Modern Open Concept Bathroom - featuring a concrete floor, a curbless shower and a linear drain - created by MODE CONCRETE

Here is a totally beautiful, modern, open concept bathroom, featuring a concrete floor, a curbless shower and a linear drain - all the concrete (floor finishing, sloped shower concrete pad, linear drain concrete tile) was finished and customized by MODE CONCRETE.  

This barrier free shower easily creates an open, airiness to even the smallest of bathrooms.  When using a cohesive floor and a glass see through shower screen, it extends your floor and bathroom directly into the shower.  This curbless design is easily achieved with a clever drainage system that eliminates any separation between the open and the wet areas of the bathroom. 

The concrete sloped shower pad provides the perfect balance of functionality and contemporary design, by cleverly using and disguising the linear drain with a custom concrete tile.  Definitely a great way to create a continuous floor throughout your bathroom, or anywhere you need a drain.

Contact us for more details on how we can help you create your modern concrete curbless shower with a linear drain.

Modfire's Bonfire, a midcentury modern fire unit... 7 feet tall and full of gorgeous!

Bonfire - 7 feet tall and full of gorgeous

We don’t know if bigger is better, but it’s definitely hotter. The Urban Bonfire is Modfire's award-winning fireplace design in extra-large. At 7’ tall, this unit creates a real presence in your outdoor space, providing a place for large gatherings and a focal point on your deck or patio..

The Urban Bonfire can be configured to burn propane, ethanol or natural gas. It works well in both commercial and residential installations.

Product Details:

The Bonfire in propane or natural gas has a modern star burner mounted to its firebowl to provide a perfectly dispersed flame. Covering the propane burner with either lava rock or fire glass is a great way to disperse the flame and add a customized touch (not included).

A 10' length of flex-hose makes it easy to attach to your propane tank (the propane model uses a standard 20lb propane tank like the one used for most residential gas grills). It is also possible to order a longer hose to store your tank further away. The natural gas model comes with stubbed out pipe that should be connected to your natural gas line by a licensed contractor in your area.

This ethanol model is powered by an Eco-smart burner that uses clean-burning ethanol. It puts out a toasty 18,600 BTUs and is safe for indoor or outdoor use. The burner holds about 2 gallons of fuel and burns for apx 8 hours without refilling.

The Bonfire is manufactured from 14 gauge rolled steel. They are hand-rolled into a sleek cone designed to both direct the heat and provide a beautiful modern centerpiece for your outdoor space. Each one is then finished in the Modfire studio by one of their steel artisans. Seams are welded and smoothed, the distinctive openings are hand-formed, and the finish is applied.

Each Bonfire is unique and will have slight variations in size and finishing. In general, they measure 32" in diameter at the base, 10" at the top and stand 83". Average weight is about 120 lbs.

This model comes in Natural Steel or any of our color finishes: Ultra-lounge White, Avocado, Azure, Maraschino, or Tangerine. Each one includes several layers of high-temperature paint plus a thousand degree clear coat to protect the steel and provide a vibrant finish.

For any fellow Canadians who are as speechless as we are about Modfire's entire line - contact MODE CONCRETE for ordering details eh?!  We can honestly say, for us... it was love at first sight.  

All above product information and photos credits, courtesy of: Modfire

Concrete Cubes and Rectangles - Multipurpose and Stylish to the Max... Modern Concrete Furniture Made in Kelowna by MODE CONCRETE

Our concrete cubes and rectangles have so many uses, perfect for indoor or outdoors. Use alone as seating, a table, or storage… cluster them together to create a coffee table. Combine any combo together to create shelving, wall dividers, benches, or any arrangement you can dream up. Their use and function can change as your tastes and preferences evolve. Concrete furniture lasts for years and will probably out live you.

Our concrete cubes can either have a square or round cut out through the middle of the cube.  They are 16" x 16" x 16" and super versatile - you'll adore them for years to come. 

For pricing, detailed specs, and ordering details - please get in touch with us - modeconcrete@shaw.ca.  All of our creations are custom, hand-cast, artisan created and made to order.

 We are seriously in love with creating high quality architectural design statements.
Concrete furniture is our passion.

Wowza... Check out this Ultra-Cool, Contemporary and Modern Concrete Floor

Here is a before/after picture of a untreated contractors grade concrete floor that we finished. 

The best thing of all… it usually only takes 2 days, it's cheap, is a long term flooring option and we go anywhere in the Okanagan!  You may ask, how cheap is cheap?  Well the cost of finishing your concrete floor is usually less than installation of other flooring materials, that's not including the actual flooring material cost.  Definitely a cost effective option when deciding on flooring.

Get in touch with us today for a free estimate, or if you have any questions.  

Our Concrete Dream Lounger - made by the concrete wizards at MODE CONRETE

Make your neighbors jealous with MODE CONCRETE's concrete dream lounger, perfect for indoors or outdoors. This modern chaise is as lounge worthy as it is a conversation starter.  Our dream lounger used to weigh close to 400lbs, but now it only weighs in at closer to 200lbs.  Gareth has been experimenting again, this time he has come up with the perfect light weight concrete. For the average joe, he basically adds all sorts of concrete magic to our already stunning concrete furniture line... so now it's more mobile and easier to move wherever your life may take you.

Our dream lounger, comfortable and hip—our lounger looks great everywhere. And at nearly 200 lbs it’s not going anywhere, the tide surely won’t wash this away. It looks amazing beachfront, on your dock or poolside. Around a fire or in a garden, the dream lounger even looks stunning inside the home with cushions on top. This modern lounger is as lounge worthy as it is stylish looking. With lots of ergonomic and architectural appeal, we promise you won’t want to move once you sit in this lounger.

All of our furniture is custom and made to order by European trained concrete artisans, using only the best products and techniques available.  Contact us for more details about our concrete furniture, or for pricing details.

Home Gym with Concrete Floors - concrete floors are the perfect solution for any room... they are super stylish, durable and easy to maintain

Here is a concrete overlay that MODE CONCRETE created in the Okanagan.  A concrete floor is the perfect solution to any home-gym, basement, garage, or any space you want something super durable that is easy to maintain.

MODE CONCRETE provides concrete floor services throughout the Okanagan Valley.  Please contact us for more details or an estimate.

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.

Concrete Floors are Ultra Modern, Industrial, and Durable - Concrete Floors, Overlays and Top-Coats by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

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 overlay that we applied to an uneven concrete basement floor.  It is 'standard grey' with basic sealers and waxes applied to the surface.  It's gorgeous alone or the perfect blank canvas for any finishing or color you can dream up.  Can you say concrete love?!?!?

Why do People Love Concrete Floors:
Durable, long-lasting and ideal for creating a cutting edge, modern and industrial feel.  Can easily be warmed up (to fit in traditional design schemes) by applying water based eco-stain or acid stains to the surface.

How are concrete floors installed:
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.

Where Should you put Concrete Floors: 
Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas all look fabulously contemporary and modern with concrete floors.  With proper preparation it can be applied to existing concrete, on wooden sub-floors or wooden substrates or on top of any uneven surface.  An appointment is always recommend in this regard, so we can properly asses the prep required.

How To Look After and Maintain Concrete Floors:
Although porous and  it's properties are similar to natural stone, if adequately sealed and waxed upon installation your concrete will be naturally resistant to spills and stains.  It is a very low-maintenance and easy to keep clean.  We remove the dust from the surface with a broom or vacuum, then mop with a natural, non-abrasive, non-toxic cleaner.  Easy peasy.

If you get a brand new concrete floor and after a few years you notice that your once shiny concrete floors starts looking dull-ish, call your concrete man for a rewax and reseal to re-achieve that brand new glistening sheen.  For a more rustic look, some people prefer the natural wear and age that appears on concrete and don't like to reseal/rewax the surface.  Everything with concrete comes down to personal preference, and style...  but one thing we guarantee, it'll age and beautify immensely as it gets older.  It embraces age, as we all should.

Pouring concrete floors, overlays, top-coats and skim-coats on Wooden Subfloor and Substrates:
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.

If you have any questions, need an estimate or would like to make an appointment, please contact us today!

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.

Modern Kitchen with Concrete Countertops - made in the Okanagan by MODE CONCRETE

Another project completed by MODE CONCRETE for our clients in Vernon. Check out those views, wouldn't it be lovely to wake up here every morning, make a coffee and be spellbound by all that gorgeous Canadian speldor?  Superb design choices, wonderful clients and a stunning view... we love everything about this house!  The concrete countertops that we created for them, is the perfect finishing touch to an amazingly designed kitchen.

For this countertop we added black pigment to the concrete, to integrally color the concrete product mix.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in creating custom concrete countertops and we can customize the concrete in a multitude of ways, to perfectly fit within your space.  As for cleaning and maintaining, like most countertops, a mild soap and a cloth are all that should be used for routine cleanup. Be sure to avoid harsh cleansers or anything abrasive.

We recently joined houzz, and it has some amazing ideas if you are needed some design inspiration check out this site!  Here is our MODE CONCRETE Houzz profile.  Here are some articles from Houzz about concrete countertops...  Kitchen Counters: Concrete, the Nearly Indestructible Option and Amazing Ways with Concrete Countertops.

We also can assist you refinishing or maintaining your existing concrete countertop, concrete floors and any decorative concrete surface.  Contact us today for more details on our services.  

Basement Concrete Floor - Modern, Contemporary, Custom and Eco-Friendly

Concrete floors have been used for decades for commercial applications in stores and office buildings.  Most of those beautiful, modern and shiny floors in department stores are finished concrete floors. Recently, the use of concrete as a residential flooring option has become more popular as more beautiful and economical techniques have become available, and word of mouth has spread about the amazing benefits of concrete floors. Concrete flooring is so durable that it has become a great option, economically and packs quite the style statement.

Here is a basement concrete floor that we recently sealed and waxed for some of our favorite clients.  We love love love the final look!!

Some reasons you should consider concrete flooring:

• you don't even have to leave the house or go shopping, the flooring is already in your home
• as your taste or style evolves, it's easy to change the look of your concrete floor
• every house already has a concrete floor waiting to show it's potential and personality
• it's an eco-friendly flooring option
• it is has great longevity when compared to other flooring materials
• it enhances the integrity of architect's designs
• they are easy to maintain and clean
• it's easy to change, especially if you sell your home; the next owner can place carpet or wood on top of the concrete slab
• they are great in regions with a lot of sand, snow or moisture
• they are a good alternative to carpet if you have allergies

Here is a picture of an aged concrete floor, with our 'kalmalka aqua' stain applied to the top.  As it ages and gets worn out, it will start coming to life and revel it's 'beauty marks.' 

Whether it's simply sealed and waxed, acid-stained, painted, overlays, microtoppings, radiant floors, or a unique personal floor, concrete floors offer a huge range of custom options to fit into any space or style. Concrete flooring (sometimes referred to as cement flooring) used to be hidden under other flooring materials, but why not embrace the beauty of concrete and use the concrete itself as your floor. You can also color the concrete, or apply textures, patterns, seams, which bring new life to your concrete.

If you live in the Okanagan, please contact MODE CONCRETE for more details.

Create a Major Design Impact - Contemporary Floor to Ceiling Black Concrete Tiled Fireplace

We have always been passionate about concrete. Versatile, durable, elegant, great longevity, unique and modern... only a few reasons why we love it. At MODE CONRETE we collaborate with clients, architects and designers to create beautiful, contemporary concrete pieces. Our hand cast artisan method using high performance concrete allows us to create unique solutions and designs. 

We recently completed this fireplace for a client that came with a specific design and style in mind.   We were able to achieve their vision by staining the concrete and custom making large concrete tiles.

We specialize in all high-end decorative concrete surfaces and guarantee customer satisfaction.  Check out our website for our full portfolio - http://www.modeconcrete.com/

Easily Update and Modernize your Fireplace... Refacing an Existing 70s Brick Fireplace Surround with Modern Concrete Tiles

We recently re-faced an older 70s brick fireplace, refacing it in large, modern, custom hand-cast concrete tiles.

And here's the after photo, totally modernized and beautiful!!

We can design and create any fireplace surround, mantle or hearth out of custom shaped concrete tiles to achieve your original one-of-a-kind design.  We work with you to achieve the look that you are going for.  The concrete we create is a piece of art and carries on a life of its own, you'll notice it gains 'character' and 'beauty marks' as it ages.  It is the ultimate material to go around your fireplace... it's heat resistant, super stylish and camouflages ash or wood sap.

We love hitting the drawing board with our next custom concrete project.  We specialize in all high-end decorative concrete surfaces and guarantee customer satisfaction.  Check out our website for our full portfolio - http://www.modeconcrete.com/