SEALING, PRESSURE WASHING, YEARLY MAINTENANCE - CONCRETE POOL DECK AND DRIVEWAY RECOMMENDATIONS - ARTICLE BY MODE CONCRETE, ESTABLISHED SPECIALISTS IN KELOWNA BC

Now is the perfect time of year to look at your exterior concrete, to see if it needs protection before our extremely hot Okanagan summers kick in.  

 Exposed aggregate / Stamped concrete, that MODE CONCRETE pressure washed and applied a protective exterior topcoat sealer.  This protects the longevity of the concrete and provides environmental protection.  This a recent project we did near Okanagan Lake for our lovely clients.

Wondering how often to seal your driveway?
Everyone has something different to say about how often to seal your driveway. Some say every 3-5 years, whereas others say every year. The determining factor here should be what sort of weather or climate zone your concrete is exposed to. Environmental factors, rain, snow, freeze/thaw zones, or high sunshine areas should be taken into consideration. If your driveway is exposed to freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your driveway might require re-sealing and maintenance every other year. If you salt your driveway or notice your sealer is deteriorating, you might have to reseal yearly. If you ever notice cracks or chips, you should fix these problems immediately. If damaged concrete is left unrepaired, water can seep into the cracks this will quickly deteriorate the concrete.

It is recommended you seal your brand new concrete after it is cured (28 days after it's poured).  If you don't seal your concrete, water may seep into the surface pores of the concrete, which can eventually lead to surface or structural damage.

How can I tell if my concrete needs resealing? Water should bead up on the surface of the concrete if your sealer is doing its job. If this is not happening, it's time to reseal your concrete. High traffic areas or highly acidic areas (exposure to salt, chlorine, vehicles) will likely need resealing on a more frequent basis. Properly maintaining your concrete saves money in the long run. Make sure you have a protective barrier on your concrete to get the maximum longevity of your investment.

How much does concrete maintenace cost?  To extend the life of concrete, you’ll want to keep it well-maintained. After your concrete is poured and cured, applying concrete sealer to the surface is the final step (sealing usually done 1 or 2 months after pouring). Concrete sealer cost is not cheap but this final stage will vastly improve the durability of the driveway. Expect to pay $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot for one application or coating of sealer (which usually includes the cost of pressure washing the surface).  Anti slip additives or repairing chips and cracks can increase this cost a little.

When you contact Mode Concrete, you'll see quickly why we have so many repeat customers and recommendations. We always go the extra mile for our clients.  Contact us today for an onsite written estimate.

Mode Concrete - Professional Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Contractor with amazing reviews, located in Kelowna BC

Here is a video about our outdoor kitchen services. It highlights some of the outdoor kitchen's we built in 2013 + amazing client feedback from these projects. We can help supply, manage, design and build the perfect outdoor living area for you.

When you hire Mode Concrete, you hire a professional contractor that always stays on budget and on schedule!  From the moment you hire Mode Concrete, you'll notice why our clients give us amazing referrals and recommendations.

MODE CONCRETE from Kelowna BC can help you design, build, supply, order and import any items for your built-in outdoor kitchen. We are able to work many different budgets, since we offer different lines of stainless accessories and grills that accommodate different price points. 

Outdoor Kitchen lines that we offer our clients: Lynx, Luxor, Sedona, Saber, EVO, Perlick, Kalamazoo.

Check out this video to see some of the projects we've completed in the Okanagan, and the feedback from these clients.  Please contact us for more details about any of our products or services.

Outdoor Contemporary Concrete Fire Tables and Fire Features - Custom Made by concrete design firm in Kelowna BC Canada

We can work with you to design a modern custom concrete fire feature. Create a total statement piece in any size, shape or style. Once we know your design preferences, we begin our concrete magic and start crafting your custom fire feature. Price & fabrication time depends on design.

Bioethanol burners  are the latest trend in fire and MODE CONCRETE can import Eco-Smart bioethanal fireplaces and burners.  We also special order custom made, high-quality gas burners and linear burners (from Regency).  Basically whatever you need, we can source for you and design specifically for your project. Whatever your favorite fireplace flavor, we can help you from design to fabrication.  Our outdoor fire units are custom, one-of-a-kind, weather proof and long lasting.

People hire us when they are looking for a high-end concrete professional to achieve their vision,  using only the best materials and techniques available.  Worldwide, MODE CONCRETE is continuously being recognized by consumers, magazines, websites and design professionals as a leader in cutting-edge concrete design. Contact the specialists at MODE CONCRETE for more information on how we can help with your next project.  

And here is a few videos of what the EcoSmart linear burners look like when they're lit.  Groovy music included.  Contact us for more details.

A High Style Concrete Fireplace - Custom Made by Local Artisans in Kelowna

MODE CONCRETE handcrafted this custom concrete fireplace for one of our clients, who is an interior designer, with stunning style - check out her cool zebra rug!  We love the final look of this.

Concrete is super durable, easy to maintain, heat resistant, and the perfect option to add some style to your space.  It is super easy to clean your fireplace as well - we recommend a non abrasive cleaner and either mop or wipe clean.

We can design and create any concrete fireplace to achieve your original design.  Contact us today for a free estimate and consultation.

Complimentary Outdoor Kitchen 3D Design, Consultation and Estimate

Designing your dream backyard can seem overwhelming.  With the proper guidance, transforming those dreams into reality should be easy!  Visualize everything with the aide of our MODE CONCRETE Design Team and state of the art 3D design software. The initial on-site consultation is free to help discuss any ideas or suggestions, and get the “big picture” of what you have in mind for your own personal oasis. Then, with your suggestions and our expertise, we turn your mental picture into a truly accurate, three-dimensional finished project so you know what to expect long before construction begins. Remember, the sky is the limit!  A custom designed outdoor kitchen will remind you each and every day how much you love your home. 

COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION AND ESTIMATE  

• The initial on-site consultation and estimate is free
• on average the consultation is 1-3 hours, depending on the scope and size of project.
• photos and measurements will be taken.
• please have ready any 'must haves' or ideas, design or building material preferences?
• 3D renders are available, but not necessary for estimates.

COMPLIMENTARY 3D Outdoor Kitchen Design, with the purchase of an outdoor kitchen!  

• If you book your entire project with us, MODE CONCRETE believes that your 3D renders should be free. 
• We outline the terms and details of the 'free' 3D design service below.  
• DETAILS OF COMPLIMENTARY 3D DESIGN:
• If you would like MODE CONCRETE to create a 3D rendering of your dream outdoor kitchen, you will be charged for the design(s) before we assign the design team to your project.  
• The cost of the design will depend on how many designs you would like to see, how many design hours are required and how many modifications are required to your 3D image.
• Once all details are finalized and you decide you are happy with the design, we will give you a final estimate for the outdoor kitchen.  
• When you decide everything is 100% exactly how you want it and you approve everything, we then can book your outdoor kitchen into our building schedule and order all building supplies and accessories required.
• All design fees and design hours will be applied as a discount towards your kitchen, when you make your booking.  

Contact us to schedule an appointment for more information or to book an on-site consultation today!  

Eating Al Fresco in the Okanagan

Al Fresco dining is eating outside (from the Italian words "al fresco" = outside, at a fresh temperature).

If you enjoy eating al fresco, you can add another valuable dimension to your home by installing an Outdoor Kitchen.  An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate feature for any chef or person that loves to entertain. Whether its a wood-fired pizza or a cold glass of wine served from your outdoor fridge, an outdoor kitchen can transform the way your family eats and lives.

MODE CONCRETE is flexible, creative and experienced in designing outdoor kitchens to suit your needs. Whatever your vision, we are your one stop shop for outdoor kitchens and all the complimentary elements to go with it: decks and pergolas, outdoor rooms, and landscaping ideas. Before commencing any work, we will provide easy to understand plans and pricing so you know exactly what you will get from your outdoor kitchen.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in creating and designing luxury outdoor kitchens, for both the residential or commercial outdoor living space.  We are getting really busy this time of year, lots of people are planning and designing their outdoor kitchens.  Make sure you plan ahead, use a reputable contractor, and start planning now to make sure you can use you start eating and cooking al fresco as soon as the sun starts to shine.

Picking the Best Grill for your Outdoor Kitchen

There are many great options available.  Here are some things to consider when deciding.

• Performance - This is the most important thing. Do your research and make sure you are buying an outdoor grill that stands up to years of grilling.
• Appearance - The best built-in grill should enhance the look of your outdoor kitchen or BBQ Island. It should be the focal point of your outdoor kitchen and you should be proud to show it off.
• Durability - When making an investment in an outdoor kitchen you want the grill to be the centerpiece of your overall design.  For the money spent, the best built-in grill should hold up well to the elements as well as to frequent use. A strong warranty says the manufacturer is confident that you won't have any problems and offers you peace of mind for years to come.
• Value - You should expect to pay more for quality, but that doesn't mean you should expect to throw money away.  What is your budget?
• Price - You can spend a lot of money for a grill, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.  Are you wanting a low end, a mid end, or high end grill?  And how many years do you want to trust your grill will fire up summer after summer?  This is the biggest investment of your outdoor kitchen, but it comes down to space, budget, and preference.
• Specifications - The grade and quality of the stainless steel, size of cooking surface, how many BTU's, brand preference?  Are the burners and cooking grids made of stainless steel?  Research the brands available and compare their features and benefits.
• Cool Extras - Does anything get your fancy?  Check out the product lines you have available and see if anything stands out or appeals to you. 
• The Warranty - You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by the warranty that the manufacturer puts behind it.  

You can trust MODE CONCRETE to walk you through the entire outdoor kitchen process and walk you through all the decisions.  We have many different packages available, from design, to installation, to selling the outdoor grills - we help select between the many options available.  


Please call today MODE CONCRETE for a consultation or more information.

Luxury Outdoor Kitchens

MODE CONCRETE deals with design professionals, building professionals and home-owners, to create luxury outdoor kitchens in the Okanagan Valley.  Having a luxurious outdoor kitchen has become the norm for people living in the Okanagan. Many designers, landscape architects and developers rely on our input and skill when it comes to the design and construction of an outdoor kitchen or grilling island.

Experienced contractors and builders often require MODE CONCRETE to assist in the design, installation (if required), and selection of outdoor kitchen grills and accessories.  We walk our customers through the process and design of creating a luxury outdoor kitchen.  People contact us because of our skill, knowledge, product line and design options.


We will start by assessing your equipment requirements, available space, budget, and how we can integrate an outdoor kitchen into your overall design.  We have knowledge about the “do's and don'ts” of outdoor kitchen design and can advise you on different outdoor equipment options and various construction materials available.


You can choose to have us build the complete outdoor kitchen or we can just build a outdoor kitchen frame, which you can finish with your own construction materials. You can have confidence that MODE CONCRETE has created all openings, cutouts, and clearances accurately, for your outdoor kitchen accessories and grills.  Our outdoor kitchen frames have amazing structural durability and are designed specifically for each individual project.

Steps for creating the luxury outdoor kitchen of your dreams:

• set up a consultation with MODE CONCRETE
• get ready any sketches, pictures, or ideas you have
• make a wish list of the features you would like to see in your outdoor kitchen and living space
• view our website and our suppliers lines for more ideas (we can also discuss the product line, and the pro's/con's with you at the consultation) 
• after we have dimensions of the space, an idea of what you are looking for, and any specific requests (favorite outdoor grill, must haves) we call in the design experts and start putting together some ideas for you
• you then approve your custom outdoor kitchen design
• you select the finishing touches (countertops, exterior)
• MODE CONCRETE will now begin building your outdoor kitchen
• if necessary arrangements for gas, electrical and plumbing may need to be made at this stage
• we install the equipment, accessories and make sure everything is working perfectly

Grab some wine from your cellar, and get the invites ready - you are the proud new owner of custom built outdoor kitchen by MODE CONCRETE!

Bon Appetit!