by absorbing wear from foot traffic.

Depending on how much use the carpet tiles will get, maintenance may also be important for a product’s longevity. Carpet tiles with surface treatments to protect against soiling and staining will retain their appearance for longer and are easier to clean.

Finally, it is also worth noting that an effective entrance flooring system can make a considerable difference to the lifespan of a building’s floor coverings. Protecting against dirt, grit and moisture being brought inside, a good barrier system will prevent floor coverings being damaged and will help maintain its useful life.


OBEX Entrance Flooring

6. What about waste?

Typically for work environments, carpet tiles are specified for their flexibility and ease of installation. However, it is worth noting the waste savings on installation that carpet tiles offer when compared to broadloom carpet (on a roll).

With its minimal requirement for cutting, modular carpet wastage on installation is estimated to be around 1-5%. For broadloom carpet, depending on the room size, wastage can be anything from 10% for open spaces, to as much as 50% for small, or awkward size rooms. That’s a lot of material to go potentially straight to a skip! Beyond their ease and flexibility, wastage alone carpet tiles are a much more economical and sustainable option.

Designing out waste
– has the product been wastefully over-engineered? A carpet tile backing that sufficiently absorbs wear will help to reduce the amount of yarn required in the face fabric – so check a product’s backing performance and face weight.

Manufacturing waste –does a manufacturer have policies to recycle waste generated during its manufacturing processes? Are they committed to continually finding ways of reducing waste?

Installation waste – beyond the waste saved in choosing modular, are adhesives required for the carpet tiles to be installed? Glue-free carpet installation systems that require little to no adhesives on installation, not only make the carpet tiles easier to recover, they save waste on installation by eliminating unnecessary adhesives and packaging.


TractionBack® glue-free carpet tiles for carpet re-use

7. What third-party certifications does the product have?

External certifications will provide some assurance that a product’s stated environmental credentials have been independently certified or verified. Of the many national and international bodies that assess manufacturer’s materials and process, these are some key ones to ask about:

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) - a product’s entire lifecycle including climate impact verified by an independent third party such as IBU- Germany’s Sustainable Building Association.

Material transparency - Declare® is a voluntary labelling program and database operated by the International Living Future Institute. Products listed as part of their Living Building Challenge™ have all ingredients ‘declared’ up to 100 parts per million (that’s 99.99% transparent) as either Red List Free or not.  

Cradle to Cradle assesses and certifies products globally based on 5 criteria: Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy Use, Water Stewardship and Social Responsibility.

Indoor Air Quality – a number of organisations certify products in accordance with strict international test protocols for low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and harmful chemical emission levels which could impact indoor air quality.  Among the most recognised are CRI Green Label Plus and GuT (the German based Environmentally Friendly Carpet Association) which represents manufacturers whose products have been stringently tested.

Many Third-Party Green Building schemes reward the use of products with these certifications including:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) the US-based green building council’s wide ranging environmental certification program used worldwide.

WELL Building Standard - The International WELL Building Institute takes a holistic approach to health in the built environment through the assessment of 10 aspects including Air, Water, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort and Sound Acoustic, Materials,  Mind and Community.

BREEAM (The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) –looks at factors like water use, waste management and air quality as well as material impacts.

SKA – the environmental assessment for Office Fit out which comprises of 104 good practice measures across 8 areas of sustainability including energy use, carbon emissions, materials, waste and well-being.

Positively answering some, if not all, of these questions, will go a long way to ensuring that you are specifying a truly sustainable carpet product and playing your part in the fight against climate change.

The company is the world’s best Flexible Tile Supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.