Contemporary Concrete Kitchen with Waterfall Countertop - made by MODE CONCRETE in BC

This is a renovated kitchen that we recently worked on. This countertop was overextended and a waterfall edge was added. Waterfall edges are great because they finish off the end of the kitchen cabinetry nicely, while providing extra livable space with the bar edge. 

Waterfall counters (also known as risers) have been THE trend in kitchens all over the world lately, both for their stylistic appeal and long-term durability when compared to other materials. When extended to the floor this countertop instantly looks more modern, clean and high-end.  The concrete surfaces that we create are incredibly durable, waterproof and easy to keep clean and germ free. All of our concrete is top quality and built to last for years!  

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 also can assist you refinishing or maintaining your existing concrete countertop, concrete floors and any decorative concrete surface.  Contact us today for details on any of the services discussed in this blog. 

Concrete Bar Countertops - located downtown Kelowna on Bernard Avenue - created by MODE CONCRETE

We were recently hired by Memphis Blues BBQ Restaurant, to help create a concrete bar counter top that is facing their outdoor patio on Bernard Ave.  A great way to spend a few hours in Kelowna... head downtown, find a patio that lets you enjoy some sunshine, have a drink, have some yummy eats and people watch (all of which takes place right next to the beach!).

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 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.  

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.

Considering Concrete Floors in the Kitchen, Bathroom or Anywhere in your Home? We address top questions & concerns about concrete floors

Are you considering concrete floors in your kitchen, or anywhere in your home?  Our clients absolutely love the concrete floors that we have created.  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.

Here is a brand new modern black stain concrete overlay we applied to the entire main floor of this stunning Vernon residence.

Why do people love concrete floors?

• They are easy to clean and maintain.
• Amazing longevity, concrete will likely outlive you and your house.  Concrete lasts much longer when compared to other flooring materials.
• Concrete is heat and spill resistant.
• Super durable and easier to repair than other options.
• Concrete is a clean flooring surface, with little worry of bacteria or allergens since there is usually no grout lines.
• Concrete floors wear wonderfully, concrete is totally unique and raw - it ages just like natural stone.
• Future changes (colors, finishes, stains) are usually easy to change and personalize, if your style changes or if you sell your house.  Concrete is easy to cover if you ever want to install other flooring on top.
• Concrete skim coats, micro-toppings and overlays are similar to the thickness and weight of tile.
• The top reason that people love concrete floors, is how shockingly stunning they are!

Concrete floors are modern, industrial and raw - people who want a meticulous pristine material that will always look flawless, steer clear of concrete.  It develops wear marks, patinas, natural irregularities, marbling and hairline cracks naturally as it ages.  If you are staining your concrete floor, the darker or more vibrant the stains you choose, the natural patinas may be more obvious. The reason is simply because there is a greater variation between the top layer of stained concrete and the concrete material itself.  Concrete is a natural material, and regardless if you keep your floor natural grey concrete or stain the surface, the natural patina is what makes concrete so fab and makes your floor totally unique.  We are true concrete lovers, are you?

We love the look of these floors!  MODE CONCRETE created the black acid stained concrete overlay floor, as well as the concrete countertops in this kitchen.  Concrete we love you!

Top questions about concrete floors  

• 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. For us, we love this aspect of concrete and it adds tremendous character to the floor.
• We are often asked if concrete is bone chillingly cold? Concrete floors will have similar properties to natural stone or tile.  In warmer months, the daily temperature of the floor will stay as cool as tile does - perfect for where we live in the Okanagan.  
• Concrete will be hard on my joints and on my feet all day.  Concrete has similar properties and hardness to tile or natural stone, so you can expect the same level of cushioning under your feet and joints.  If this is a concern, put a throw rug (or gel mat) where you expect to stand for long periods.
• Does concrete crack and chip easily?  It acts the same as natural stone and is a very durable material, it is easily repaired if something should happen to your floor.  It is easier to repair than tile or wood, since we can patch fix and fill any damage that may occur over your floors life. 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.

Here is another angle of this modern black stain concrete floor.

For additional information, check out the Concrete Networks article about Concrete in the Kitchen - http://www.concretenetwork.com/kitchen-floor.html.

If you have any more questions about our services, or would like to make an appointment please contact us today.

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.  

Concrete Countertops can Refresh any Kitchen

Fall in love with your kitchen again, give it a refresher and add some new concrete countertops, like one of our latest clients.  

It's easy to fall in love with the look of a top-quality concrete countertop, you'll be addicted to running your hand over the super smooth, polished surface. It's unique, customized, and, over time, likely to age into a warm patina - we like to think of it as gaining character with age.  Concrete embraces age and evolves with time.  Make sure your contractor is using top quality products and sealers, to ensure you concrete looks great for years and is easy to maintain.

In the hands of a skilled and experienced craftsman, there is practically no shape, color or finish it can't transform into.  This is another concrete sample, though the addition of glass aggregate gives it the appearance of terrazzo. Because all concrete counters are one-of-a-kind, adding different colored glass or stone to the mix while it's being made can be just the thing if there are specific colors you'd like to integrate into your custom design.  You imagination is our creation, unlimited possibilities to suit your style.

Contact MODE CONCRETE, located in Kelowna, BC for all your custom concrete inquiries.