NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18:  Chip and Joanna Gaines discuss "Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff" and the ending of the show "Fixer Upper" with the Build Series at Build Studio on October 18, 2017 in New York City.  (Photo by Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic)
Home - Garden
The Countertop Project Chip Gaines Wants DIYers To Leave To The Pros
By V BAWA
DIY projects can save a lot on labor costs, but not everything can be skimped on. For example "Fixer Upper" co-host Chip Gaines says DIY concrete countertops are a no-go.
In Season 1, Episode 13 of "Fixer Upper," Gaines said DIYers should not try to make concrete countertops, as "These things crack if you don't do rebar just right."
This project requires a ton of skill, patience, attention to detail, and specialized tools. Hiring a professional can make a huge difference in the durability of the result.
According to Chip Gaines, mixing the concrete is difficult but so is getting the air out and spreading it correctly over the surface, and it’s hard to get a uniform appearance.
DIYing concrete countertops can also limit your creativity. Because the additional materials cost more and require more skill, you may not get what you really want.