Black Acid Stained Modern Concrete Floor - created in the Okanagan

Okay, we know the room isn't totally done yet, but we had to share... And check out those stunning views, I'd love to be positioned here next to Kalmalka Lake anytime of the year!!  

For this project our clients came to us with a specific color in mind, so we began experimenting and worked our magic.  We created a sample for them, experimented a little with coloring and staining (we tried to color match a tile they showed us).  After we completed the sample and had the clients approval we knew exactly how to achieve their vision in their new gorgeous custom home.  And we must say... by having a wood ceiling, it really warms up the space and is a great contrast to the concrete.  Amazing design choices, we have some serious style envy!

We are going to help complete the look, with a floor to ceiling custom concrete fireplace surround. We'll have more pictures up soon once we're done, so stay tuned...

We are concrete floor specialists and service the entire Okanagan.  Please contact us for more details on our services or to book a free concrete design consultation. 

Sealing and Waxing Concrete Floors - An Easy, Cost-Effective way to Create a Style Statement

An existing concrete floor that MODE CONCRETE sealed and waxed.  We didn't add any color or pigment.  This is natural standard grey concrete - and we are in and out within usually 2 days!  A quick and stylish fix to any new and existing concrete surface.

How do you prepare concrete for sealer, wax or stain??

• Thoroughly clean (pressure wash if necessary) and de-grease your concrete, allow to totally dry out.  Typically wait a few days before sealer, wax, or stain application.
• Create a test section or test sample pieces, to see exact coloring and finishing is to your preference (don't do the test in direct sunlight).
• All applications of sealer, wax and stains should be done in thin coats opposed to heavy thick coats.  Wait at least 2 hours between coats.  
• If applying on outdoor concrete surfaces only do in warmer seasons (or hoard off and heat area).
• Allow 24 hours to dry before regular traffic.
• Apply in well ventilated areas.  Be careful of sparks from fans and electrical devices if using any flammable liquids.
• Always wear appropriate protective gear, follow manufacturers application instructions and gain knowledge on the products you anticipate using.
• Sealers are usually best applying with a spray gun, while wax is usually mopped on. But make sure to check your product directions and see what they recommend.
• Hot days are not the best for applying sealers.

Why should you seal and wax your concrete?

• It creates and maintains a natural luster and shine that is a characteristic of maintained concrete. 
• Increases the longevity and life of the concrete.
• Makes your concrete resist moisture, staining, and helps to prevent surface damage.
• Anti-slip and other additives can also be added, if you're concerned about slipping on the concrete.
• Various sheens and matte finishes are available, depending on your style preference.
• Brings out the natural irregularities, patinas and patterns that occur in concrete - in our opinion this is the best thing!

Contact MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC, for a free onsite concrete consultation and an estimate.  For more information or to book an appointment, please call 250.864.6566!

Ultra Modern Concrete Floating Bathroom Vanity - made locally in Kelowna BC

Vanity insanity, check out the level of customization on this hand cast concrete trough sink MODE CONCRETE created earlier this year.  It's a floating wall-mounted trough sink, and is no doubt a conversation starter.  We love working with clients to create one-of-a-kind custom designed pieces like this.     

Check out the gorgeous variations, we are loving how ultra-modern this statement vanity looks - great design!  Concrete is unpredictable and each piece will have it's own personalty and markings - no two pieces are alike.  Contact us today to discuss any custom concrete projects.

Some things about MODE CONCRETE:

We are artists that love to to create. 

We are fueled by caffeine, late nights and imagination. 

We have no respect for the status quo and challenge it daily. 

We love British Columbia, nature and the environment. 

We believe in creating unique hand crafted items. 

We are passionate about what we do.

We love our customers.

White Concrete - Gleaming White or Stained to Perfection?

Have you ever heard of using white concrete for floors, tiles, or countertops?  White concrete is sure to create an impact, whatever the application and is the perfect color to start with when designing anything. This innovative white version of concrete is reminiscent of newly fallen snow and blends so well in a variety of design styles. Basically, the product mix of the concrete uses white cement in place of the standard gray which allows for more vibrant, richer colors to be achieved when staining or when adding coloring pigment.  It is also on trend to add no color or stain at all and leave the concrete a bright, gleaming white.  The white allows spaces to feel larger, architecture and design elements stand out and textures/colors to really pop against this. 

White concrete pictured above, was created by MODE CONCRETE.

If pure white is not your thing, let your imagination go crazy.  Stained, colored, textured or smooth, concrete boasts limitless design options. It provides a blank canvas upon which homeowners and designers can leave their mark. Concrete lends itself to so many design styles, but best thing is how concrete gains character over time and like freckles, concrete floors help to camouflage wear as it gets older and only gets better with age, wear and traffic.

But beyond the design advantages, these surfaces are low maintenance and they blend seamlessly with a multitude of various design styles.  Concrete will have variations and inconsistencies, all characteristic properties of concrete.  With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, in particular concrete floors will develop irregularities, freckles, hairline fractures, spider webbing, and will patina naturally with wear over time.

CONCRETE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Dust and wipe frequently to remove gritty soil or dirt.
• Use natural, nonabrasive cleaners for best results and longevity of concrete, sealers and stains.
• Every few years, rewaxing or restaining may be required depending on wear and tear.

MODE CONCRETE is an artisan concrete design studio specializing in custom concrete, concrete floors, fireplace surrounds, furniture, and other custom projects, and the list goes on and on... Basically, we conceptualize, design and build gnarly awesome stuff out of concrete on a daily basis.  We are largely fueled by caffeine, constant brainstorming, and love hitting the drawing board with our next project or idea.  Gareth lives, dreams, breathes concrete... his passion for concrete is infectious.  We encourage you to call for a free onsite concrete design consultation.

Be Bedazzled... with Concrete Terrazzo!

Really... did we just say bedazzled out loud?  You should try and rhyme anything to terrazzo (suggestions welcome!)...

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!

Many of the available aggregates and additives are locally recycled post-consumer glass. Rather than recycling glass by melting it down, we are always environmentally conscious when choosing recycled aggregate whenever possible.  Look at all these colors available...

Here are some terazzo pros and cons for you to consider:
PROS - elegant, unique, durable, easy maintenance, customizable, hand crafted
CONS - cost, cold, no cushion (for sound), usually requires professional contractors

Terrazzo floors date back to the Renaissance and were invented by the Venetians. The Italians used terrazzo floors in cathedrals and other grand places. Did you know that Michelangelo had terrazzo floors installed when he was working on St Peter’s Basilica, ooh la la. Terrazzo floors are often referred to as 'Venetian mosaic', due to their appearance.

Our conclusion on terrazzo - Why doesn't everyone have terrazzo?!  MODE CONCRETE recently traveled to Vancouver (for the IDS West) and stayed at the MODA Hotel, they have gorgeous restored 100 yr old terrazzo mosaic floors that inspired us to create another article about their long term beauty!  If ever in Vancouver, go to the Uva Wine Bar (in the MODA Hotel) and check out the stunning floors... totally drool worthy.  And maybe grab a drink, since you're there anyways...  We would've taken pictures, but how weird would laying on the floor be?  It would appear pretty weird, I'm guessing.

We have always had an obsession with terrazzo, call us for more information or a free estimate. MODE CONCRETE is a concrete design firm specializing in hand cast and artisan created pieces.

Rejuvenate and Modernize Concrete Floors - Staining and Acid Etching

Whether you seek a contemporary, rustic, or more traditional style, acid-etched stained concrete makes a stunning flooring choice (inside or outside).  Acid stain can be applied by using many different techniques, giving a variety of dramatic results.

MODE CONCRETE stain colors (pictured above). Color can be subtle or intense, depending on how many applications we apply.

How does Acid Stain Work?  Chemical stains can be applied to new or old, plain or colored concrete surfaces. Although they are often called acid stains, acid isn't the ingredient that colors the concrete. Acid stain doesn't cover imperfections, but rather transforms that drab piece of imperfect concrete into a unique and elegant masterpiece of marbled color.

Most projects take 2 days - Acid stained concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs and floors.  We understand how busy your household is, and most acid staining projects will be totally completed within 2 days.  Because concrete has porous qualities and is a blank canvas, stain is the perfect thing to brighten up old concrete and add some style to any concrete surface. Staining gives a completely original look to concrete and cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, slabs, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and all concrete surfaces.

Owner Acceptance - Most people love the unpredictability of the final results, it makes their concrete surface totally original.  Acid-etched stained concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean, and exceptionally scratch and stain resistant in almost any situation - wear and tear adds character and natural patinas increase and develop over time. Though stained concrete floors can be expensive depending on level of customization (prices rival those for high-quality ceramic-tile installations), they are very easy to clean, maintain and have incredible longevity.  Before creating your acid stained or etched floor, be sure to see samples and let the contractor preform a small test area if they are applying acid on an existing concrete surface.

How much does staining concrete cost? The cost of staining concrete will vary, depending on how complicated the design process is. A simple concrete staining should start at approx. $2 to $4 per square foot (according to the concrete network in Nov 2012).

MODE CONCRETE specializes in all concrete staining, sealing and waxing.  We can create concrete floors and overlays, great for inside or outside. A great way to add style and personality to any space! You can stain or color to further personalize your project. Contact us today for more information.

Add Excitement to a Beautiful Fireplace with a Concrete Hearth

Concrete has become the new material of choice for designers around the world.  Custom concrete is leading the way in design, innovation, longevity and style.  If you are looking to add some style to your home, office or exterior living space, concrete can add a punch of personality to any space.  From hearths to furniture, concrete is the perfect solution for many people.

Inside or outside, the strength of concrete easily stands up to weather and the intense heat of fire. All custom concrete hearths and fireplace mantles are sealed with top quality sealers which protects against staining and porosity.

The best thing we have noticed about concrete around a fire feature is that it embraces the heat, ash, wood, and gains character over time.  With concrete we embrace the freckles, veins and imperfections that naturally occur as the concrete ages.  It is totally raw, one-of-a-kind, incredibly strong, hand cast, hand honed, and 100% customizable.  If you want to use the best and most innovative decorative concrete contractors in the Okanagan, call us today for a free estimate.

A curved concrete hearth that MODE CONCRETE recently completed.