How Fixer Upper's Chip Gaines Makes Concrete Porch Flooring Look Like Hardwood

If you've ever watched Chip and Joanna Gaines on their popular show "Fixer Upper," you've probably seen their signature modern farmhouse style. But what if homeowners request something a little less farm, and a bit more beachy? That's what happens in the show's final season when they take on Gayle and Tim Jackson's request for a "rustic coastal" retreat. The couple's two older kids were leaving the nest, so they asked for a space where they could kick back, relax, and live the vacation life. And the Gaines were eager to deliver.

But how do you bring the beach vibe to somewhere as far from the water as Waco, Texas? Easy — you get Chip and Joanna on the job. Part of what they delivered was an epic front porch complete with faux-hardwood "flooring." Using a concrete slab and a rubber stamp, Chip transformed the homeowners' porch into what looks like beautiful reclaimed hardwood. It's not just practical — it also adds instant charm to the whole backyard. Plus, it's a lot easier on the wallet.

Pouring a slab might sound like a job best left to the professionals, but the truth is anyone can do it. After making sure concrete flooring is right for your space, find a level surface and a frame to hold the material in place. Once your prep work is done, mix the concrete into a peanut butter-like consistency before being poured into the frame and spread it out using a hoe, making sure that the surface is even and slightly above the form.

Before the concrete sets, create the faux-wood look by grabbing a rubber stamp with a wide-plank finish. Press it into the wet material and allow it to dry. The result? A porch that looks like it's made of rustic planks but has all the durability and low maintenance of concrete.

Why not just buy wood planks? Well, truth be told, there are many great benefits to choosing concrete over alternative options, especially if your wood deck is beyond repair. For starters, wood is quicker to age and deteriorate and prone to termite damage. Moisture, sunlight, rain, and wind can all damage a wooden deck, and the repairs can be costly.

Concrete, on the other hand, is resistant to wear and tear from the weather as well as fire. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades. Not to mention pouring concrete, especially if you DIY it, can be a lot cheaper than wood. The only "real" reason to choose wood over concrete is personal choice — maybe you feel more comfortable working with the material or prefer the aesthetic. But thanks to stamping techniques, you can have a sturdy, long-lasting deck that imitates the look of natural wood.