Take Terrazzo Concrete a Step Further by adding Glass GLOW ROCKS to any Concrete Surface

Glow in the dark concrete is probably the coolest thing we've ever seen.  Glass glow rocks have a life of at least 20 years and will keep on lighting up the night for years.  You pick the color and watch as they change and start glowing when the sun goes down.  Creating a starry night on your concrete surface by mixing up the glow rock glass, with recycled colored glass or simply use the glow rocks alone.  Totally customized to your project, we can work with you to create a conversation piece and something you'll be proud of for years.

Glow Rock Glass Additive Details:

• Glow Rocks can be used in concrete countertops, floors, concrete tiles, pool decks, concrete slabs or patios, concrete fireplaces, sidewalks, steps, and driveways.
• Photoluminescent materials (commonly called "glow-in-the-dark") has the ability to absorb light (sunlight, fluorescent, incandescent, etc) and then to emit light. When ambient darkness occurs, it becomes highly visible, lasting at least 8 hours, and up to 20 hours. Upon removal of the light source, the stored light is gradually released, the strongest glow is produced during the first 30 minutes of darkness, the most critical period following a power failure or other emergency. Then it fades over a period of time, when there is light again, it stores energy again.
• The glowing effect created is both beautiful, and a safety element at night.
• Glow Rocks and Sands have an expected lifespan of twenty years.
• Made of glass and ceramic elements.
• Non-toxic, Non-radioactive. Photoluminescent materials contain no phosphorus or lead, or any other hazardous element or chemical. The term phosphorence is sometimes used to describe luminescence, but these photoluminescent materials contain no phosphorus.
• How it works: The basic principle of photoluminescence is simple: electrons orbiting atoms or molecules absorb energy through collision with photons during excitation. They then emit this excess energy as photons of (usually visible) light at a later time.
• The more light the glow rock is exposed to, the more it'll light up when the lights go down.

Please contact Gareth at Mode Concrete for additional details on how we can incorporate glass glow rock into your upcoming concrete projects.

What's with all the HYPE about Concrete Floors? Here we discuss Maintenance, Expected Life and DIY vs Hiring the Professionals

We can help you with maintenance  refinishing and rewaxing your existing concrete floor.  MODE CONCRETE refinished the floor below for a client.  When we refinish your floor it will come to life... in a non-toxic, eco-friendly, inexpensive kinda way.  We can help to restore and bring out the natural raw color of your concrete floor, original patinas and mottled beauty marks.  We love concrete for this very reason.  

Concrete Floor Maintenance, Care and Cleaning: Concrete is fairly simple to take care of. You can dry or wet mop (use warm water when mopping), sweep, or vacuum to remove small debris on a weekly basis. Use PH-neutral, non-acidic natural cleaners to ensure nothing strips the sealers and waxes.  Then once few years you will have to apply a moisture barrier sealer and waxes.  Maintenance and refinishing, totally depends on wear and tear and the client's preference.  Some customers like a pristine highly reflective concrete floors, while others like an industrial, high patina, raw surface look.  Whatever your flavour we can help you achieve your dream floor.

Expected Life: Concrete floors have amazing longevity and concrete will likely outlive you and your house. The life expectancy of concrete slabs and floors far exceed that of other flooring materials. Carpeting, hard wood, cork and vinyl are subject to tears, staining, damage and generally shows age and wear way quicker than concrete. People with allergies may also have concerns about dust or molds that may be harbored in carpet fibers, that they need not worry about with concrete. In addition, many floor coverings need to be replaced every few years.  Also keep in mind, that concrete is super easy to cover with another type of flooring if your tastes change over the years.

Hire Professional or DIY? Since concrete flooring is very hard and an unforgiving flooring material with highly unpredictable results - make sure you hire an experience concrete contractor.  See samples and do test areas before deciding what route to go.  There are lots of options are available, just call your local concrete flooring expert for all the options available to you in your area.  Do-it-yourself projects can sometimes erode value, if poor materials or workmanship are used for the project especially when using a highly unpredictable material like concrete. Research all your options before making any decisions and if you go with a contractor, make sure they are reputable and know what they are doing.

Want to do some more research about concrete flooring?  Check out what About.com has to in 'An Overview of Concrete Flooring' - http://flooring.about.com/od/types-of-flooring/a/An-Overview-Of-Concrete-Flooring.htm.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in custom concrete - located in the Okanagan.

Available to travel for client, depending on scope and project.

Cool and Modern Basement Concrete Floors - naturally achieved with non-toxic, eco-friendly sealer and waxes

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 a basement floor that MODE CONCRETE finished naturally, with eco-friendly sealers and waxes.  Gareth Tyrrell, the owner of MODE, works directly with all of our clients and ensures optimal results every time!

If you like the natural look and color of regular standard grey concrete, we usually recommend sealing and waxing (like the pictures above).  It's our favorite look, and totally differs from project to project - every piece of concrete is original in it's coloring, textures, irregularities, and variations that occur naturally when the concrete dries and cures.  And the best thing about finishing your existing concrete floors... usually most projects (like this basement floor pictured below) only take 2 days. 

Concrete Flooring Benefits:

• STYLISH - Undeniably gorgeous, original, one of kind and a piece of art. Homeowners love their concrete floors for their personality. Some owners opt for aesthetic simplicity, while others take advantage of the broad choice of colors and textures available.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Concrete floors can help you save energy. They feel cooler in the summer, so there is less of a need to use air conditioning. During the winter, concrete floors absorb the heat from the sun, helping to keep your home warm. For those with radiant-heated floors, concrete is the best flooring surface to maximize heat conduction and minimize energy usage.  Some worry that a concrete floor will be cold and hard on their feet. The truth is that finished concrete floors are no colder or hard-feeling as other common flooring types like ceramic tiles, stone and marble.
• SUSTAINABILITY - Using concrete floors helps to minimize waste, unlike other types of flooring, such as carpet, which creates waste from padding and carpet scraps. Also, concrete does not contain the harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that many synthetic carpets do.
• NON SLIP SURFACE - Especially with an added glossy finish, you would think concrete floors would be slippery. But the truth is that as long as your floor is installed by a professional, it should not be slippery. Standard practice and appropriate top coats and waxes, ensure that a non-slip additive is applied to the final finish of the floor.
• DURABILITY - If they are properly installed and maintained, concrete floors rarely need replacement and there is virtually no maintenance with concrete floors.
• LOW MAINTENANCE - Maintenance is simple. Just vacuum or sweep and follow up with a damp mop. The amount of traffic your floors receive will determine the amount of maintenance it will need. A concrete floor with normal traffic will probably need a reapplication of the finish every 2-3 years. Keep in mind that concrete is the most abrasive-resistant and durable floor. Proper installation also means that you won't have to worry about moisture vapors. Vapor barriers should be installed under the concrete slab to block moisture and dampness. Keep in mind that hiring a professional concrete floor installer is the best way to ensure that you won't have problems later.
• COST - Some considerations; size of job, detail (is it a basic application of stain or dye or more detailed design), preparation requirements, time frame, products and materials used (hardware store brand or professional grade) and finally, the experience level of the installer (a more experienced professional concrete artist/craftsman will charge more). 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.

Another tip when deciding who to hire for your project... you should look for a contractor or business owner that is involved in the entire process of your project.  This ensures you are getting the most experienced contractor or craftsmanship possible for your investment in the agreed upon price.  

Contact MODE CONCRETE for more details about our services and prices.

Heavy Boy Concrete Coffee Table - a modern minimalistic rectangular coffee table with wheels - made in Canada

Introducing the Heavy Boy Concrete Coffee Table.  A minimalistic, rectangle concrete coffee table with industrial wheels at the base, a natural finish and a surface smoother than a baby's bottom. Run your hands over it just once, we dare you...  We always hand-hone our concrete to an incredibly smooth glass like feel.  These coffee tables are cool, bold and contemporary, and as you’d expect, hold up against wear and tear very well.  

Totally suited for residential, commercial or hospitality settings.  All of our concrete furniture is stain resistant because of the sealers and waxes we apply to the surface. MODE CONCRETE has taken the raw beauty of concrete and fused it together with a unique blend of modern furniture designs. Concrete is the material coveted by discerning clients wanting a high-end product and world-renowned designers and architects. 

Concrete provides the ideal outdoor furniture solution since it's very durable and can easily cope with outdoor elements (especially in Canada!).  Concrete is heavy so it's ideal in high wind zone areas and coastal zones.  Our clients have chosen concrete furniture due to their low maintenance and resilience to all conditions.  They complement a wide range of indoor or outdoor environments and are an ideal choice for the architecturally aware and style savvy clients.

Design is the core of MODE. Whether it’s collaborating with new emerging and renowned designers to bring one-of-a-kind concrete ideas to life, or offering our custom design services to clients, MODE does it in style. We understand the process from concept to production, and can deliver a full range of services. From expert consultations, to digital design, fabrication and prototyping - we offer a multitude of services to our clients. MODE CONCRETE creates unparalleled, high-end concrete products and surfaces for clients, using only the highest quality artisans and materials available on the market.

Contact us to discuss your ideas, place a furniture order, or to discuss any upcoming projects.

All the furniture is created by master artisan Gareth Tyrrell.  

All of our furniture concepts are created and designed by contemporary fine artist Cindy Manchur.

Lynx Professional Grills... Rumor is, Lynx has the best grill in the world. You be the judge.

Rumor is, Lynx Professional Grills are one of the best purchases you’ll ever make.  Grillers and BBQ'ers all over the world rejoice as grilling season approaches us.  Hands down, if you read the reviews and talk to the experts, consistently you'll hear about Lynx being one of the best grills available on the market today.

What Lynx says about their grills 'The outdoors is our habitat. It’s also our specialty - we’re experts at it.  And while the worlds greatest grill will always be our flagship, we’ve applied the Lynx philosophy and outstanding workmanship to the whole collection of outdoor products and accessories, from refrigerators to warming drawers.  Lynx’s complete line of outdoor kitchen products combines advanced proprietary technologies and refined features that you can use to design your own outdoor cooking center.' (from http://www.lynxgrills.com/Index.asp)

Before you decide what line of grills peak your interest, do your research. We'll help you and do some of the research for you.  Here are a few reviews we found about Lynx Professional Grills, just click the links and read what other people are saying about Lynx.

1. Lynx Professional Grills - IN SEEKING OUT THE WORLD’S ULTIMATE GRILL, LYNX PROFESSIONAL GRILLS MAY VERY WELL BE THE BEST GAS GRILLS ON THE PLANET - a review by eMercedesBenz (an online magazine dedicated to covering the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands).
2. At the heart of every Lynx Gas Grill is a heavy duty solid cast brass burner that comes with a lifetime guarantee. Lynx Professional 42-Inch Gas Grill - a review by About.com.
3. Bobby's Best 2013 Lynx Grill Reviews.  There are bbq grills and then there’s Lynx. Lynx makes the best high-end grills on the market. 

The Lynx difference lies in its commitment to using the best materials for quality grilling.  Lynx's drop-dead good looks and unmistakable high-end quality offers the best in performance and durability.  

MODE CONCRETE offers the full range of Lynx Professional Grills and Outdoor Living products. Contact us for more details, pricing and ordering times.

Brazillian Grillls - the ultimate outdoor wood fired oven - available in BC through MODE CONCRETE

Brazilian Grills are the ultimate outdoor wood fired oven. 100% Canadian made and easy to assemble, available in various colours such as sandstone, beige, grey and terracotta with a variety of decorative door styles.

Enjoy evenings and weekends with a unique flavour that can’t be reproduced by a normal kitchen or barbeque. But bread and pizza aside you can cook almost anything in a wood fired oven to capture the flavour of the original Brazilian grill.

Our oven assembly is much easier than constructing your own oven as our kit has only 5 pieces and can be assembled in less then 1 hour.Our product is produced from high strength engineered refractory materials and kiln dried.  Perfect for the DIY client, or we can help install and assemble the stove if required.

All product information, images, and product details from: Brazillian Grills

Please contact us today. We’d love to introduce you to a whole new level of outdoor cooking, entertaining and backyard fun with a wood-fired brick oven!  

MODE CONCRETE helps DIY'ers, the client that wants the full luxury outdoor kitchen or someone looking for that perfect showpiece for outdoor entertaining.  Whatever your budget or requirements are, MODE can help you! 

Chicago Brick Ovens - rustic old-world wood fired oven - available through MODE CONCRETE

Chicago Brick Ovens create a unique focal point all by themselves, a total statement piece  They can also be the centerpiece of a full-blown, professional-level outdoor kitchen that includes sinks, refrigerators, gas grills and multiple food prep and serving surfaces.

Made in the USA, all Chicago Brick Oven (residential), wood-fired brick ovens are easy to install and can be fit into a variety of landscape designs and styles.  And best of all, if you want they come with a wheeled cart underneath that makes them non-permanent so if you ever move, you can bring your brilliant Chicago Brick Oven with you!

Combining the warmth and beauty of a hearth with better cooking capacity than a commercial range, a wood-fired brick oven from Chicago Brick Oven is the center of your outdoor space. A traditional Neapolitan design and made in the U.S.A. quality make Chicago Brick Oven the most unique oven on the market today.  The CBO chamber design creates a consistent FlameRoll™ for high-heat cooking and the professional wood-fired taste.

You’ll love CBO ovens if you’re like us and are enthusiastic about:

• Extending your entertaining and living space to the great outdoors
• Creating unique, unforgettable dining experiences for friends and family
• Enjoying great food of all kinds, from pizzas and chops to roasted veggies and seafood

All product information, images, and product details from: Chicago Brick Ovens

Please contact us today. We’d love to introduce you to a whole new level of outdoor cooking, entertaining and backyard fun with a wood-fired brick oven!  

MODE CONCRETE helps DIY'ers, the client that wants the full luxury outdoor kitchen or someone looking for that perfect showpiece for outdoor entertaining.  Whatever your budget or requirements are, MODE can help you! 

Check out our DECORATIVE CONCRETE ideabook, on Houzz. We can easily recreate any of these modern, architectural, concrete design elements.

Check out our DECORATIVE CONCRETE ideabook, on Houzz. We can easily recreate any of these looks!

We bring modern concrete trends to the interior of BC. All of our work is created by master concrete artisan and owner, Gareth Tyrrell. We spare no expense in creating our concrete items by using the best products and techniques available. We always finish our concrete products with natural, eco-friendly products, that aren't harmful or toxic to people or the environment.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5616873/thumbs/Decorative-Concrete

You can trust you are in good hands with MODE CONCRETE. Please contact us for more details.