The Fixer Upper Remodel That Replaced Joanna Gaines' Iconic Shiplap With This Controversial Material

Shiplap is a feature that's practically become synonymous with the gorgeous farmhouse chic style that Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines became so known for on "Fixer Upper." In fact, the Gaineses were the ones who made shiplap popular in interior design — so much so that Joanna's own clients on "Fixer Upper" would constantly ask her to bring her signature shiplap look into their remodeled homes. 

But while the style is certainly an iconic feature in her rustic farmhouse design — and Joanna's shiplap is something you can incorporate into your own kitchen, too – she also likes to play around and experiment with the interiors of the homes she remodels. This has given her the opportunity to create some seriously standout homes in the past — such as in 2016, when she opted to forgo shiplap in favor of concrete, a utilitarian material that many people might not consider aesthetically pleasing. 

In the kitchen of the home she remodeled, Joanna didn't just opt for concrete countertops — she also used it for the walls in the kitchen, making it look as though the home's backsplash was running all the way up the walls. This put a little bit of an industrialist spin on her classic farmhouse style, and the continuous backsplash in the kitchen made the room feel so much brighter and taller, too.

Though no one can deny that Joanna Gaines' concrete kitchen design was jaw-droppingly gorgeous, there are a few things you should keep in mind before adding it to your own kitchen. If you're using concrete for your counters, you'll need to have it resealed regularly (just like marble countertops) because it's a porous material, which means that stains will cause some serious damage over time if it's not resealed consistently. 

However, there are huge benefits to using concrete in your kitchen, too. It's a super durable material; it's heat-resistant; and it's also a timeless look — buy it once, and you'll love it for life. Additionally, it's easy to clean when sealed (just avoid using these cleaning ingredients on concrete countertops). Whether you want it on your counters or on your kitchen walls à la Gaines, you probably won't have a hard time maintaining it (aside from the resealing). 

Having a professional replace your countertops with concrete is the best way to go if you're thinking about swapping out your kitchen counters; costs typically range from $50 to $150 per square foot of concrete, plus about $1,500 minimum on average for professional installation. For the kitchen walls, adding a thin layer of microcement over them is simple and can be done with most existing walls, giving you a concrete look without much hassle. Alternatively, you could opt for faux concrete walls, which are painted and textured (or wallpapered) to look like concrete, without the actual material being installed. Take a little more inspiration from Gaines and make the space feel warmer and more homey by adding natural, open wood shelving above your kitchen countertops to tie the space together.