Modern Concrete Loft Floors - repaired and naturally refinished by MODE CONCRETE, in Kelowna BC

This ultra modern and super hip penthouse loft has gorgeous, natural concrete floors.  Our client asked us to come in and repair, maintain and refinish them.  Our process usually only takes 2 days, is affordable, is totally natural (we only use safe, eco-friendly products) and you get some serious skill when you hire Mode.  Gareth, the owner and president of Mode Concrete works directly with all our clients throughout the process.  

Top Reasons People Love Concrete Floors - 

• eco-friendly and natural
• they age beautifully, embrace wear and people often compare concrete floors to leather 
• beautiful aesthetics
• easily creates major design element in any space
• super durable
• easy maintenance and super easy to repair if necessary
• easily customized
• they get better with age, gain character throughout it's life and embraces irregularities as 'beauty marks' making your floor an ever evolving work of art that is totally original to it's life, it's environment and what it's exposed to
• long term savings costs
• great longevity of product with the ability to refinish or recover floor
• health benefits and good for people with allergies or asthma
• minimal installation price when compared to other flooring alternatives
• untrimmed animal claws,  sexy stilletos, or stompy flamenco dancing with high heels could definitely leave marks on your floor, but if your concrete is properly maintained these should only be surface scratches - waxes, sealers and stains will protect the actual integrity of the concrete or surface
• easy to keep surface clean and germ free

And who can forget about concrete's drop dead gorgeous stylistic appeal?!?!?  Concrete creates a major design element and has major architectural appeal.  Other materials contrast easily and stand out concrete's raw and natural appeal.  We are true concrete lovers... are you?

Please contact MODE CONCRETE for more details about our concrete flooring services.

Considering Modern Concrete Floors? Here are some top questions we get from inquiring minds about concrete floors and overlays

If you want ultra-modern style and major design impact, consider concrete floors - the flooring for the stylish at heart. Concrete floors give a super-modern look, industrial look - and like freckles, concrete floors help to camouflage wear as it gets older. With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, irregularities, and the patina that develops with wear over time. 

This is an example to show the thickness of our concrete floors, they are totally perfect for any floor in your home!

Here are some top questions we often get asked by inquiring minds from all over the world, about our concrete floors and overlays:

• Thickness is usually between 3/8" to 1/2" thick and similar weight to tile or natural stone.
• It can be applied indoors or outdoors to any level or story of the structure (with proper preparation).
• This is a great option for open concept living or indoor/outdoor living by easily creating a cohesive look and surface.
• Our concrete floors are available in standard grey or white, which are easily customized by staining (acid stain or water based non-toxic stain).
• Price........ well, you usually get what you pay for, and getting the best deal or accepting the cheapest estimate, will probably not get you the best results or greatest longevity of the product. The difference in cost could be quality of materials, quality of workmanship, level of experience and could dictate your general level of satisfaction for years to come.
• Try before you buy!!  All contractors should provide you with a sample or test area, since all concrete reacts differently this is a great way to make sure you like it before you buy it.
• For people wondering if concrete floors can be done on wood subfloors and substrates...  well yes you can!  After preparing the surface, we can pour a thin layer of new concrete to any room in your house.  Depending on the flex in your wooden subfloor, hairline cracks are natural and expected to appear on the surface. This comes from the concrete slab being a single, solid piece of rock and the wood underneath is flexible and changes and shifts consistently. When the foundation of the house shifts, the concrete is subjected to various flex points and pressures which take the form of tiny hairline fractures in the material.  Designers love this aspect of concrete since it adds tremendous character to the floor.
• With adequate sealers and waxes, your floor will have a barrier protecting your concrete.  Proper concrete sealing/waxing every few years will maintain your floor and renew that wonderful brand-new sheen or reflective quality to your concrete floor.  We always finish our concrete products with natural, eco-friendly products, that aren't harmful or toxic to people or the environment.

Concrete benefits include durability, flexibility of design options, incredible longevity, easy maintenance, cost and best of all it embraces age by developing a one-of-kind patina that is totally unique. Concrete is a natural material, and regardless how your concrete floor is finished, the natural patina is what makes concrete so ultra-chic.

If you have any questions or would like an estimate, please get in touch with us.

Modern and Super Cool Black Concrete Floor on Wood Subfloor with Black Stained Concrete Fireplace Tiles, made by artisans in Kelowna BC Canada by MODE CONCRETE

This style stunner is located on Okanagan Lake.  MODE CONCRETE created the black stained concrete floor overlay, on the main floor of this residence (on a wooden substrate). With proper prep, all surfaces can be topped with a concrete floor similar to this and are made of a light weight concrete so no extra structural supports are required for your project.  The picture below is wonderful, because you can actually see how thin the concrete floor is.

We also created the modern black stained concrete fireplace surround. This look is achieved by creating large format hand cast concrete tiles, made from a light weight material. The tiles can be natural, stained or customized in any way, by our master artisan Gareth Tyrrell. No extra supports need to be installed, since this concrete is light weight and is a similar weight to tile.  Concrete tiles are great for refacing older dated fireplace surrounds, or applying straight onto drywall.

A vibrant or bold colored concrete floor or fireplace surround (like the black stain we used here) is easy to achieve, and can usually be created with water based eco-stains (safe for indoor projects) or traditional acid staining.  Concrete acts as a blank canvas and any color or finish can be applied. Our master concrete artisan and company owner, Gareth Tyrrell works on every job, from beginning to end, ensuring top quality results and ecstatic clients every time - we guarantee it!

Concrete floors are perfect for maximizing your indoor/outdoor living and creating a consistent flow throughout your space. Perfect for the Okanagan, when the sunshine starts to shine!  Contact us today for more details.

Modern, Natural, Eco-Friendly Basement Concrete Floors - an inexpensive, viable flooring solution that continues to grow in popularity

Concrete floors easily create a design element, next to bright white walls and a rustic barn door. The rich wood barn door against the cool concrete floor, easily puts some personality in this space.  

This client wanted us to work with their brand new existing concrete basement floor (regular contractors concrete).  Gareth (owner of Mode Concrete) went in and cleaned the surface, sealed and waxed the surface (numerous applications of both are applied).  Usually this process only takes 2 days.

Top Reasons People Love Concrete Floors - 

• eco-friendly and natural
• they age beautifully, embrace wear and people often compare concrete floors to leather 
• beautiful aesthetics
• easily creates major design element in any space
• super durable
• easy maintenance and super easy to repair if necessary
• easily customized
• they get better with age, gain character throughout it's life and embraces irregularities as 'beauty marks' making your floor an ever evolving work of art that is totally original to it's life, it's environment and what it's exposed to
• long term savings costs
• great longevity of product with the ability to refinish or recover floor
• health benefits and good for people with allergies or asthma
• minimal installation price when compared to other flooring alternatives
• untrimmed animal claws,  sexy stilletos, or stompy flamenco dancing with high heels could definitely leave marks on your floor, but if your concrete is properly maintained these should only be surface scratches - waxes, sealers and stains will protect the actual integrity of the concrete or surface
• easy to keep surface clean and germ free

Style, style, style, to die for style - it's the number one reason people love concrete floors.  Concrete creates a major design element and has major architectural appeal.  

If you live in the Okanagan please contact MODE CONCRETE for more details on our services.  We are available to travel worldwide, depending on project scope and size.

Modern Bathroom with Black Stained Concrete Floor easily Contrasts a Rustic Wooden Vanity and White Porcelain

This home is a cutting edge design from floor to ceiling, gorgeous wood tones fill the home with light and warmth, especially since everything in the home is reflecting off the ultra chic and cool black stained concrete floor. 

Here is a stunning modern bathroom with a black concrete floor that contrasts beautifully against rustic wooden vanity and white porcelain. We created this custom black stained concrete floor, to exactly match up with samples and colors requested by the client, they had a great vision when designing this powder room.  

This contemporary bathroom design has a great balance between natural warm materials and modern elements.  If you love their style and want to recreate this look, the main elements are: a naturally beautiful rough cut wooden slab used as a vanity, a black concrete floor, architectural statement white porcelain vessel sink and toilet, and stainless elements (plumbing and tap).  

Why is concrete a great option for a bathroom or any wet area? There are a number of challenges that face a bathroom floor or wet areas on a daily basis, including water concerns, humidity changes, and staining agents which spill and splatter. With concrete, you get a floor or counter-top that is uniquely suited to your design scheme and the concrete itself is nearly indestructible, while the stains and waxes will develop a rich complex patina as it wears and is exposed to environmental factors. Even though your concrete will achieve character and marks as it ages, nothing will affect the strength of the concrete floor itself.  If you'd like to naturally finish your concrete surface but want a bit of sheen... waxes, stains and sealers make sure all damages are absorbed by making the floor a bit softer if anything should come into contact with the concrete.  Concrete is not for the perfectionist, people often say concrete is very similar to leather or vintage jeans, they get better with age.  One thing we love doing is checking out architecture in a city and noticing the concrete objects and buildings that look better than they day they were created and poured. Concrete is one of those rare materials that looks better the older it is. Concrete naturally develops character that tells a story about its life.

Concrete Floor Maintenance, Care and Cleaning: Concrete is fairly simple to take care of. You can dry or wet mop, sweep, or vacuum to remove small debris on a weekly basis. Use neutral, natural cleaners to ensure nothing strips the sealers and waxes.  Then once every one or two years you will have to apply a moisture barrier sealer and waxes.

Since concrete flooring is very hard, and an unforgiving flooring material with highly unpredictable results - make sure you hire an experience concrete contractor and see samples before deciding if concrete is for you.  Lots of options are available call your local concrete flooring expert for all the options available to you.

Considering Concrete Floors in the Kitchen, Bathroom or Anywhere in your Home? We address top questions & concerns about concrete floors

Are you considering concrete floors in your kitchen, or anywhere in your home?  Our clients absolutely love the concrete floors that we have created.  Concrete benefits include durability, flexibility of design options, incredible longevity, easy maintenance, cost and best of all it embraces age by developing a one-of-kind patina that is totally unique.

Here is a brand new modern black stain concrete overlay we applied to the entire main floor of this stunning Vernon residence.

Why do people love concrete floors?

• They are easy to clean and maintain.
• Amazing longevity, concrete will likely outlive you and your house.  Concrete lasts much longer when compared to other flooring materials.
• Concrete is heat and spill resistant.
• Super durable and easier to repair than other options.
• Concrete is a clean flooring surface, with little worry of bacteria or allergens since there is usually no grout lines.
• Concrete floors wear wonderfully, concrete is totally unique and raw - it ages just like natural stone.
• Future changes (colors, finishes, stains) are usually easy to change and personalize, if your style changes or if you sell your house.  Concrete is easy to cover if you ever want to install other flooring on top.
• Concrete skim coats, micro-toppings and overlays are similar to the thickness and weight of tile.
• The top reason that people love concrete floors, is how shockingly stunning they are!

Concrete floors are modern, industrial and raw - people who want a meticulous pristine material that will always look flawless, steer clear of concrete.  It develops wear marks, patinas, natural irregularities, marbling and hairline cracks naturally as it ages.  If you are staining your concrete floor, the darker or more vibrant the stains you choose, the natural patinas may be more obvious. The reason is simply because there is a greater variation between the top layer of stained concrete and the concrete material itself.  Concrete is a natural material, and regardless if you keep your floor natural grey concrete or stain the surface, the natural patina is what makes concrete so fab and makes your floor totally unique.  We are true concrete lovers, are you?

We love the look of these floors!  MODE CONCRETE created the black acid stained concrete overlay floor, as well as the concrete countertops in this kitchen.  Concrete we love you!

Top questions about concrete floors  

• For people wondering if concrete floors can be done on wood subfloors and substrates...  well yes you can!  After preparing the surface, we can pour a thin layer of new concrete to any room in your house.  Depending on the flex in your wooden subfloor, hairline cracks are natural and expected to appear on the surface. This comes from the concrete slab being a single, solid piece of rock and the wood underneath is flexible and changes and shifts consistently. When the foundation of the house shifts, the concrete is subjected to various flex points and pressures which take the form of tiny hairline fractures in the material. For us, we love this aspect of concrete and it adds tremendous character to the floor.
• We are often asked if concrete is bone chillingly cold? Concrete floors will have similar properties to natural stone or tile.  In warmer months, the daily temperature of the floor will stay as cool as tile does - perfect for where we live in the Okanagan.  
• Concrete will be hard on my joints and on my feet all day.  Concrete has similar properties and hardness to tile or natural stone, so you can expect the same level of cushioning under your feet and joints.  If this is a concern, put a throw rug (or gel mat) where you expect to stand for long periods.
• Does concrete crack and chip easily?  It acts the same as natural stone and is a very durable material, it is easily repaired if something should happen to your floor.  It is easier to repair than tile or wood, since we can patch fix and fill any damage that may occur over your floors life. With adequate sealers and waxes, your floor will have a barrier protecting your concrete.  Proper concrete sealing/waxing every few years will maintain your floor and renew that wonderful brand-new sheen or reflective quality to your concrete floor.

Here is another angle of this modern black stain concrete floor.

For additional information, check out the Concrete Networks article about Concrete in the Kitchen - http://www.concretenetwork.com/kitchen-floor.html.

If you have any more questions about our services, or would like to make an appointment please contact us today.

Modern Trends in Concrete Flooring - Concrete Water-Based Stain, Acid Stain, Terrazzo, Concrete Overlays, Top Coats, Skim Coats

Here is an overlay MODE CONCRETE applied on an existing concrete basement floor.

Water Based Eco-Stain (non-toxic)
Eco-stains stains are another concrete flooring treatment that can be used on existing or brand new concrete for a decorative touch. These eco-friendly stains consist pigment that can be applied in a variety of colors and is applied to the surface. The effect is either vibrant, with the application of numerous coats, to subtle and marbled, depending on color choices and application techniques.

Acid Stain Concrete
Acid stains are applied to concrete flooring (new and existing) and add a wonderful a decorative touch. Acid stains consist of a solution of acid and water mixed with metallic salts that can be applied in a wide array of colors. The effect is a natural looking color pattern with mottled shades of the same hue, marbling occurs and each stained piece of concrete is a peice of art.  The floor and art of acid staining is only as good as the artisan. This concrete flooring finish looks as superb in retail stores as it does in modern homes, and it is ultra easy to maintain.

Scored and Cut Concrete
Scoring concrete flooring can add dimension to the flooring through custom shapes and patterns. Scoring is done by making shallow cuts to the surface. The flooring can be done in a single color or multiple shades for a unique pattern. Floors should be sealed and waxed after treatment to maintain their beauty over the long term.

Concrete Overlays, Top Coats, Skim Coats 
A poured concrete floor (overlays, topcoats and skim-coats) are installed and poured on top of the existing surface or floor. Certain applications of concrete are suitable for underfloor and infloor radiant heating.  Make sure you use a reputable concrete contractor to ensure the proper preparation and techniques are being used on your project.

With proper preparation it can be applied to existing concrete, on a wooden sub-floor, on a wooden substrate, on top of most uneven surfaces.  Existing flooring can be covered with a concrete overlay if you want to change your floor or if it's in bad shape. An appointment is always recommend in this regard, so we can properly asses the prep required.

Terrazzo
Terrazzo is an ancient artistic creation, consisting of chips of glass, marble, or similar material fixed in tinted cement or concrete, then ground and polished to down. Terrazzo is a highly durable concrete material great for flooring, tiles, countertops, fireplace surrounds.  It is especially great when applied in high traffic installations for its resilience and longevity. The composition of terrazzo allows you to incorporate post-consumer and pre-consumer recyclables like glass, marble and cement.  We can even add glow rock dust...  it's probably our favorite additive!

Concrete flooring provides a unlimited options to modernize any space. With many options and colors and relatively low maintenance, it is no wonder concrete flooring has become the trend of today and the choice of many top designers and architects.

MODE CONCRETE provides all the services we discussed in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us.

Hip and Modern Basement Concrete Floors - we are specialists at finishing your new or existing concrete floors

MODE CONCRETE - Finished Basement Concrete Floor Contractors, that service the entire Okanagan.  The best thing about finishing your basement or existing concrete floor... we are usually in and out within 2 days!  A quick and stylish fix to any new or existing concrete surface or floor.  

Enhancing the concrete rather than covering it up is fast becoming the gold standard in basement floor treatments, with benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics. You'll notice that the natural variations in concrete and permanent staining or marks get camouflaged into the floor and add 'beauty marks' and marbling - all characteristic of concrete.

This blog is about a recent job we completed for a client in Kelowna.  They wanted their existing concrete basement floor finished.  Their house was only a few years old and the concrete floor in the basement hadn't ever been treated or sealed.  We had to spend a little extra time preparing the surface, removing and buffing out stains. Gareth did a great job removing lots of the deep penetrating stains that developed naturally to the surface, with regular wear and tear.  Any untreated concrete surface needs a good cleaning and preparation to make sure the finishing products adhere to the surface of the concrete.  After the preparation stage is completed, we apply numerous applications of sealers and high traffic wax to achieve this look and protect the surface.  

Here is what the floor looked like before.

And here is what it looked like after we were done with it.

The finishing sealers/waxes we apply to concrete floors give it a luster or uniform reflective quality...  oh gorgeous natural concrete, how we love you all bare and naked and simply beautiful!

We are specialists in concrete acid staining or coloring, sealing, and waxing new and old concrete (great for concrete floors, garages, driveways, walls, patios, decks, pool decks).  We also specialize in all concrete repairs and maintenance - contact us for more details.