Modern Concrete Loft Floors - repaired and naturally refinished by MODE CONCRETE, in Kelowna BC

This ultra modern and super hip penthouse loft has gorgeous, natural concrete floors.  Our client asked us to come in and repair, maintain and refinish them.  Our process usually only takes 2 days, is affordable, is totally natural (we only use safe, eco-friendly products) and you get some serious skill when you hire Mode.  Gareth, the owner and president of Mode Concrete works directly with all our clients throughout the process.  

Top Reasons People Love Concrete Floors - 

• eco-friendly and natural
• they age beautifully, embrace wear and people often compare concrete floors to leather 
• beautiful aesthetics
• easily creates major design element in any space
• super durable
• easy maintenance and super easy to repair if necessary
• easily customized
• they get better with age, gain character throughout it's life and embraces irregularities as 'beauty marks' making your floor an ever evolving work of art that is totally original to it's life, it's environment and what it's exposed to
• long term savings costs
• great longevity of product with the ability to refinish or recover floor
• health benefits and good for people with allergies or asthma
• minimal installation price when compared to other flooring alternatives
• untrimmed animal claws,  sexy stilletos, or stompy flamenco dancing with high heels could definitely leave marks on your floor, but if your concrete is properly maintained these should only be surface scratches - waxes, sealers and stains will protect the actual integrity of the concrete or surface
• easy to keep surface clean and germ free

And who can forget about concrete's drop dead gorgeous stylistic appeal?!?!?  Concrete creates a major design element and has major architectural appeal.  Other materials contrast easily and stand out concrete's raw and natural appeal.  We are true concrete lovers... are you?

Please contact MODE CONCRETE for more details about our concrete flooring services.

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.

Considering Modern Concrete Floors? Here are some top questions we get from inquiring minds about concrete floors and overlays

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 example to show the thickness of our concrete floors, they are totally perfect for any floor in your home!

Here are some top questions we often get asked by inquiring minds from all over the world, about our concrete floors and overlays:

• Thickness is usually between 3/8" to 1/2" thick and similar weight to tile or natural stone.
• It can be applied indoors or outdoors to any level or story of the structure (with proper preparation).
• This is a great option for open concept living or indoor/outdoor living by easily creating a cohesive look and surface.
• Our concrete floors are available in standard grey or white, which are easily customized by staining (acid stain or water based non-toxic stain).
• Price........ well, 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.
• Try before you buy!!  All contractors should provide you with a sample or test area, since all concrete reacts differently this is a great way to make sure you like it before you buy it.
• For people wondering if concrete floors can be done on wood subfloors and substrates...  well yes you can!  After preparing the surface, we can pour a thin layer of new concrete to any room in your house.  Depending on the flex in your wooden subfloor, hairline cracks are natural and expected to appear on the surface. This comes from the concrete slab being a single, solid piece of rock and the wood underneath is flexible and changes and shifts consistently. When the foundation of the house shifts, the concrete is subjected to various flex points and pressures which take the form of tiny hairline fractures in the material.  Designers love this aspect of concrete since it adds tremendous character to the floor.
• With adequate sealers and waxes, your floor will have a barrier protecting your concrete.  Proper concrete sealing/waxing every few years will maintain your floor and renew that wonderful brand-new sheen or reflective quality to your concrete floor.  We always finish our concrete products with natural, eco-friendly products, that aren't harmful or toxic to people or the environment.

Concrete benefits include durability, flexibility of design options, incredible longevity, easy maintenance, cost and best of all it embraces age by developing a one-of-kind patina that is totally unique. Concrete is a natural material, and regardless how your concrete floor is finished, the natural patina is what makes concrete so ultra-chic.

If you have any questions or would like an estimate, please get in touch with us.

Modern and Super Cool Black Concrete Floor on Wood Subfloor with Black Stained Concrete Fireplace Tiles, made by artisans in Kelowna BC Canada by MODE CONCRETE

This style stunner is located on Okanagan Lake.  MODE CONCRETE created the black stained concrete floor overlay, on the main floor of this residence (on a wooden substrate). With proper prep, all surfaces can be topped with a concrete floor similar to this and are made of a light weight concrete so no extra structural supports are required for your project.  The picture below is wonderful, because you can actually see how thin the concrete floor is.

We also created the modern black stained concrete fireplace surround. This look is achieved by creating large format hand cast concrete tiles, made from a light weight material. The tiles can be natural, stained or customized in any way, by our master artisan Gareth Tyrrell. No extra supports need to be installed, since this concrete is light weight and is a similar weight to tile.  Concrete tiles are great for refacing older dated fireplace surrounds, or applying straight onto drywall.

A vibrant or bold colored concrete floor or fireplace surround (like the black stain we used here) is easy to achieve, and can usually be created with water based eco-stains (safe for indoor projects) or traditional acid staining.  Concrete acts as a blank canvas and any color or finish can be applied. Our master concrete artisan and company owner, Gareth Tyrrell works on every job, from beginning to end, ensuring top quality results and ecstatic clients every time - we guarantee it!

Concrete floors are perfect for maximizing your indoor/outdoor living and creating a consistent flow throughout your space. Perfect for the Okanagan, when the sunshine starts to shine!  Contact us today for more details.

Modern, Natural, Eco-Friendly Basement Concrete Floors - an inexpensive, viable flooring solution that continues to grow in popularity

Concrete floors easily create a design element, next to bright white walls and a rustic barn door. The rich wood barn door against the cool concrete floor, easily puts some personality in this space.  

This client wanted us to work with their brand new existing concrete basement floor (regular contractors concrete).  Gareth (owner of Mode Concrete) went in and cleaned the surface, sealed and waxed the surface (numerous applications of both are applied).  Usually this process only takes 2 days.

Top Reasons People Love Concrete Floors - 

• eco-friendly and natural
• they age beautifully, embrace wear and people often compare concrete floors to leather 
• beautiful aesthetics
• easily creates major design element in any space
• super durable
• easy maintenance and super easy to repair if necessary
• easily customized
• they get better with age, gain character throughout it's life and embraces irregularities as 'beauty marks' making your floor an ever evolving work of art that is totally original to it's life, it's environment and what it's exposed to
• long term savings costs
• great longevity of product with the ability to refinish or recover floor
• health benefits and good for people with allergies or asthma
• minimal installation price when compared to other flooring alternatives
• untrimmed animal claws,  sexy stilletos, or stompy flamenco dancing with high heels could definitely leave marks on your floor, but if your concrete is properly maintained these should only be surface scratches - waxes, sealers and stains will protect the actual integrity of the concrete or surface
• easy to keep surface clean and germ free

Style, style, style, to die for style - it's the number one reason people love concrete floors.  Concrete creates a major design element and has major architectural appeal.  

If you live in the Okanagan please contact MODE CONCRETE for more details on our services.  We are available to travel worldwide, depending on project scope and size.

Concrete Floors Easily create Design Element, next to these Modern Stairs with Glass Panel Railing

Concrete floors easily create a design element, next to this modern staircase with glass panel railing. The warm wood against the cool concrete, packs a punch and contrasts beautifully.  

This client wanted us to work with their brand new existing concrete basement floor (regular contractors concrete).  Gareth (owner of Mode Concrete) went in and cleaned the surface, sealed and waxed the surface (numerous applications of both are applied).  Usually this process only takes 2 days.

Concrete Floors - weighing them against the options:

• eco-friendly and super cool
• most of our clients go with concrete floors, because they love the look of concrete
• natural stone is a great comparison, and very similar to the properties of concrete (weight, temperature, hardness)
• we'd say 70% of our customers want some level of customization on their concrete floor (staining, seams, stenciling, logos) and see their concrete as a blank canvas, while others embrace standard grey natural concrete for all it's beauty
• concrete floors are not a fad - they fit into many design schemes and will easily transition with your tastes and furnishings
• the most common concern is inevitable concrete cracking throughout your concrete floor - while some people love and look forward to the cracking and find this aspect appealing about concrete floors giving them the natural aged look just like real stone
• slippery concrete floors are curbed by applying barriers on the surface, like sealers, waxes or slip resistant additives

There aren't many flooring options that have this many benefits - design, colors, personalizations make your floor your own personal blank canvas.  A gorgeous, long-lasting surface that is gaining more and more popularity all the time.  

MODE CONCRETE is an artisan concrete design firm that specializes in a variety of concrete floor services, owner and president Gareth Tyrrell always works directly with clients and on the project.  Contact us for more details.

2013 Services and Information Commercial - MODE CONCRETE located in Kelowna BC

Also - check out our MODE CONCRETE Youtube Playlist, featuring our Services, Information and Specialty Products (all of which are hand selected for their strong design elements and high quality).

MODE CONCRETE is a design firm specializing in custom hand cast concrete, located in Kelowna BC Canada and servicing the entire Okanagan.  We specialize in concrete floors (overlays, basement finishing, sealing, waxing), concrete fireplaces, concrete furniture, concrete countertops, terrazzo concrete... and the list goes on and on.  Check out our video, our website http://www.modeconcrete.com/ or contact us directly if you have any questions about our services.

This video highlights some recent projects we've completed and services that we offer.

All images were taken by MODE CONCRETE.  Video was created by MODE CONCRETE.

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.

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.

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.

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.