Columbian Artisan Concrete Vanity, Sink and Mirror Surround - by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Check out our latest creation. A columbian inspired sink, that our artisans created for our Peachland clients. They gave us an inspiration image and we went to work to duplicate their dream vanity. Our clients were ecstatic when they saw the final results. We love the final look... do you? 

MODE CONCRETE specializes in creating custom concrete countertops, vanities, sinks 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 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.  

Epoxy Floors are Super Strong, Affordable and Stylish - by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna, BC

Here is an epoxy floor that we just finished for our Kelowna client. Check out these images! They wanted us to use green and silver glitter and also create a logo in the floor. What amazing results!!

Epoxy floor coatings are tough, rigid, and plastic-like materials, which are very durable, waterproof, and chemically resistant. Many colors are available, depending on your preferences.

Epoxy is a seamless and non-porous flooring option for your kitchen, basement, garage or anywhere. We apply our epoxy coatings directly to the concrete floor or surface. Epoxy flooring is especially popular in residential or commercial garage floors with heavy machinery or vehicle exposure. Commercial and industrial interior spaces are ideal for epoxy flooring as well.

We are experts in a variety of concrete flooring and coating options.

Contact us today for more details!

Epoxy Floor Specialists - MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Epoxy floor coatings are tough, rigid, and plastic-like materials, which are very durable, waterproof, and chemically resistant. Many colors are available, depending on your preferences.

Epoxy is a seamless and non-porous flooring option for your kitchen, basement, garage or anywhere. We apply our epoxy coatings directly to the concrete floor or surface.

Epoxy flooring is especially popular in residential or commercial garage floors with heavy machinery or vehicle exposure.

Commercial and industrial interior spaces are ideal for epoxy flooring as well. Restaurants, hotel kitchens, sanitary hospital flooring, retail stores, factories, warehouses, showrooms, kennels, pool rooms, wineries, commercial garages, office buildings, schools, and anywhere else heavy-duty floors are needed.

Above is project we completed for our client in the Okanagan.

We are experts in a variety of concrete flooring and coating options.

Contact us today for more details!

Concrete Pool Deck Maintenance, Repair and Sealing - by the pros at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Who wants to worry about unsealed, chipped, cracked or crumbly concrete interfering with summer fun?! No-one, that's who. Now is the ideal time of year to get your pool deck, patios or driveway pressure washed and maintained. Since we have such hot summers and harsh freeze/thaw conditions in the winter, it is important to properly maintain and waterproof your concrete every year or two.

For this beautiful project below, our customer wanted to us pressure wash and seal their concrete pool deck. 

How often should you seal your concrete pool deck, patio or 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. 

What can I do if my concrete is spalling or has a surface failure?

Spalling and surface failures are most likely caused by 1) Freeze thaw damage & water penetrating the concrete surface and then expanding as it freezes or 2) poor finishing and the use of water on the surface to aid in the finishing process. Excess water and overfinishing create a weak surface that can't handle freeze-thaw expansion and contraction. You should always get a signed contract with a concrete installer with specific warranty language dealing with spalling and cracking. To fix the spalling, you may need to resurface the driveway with an overlay or replace the entire driveway. Sealers are a great way to protect concrete from spalling deterioration. A good-quality sealer designed for use on exterior concrete will help minimize water saturation and protect against salt damage. Even with a good sealer, the concrete itself remains the most important component in avoiding spalling.

• Spalling details obtained from the Concrete Network. http://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-spalled-concrete/spalled-concrete-new-driveway.html 

Mode Concrete are trusted experts that can help you refinish, repair or install lots of different indoor or outdoor concrete surfaces (we can even help with outdoor kitchens!). We have worked with many residential and commercial clients over the years. We can help talk you through all the options available to you depending on the state of the concrete. We can stain the concrete, disguise cracks and patch any deteriorated areas. There are so many options available, we can walk you through the entire process and give advice on what we recommend. We always stay within the original estimated price and on schedule (weather permitting... we live in the mountains afterall!).

Free onsite estimates for clients residing in and around the Kelowna area.

Evo Professional Flattop Grill - available through MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC Canada

Right now is outdoor kitchen season, everyone is scrambling to start fixing up and preparing their backyard or outdoor space for maximum enjoyment this summer. Our most popular outdoor kitchen item is the Evo grill... hands down is the coolest item we sell. We offer a builtin model or a wheeled cart model, both professional quality with lifetime warranties. Please get ahold of us for more details and pricing - MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. We can ship this item directly to you anywhere in Western Canada.

Evo social cooking™ appliances are found in homes of foodie consumers who enjoy healthy cooking with family and friends, and used by more professional chefs entertaining more people than any other cooking appliance to connect dining audiences to a fresh-prepared food experience. Made in America, Evo circular cooktops are recognized for delivering the natural flavors of food, cooking versatility, distinct design, quality construction, and above all else, creating a social space around fresh-prepared food.

The Evo Affinity 30G Cooktop is the perfect solution for outdoor kitchens where the emphasis is on social cooking. Foods can be prepared directly on the cooktop, and either separately or simultaneously, pots and pans may be used as in traditional stove top cooking. The 30G has a 30” (762mm) diameter black oil-seasoned steel (optional ceramic-clad cook surface available) heated underneath by inner and outer gas tube burners. Evo’s technology allows independent heat adjustment across inner and outer cook surface zones for managing a wide range of menu possibilities. Heat is delivered to each burner via separate inner and outer control knobs.

Evo's new Oasis Island Cart is custom designed for the Evo Affinity, both available for order through MODE CONCRETE. This is the perfect solution to create an instant outdoor kitchen and social cooking environment.

Product Features

• Circular Flattop Grill Designed To Create A Social Cooking Space With Residential Outdoor Kitchens
• 30” (762mm) circular oil seasoned steel cooking surface.
• Two temperature zones between inner and outer surface.
• Variable temperatures 225ºF to 550ºF (121ºC to 228ºC).
• With LP Propane gas total of 37,638 BTUs.
• With Natural Gas total of 36,267 BTUs.
• Knobs separately control inner and outer burners.
• Electronic push button ignition.
• Natural Gas or LP Propane gas.
• Optional ceramic-clad cook surface upgrade.

Built-in Model Designed For Custom Outdoor Kitchens

• Install to steel, or combustibles with 3/8” min. clearance.
• Install to end base or right angle counter configurations.
• Circular cook surface and radius control panel opens design possibilities.
• Large stainless steel lid for steaming, roasting, baking and protecting cook surface from outdoor debris.

Easy Operation, Easy Maintenance, Easy Cleanup

• Cooking techniques: sauté, braise, flattop (plancha) grilling, pan fry, roast, poach, steam, toast.
• Cook surface is extremely durable and easy to clean.
• Stainless steel burners are protected against spill overs.
• Stainless steel drip pan surrounds cook surface with forward spillover slots to dual spill collection trays.
• Spill collection trays are conveniently located in front doors at each outward side of control panel.
• all above details of this blog were obtained from http://www.evoamerica.com/residential-products/affinity-30g-drop-gas-cooktop

Contact us today for more details or to get a brochure sent you to you. Mode Concrete is located in Kelowna BC Canada. The EVO grills are custom made-to-order items, built in the USA, shipped direct to our customers. 

Pool Decks, Driveways, Patios, Floors - Expert Concrete Maintenance, Repair, Acid-Staining in Kelowna - MODE CONCRETE

We specialize in luxury concrete finishing, resurfacing, and concrete repairs in Kelowna and the Okanagan. Contact us for a free estimate or more details! 

Here is our latest acid staining project we completed around this lovely pool... check out their views. Definitely one of the many reasons why people love living in the Okanagan.

Here is a before picture.

 And here is after we stained the surface of this pool deck! It looks brand new and super stylish.

 

This pool deck was sandblasted then acid stained... it had many years of sealer build up that needed to be stripped and removed before we could stain the surface. 

We offer acid staining and eco water-based staining, both appropriate for indoor or outdoor concrete surfaces. Artisan stains can be applied to any horizontal or vertical surface.  It's a great way to punch up brand new or boring old concrete, camouflage and disguise cracks or repairs, and a wonderful way to add a designer touch. Our staining gives the result of a natural looking color pattern with mottled shades of the same hue, marbling occurs and each stained piece of concrete is a piece of art.  The art of concrete staining is only as good as the artisan. This is a highly technical and specialized process, we advise that you receive test or sample areas before deciding colors, finishes or assessing the skill of the contractor.  Due to the high level of unpredictability that concrete naturally exhibits, concrete staining is a tricky project even for the most ambitious DIY'er.  Each concrete surface will stain uniquely according to variations in surface density, texture, porosity, and composition. 

MODE CONCRETE can also apply a wide range of concrete sealers... simply alone, or on top of any concrete stain.  Concrete surfaces like walls, driveways, patios, sidewalks, floors, pool decks, garage floors all require sealers to protect them from damage, wear/tear and the natural environmental factors the surface is exposed to.  By properly maintaining and protecting your concrete, you will add years of life to your concrete surface. If your concrete surface is already experiencing a surface failure or what we call 'SPALLING' (pitting, flaking, cracking, crumbling surface, etc) it's always best to clean up the concrete and apply a waterproofing agent to eliminate further surface deterioration or water damage.

The first step to any exterior concrete surface treatment is to properly clean and prepare the surface. Usually high pressure power washing does the trick, but in some instances it's necessary to use more extreme measures. Every project is different - it's best to call us for an onsite consultation so we can make accurate recommendations, specific to your situation.

MODE CONCRETE provides all the services we discuss in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us. We service Kelowna & area, in BC Canada.

Natural Concrete Floors - Environmentally Conscience Process is Non-toxic and Produces Zero Waste (by Kelowna's pros MODE CONCRETE)

Natural concrete floors are one of our specialties. We take the raw beauty of concrete and polish the surface to give it this marvelous, durable sheen that easily outlives many other flooring options available. Our floors are easy to repair, inexpensive and created with a dustfree process. No grinding required, non-toxic and eco-friendly. And... best of all, you'll be blown away by how affordable this stylish look costs per square foot compared to the alternatives. 

Over the years we have been trusted by many discerning developers, home-owners and businesses throughout the Okanagan and BC. Contact us for pricing, a free estimate or to see what all the hype is about! 

These two images are floors that MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna naturally polished and finished for our clients. 

Concrete's natural color is always 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... like the two images above. Same process, totally different look. Contractors grade pavement looks absolutely glorious with minimal effort or expense - and the best thing about finishing your existing concrete floors... usually most projects take us less than a week to complete.

Like us on Facebook to see what we're up to! 

Concrete Maintenance, Repair, Acid-Staining - Pool Decks, Driveways, Patios, Floors - Kelowna's MODE CONCRETE can help you!

Concrete stains can be applied to any horizontal or vertical concrete surface. It's a great way to punch up brand new or boring old concrete, camouflage and disguise cracks or repairs, and a wonderful way to add a designer touch. With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, irregularities, and the patina that develops with wear over time. Adding a stain can further add a depth and character to your concrete surface and camouflage any naturally occurring imperfections. Here we created a rich patinaed, antiqued brown concrete patio for our Kelowna client.

There are good reasons why interior designers often choose concrete for their most cutting edge spaces. Stained, colored, textured or smooth, concrete boasts limitless design options. It provides a blank canvas upon which homeowners can leave their mark.  But beyond the design advantages, these surfaces are low maintenance and they blend seamlessly with the architectural aesthetics of various design styles.

We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Concrete staining and sealing is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors, retaining walls , concrete slabs or any concrete surface. MODE CONCRETE provides all the services we discuss in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us.  We service Kelowna & area, in BC Canada.

DIY concrete staining advice: Concrete art is only as good as the artisan completing the project. DIY'ers contact us all the time... but without proper technique, product exposure and the experience, results could vary greatly in this regard.  We always advise doing test areas to see how the concrete reacts before treating large surfaces.  Due to the high level of unpredictability that concrete naturally exhibits, concrete staining is a tricky project even for the most ambitious DIY'er. Each concrete surface will stain uniquely according to variations in surface density, texture, porosity, and composition.

If you plan to hire professionals:  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.

CONTACT us today for any of the services we discuss in this blog. We specialize in luxury concrete finishing, resurfacing, and concrete repairs in Kelowna and the Okanagan. Contact us for a free estimate or more details! 

Make sure to like us on Facebook to keep up to date with what we're up to!

How often should you waterproof and pressure wash your concrete? ARTICLE by Mode Concrete In Kelowna BC

Concrete Pool Decks, Patios, Driveways and Pathways - Pressure Washing, Waterproofing, Sealing, Yearly Maintenance, Repair & Refinishing 

ARTICLE and all IMAGES POSTED BY THE PROS AT MODE CONCRETE IN KELOWNA BC.

Now is the perfect time of year to look at your exterior concrete, especially if your concrete is exposed to the extremely hot temperatures we have in the Okanagan.  Applying concrete sealers and waterproofing agents are an essential part of finishing any indoor or outdoor concrete surface. Protect your concrete driveway and patio from weather, staining, oil/gas, salt, and water by making sure you have a surface barrier on your concrete.


How often should you seal or waterproof concrete? 

Everyone has something different to say about how often to seal your driveway. Some say maintenance should be done every 3-5 years, whereas others say every year. The determining factor here should be what sort of climate zone or wear/tear your concrete is exposed to. Factors like how much moisture, wear or heat exposure should be taken into consideration.

If your concrete is exposed to moisture, freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your concrete might require re-sealing and maintenance every year or two. If your concrete is exposed to salt 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.

How often should you pressure wash concrete? 
You will see a noticeable difference when your driveway is pressure washed once a year. It all depends on how clean you would like your driveway to be and how fast dirt collects or how fast moss, mold and algae grow.

Can oil or rust be removed from pressure washing?
A basic power washing of concrete will not get oil spots out. If you do have oil spots which need to be cleaned individually. Due to that fact that driveways are so porous oil spills usually soak right into the concrete and so it may be near impossible to get all of it out. We can usually lighten it up quite a bit by giving those areas some detailed attention. Similarly to oil spots, rust stains the concrete and it is very, very difficult to out, a basic power washing of the driveway will likely not remove rust stains. There are ways to remove or at least diminish the stains but it would not involve pressure washing. If you notice staining, you should get your concrete pressure washed and sealed immediately to eliminate further damage.


Depending on your concrete, a good suggestion to disguise rust or oil is to acid-stain the surface to camouflage the imperfections (like the image to the right).

Concrete services we offer on pool decks, pathways, driveways, patios or concrete slabs:

• Concrete cleaning 
• High power pressure washing
• Concrete yearly maintenance
• Concrete sealing (for stained concrete, aggregate concrete, or stamped)
• Concrete waterproofing
• Concrete patching
• Concrete chip and crack repair
• Adding anti-slip surface finishes onto concrete
• Acid staining, eco-based water staining
• Mildew removal
• Moss removal
• Troubleshooting water damaged concrete

We always offer expert concrete advice, superior workmanship and never cheap out on the products we use.  We only use the highest quality materials to repair, maintain or seal your concrete.  Whether your concrete is brand new, needs maintenance, or needs some repair... we are here to help.  People all over the Okanagan put their trust in Mode Concrete to get the job done right, with long term results.  We always offer free written estimates to our inquiring clients. We always stay within the original estimated price and on schedule (weather permitting... we live in the mountains afterall!).

CONTACT us today for any of the services we discuss in this blog.

Contemporary Tiled Concrete Fireplace - Large Format Ultra-Thin Wall Tiles made in Canada

Our concrete tiles are as beautiful as they are functional. Our clients use our hand cast artisan concrete tiles indoors and outdoors, on floors or on fireplaces. Below are pictures of a contemporary concrete tiled fireplace that we custom designed and created for our West Kelowna client. 

Our ultra thin concrete tiles serve as a truly unique surfacing medium. Handcrafted from start to finish, our concrete tiles will give any surface lots of personality. Our custom made large format concrete tiles will easily withstand fireplace heat. Ultra-thin high performance concrete is mixed up, poured into custom made forms and finished to perfection. Concrete camouflages magnificently and gets a lovely patina with the wear and tear it's exposed to over it's life.

For the above project we've used concrete panels to tile the fireplace from floor to ceiling. Created and designed by pros at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Cool and Modern Concrete Floors - by MODE CONCRETE

If you want to create a major design impact, consider concrete floors - the flooring for the stylish at heart.  Concrete floors get so much better with age 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. 

Below are images of a natural concrete floor that we recently polished and finished. We love love love the final look!!

Recently, the use of concrete as a residential flooring option has become more popular as more beautiful and economical techniques have become available, and major designers are spreading the word 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. 

Benefits of concrete flooring:

• it's a green, eco-friendly, zero-waste option - 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
• our process is eco-friendly, dust-free and non-toxic
• it is has great longevity when compared to other flooring materials
• it enhances the integrity of your homes' architectural design elements
• they are super easy to maintain, keep clean and are hypo-allergenic
• it's easy to change, especially if you sell your home; the next owner can place other flooring on top of the concrete slab
• they are great in regions with a lot of sand, snow or moisture

 

Above are pictures of another gorgeous project completed by Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC. Please contact us to discuss any of the services we talk about in our blog.