Raw Concrete Floors Naturally Look Clean and Contemporary - A Simple, Inexpensive Process with Concrete Sealers & Waxes perfect for Commerical or Residential spaces - article by artisans MODE CONCRETE

If you like the natural look and color of regular standard grey concrete, we usually recommend sealing and waxing.  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 featured project) only take a few days. Taking the time to put down this final layer of protection not only prolongs the life of your concrete floor, but also greatly enhances and preserves its natural beauty and appearance.

Here is a natural concrete floor we completed for our Kelowna client.  Natural concrete is where it's at.  Look at all that natural concrete beauty + amazingly high ceilings.  This is space feels light, airy, open and contemporary with a pop of sparkle coming from the light fixtures.  Love.

Think of a concrete floor sealer as a protective barrier or sacrificial layer that will improve its appearance, durability and longevity.  Stain protection is the main reason for sealing concrete floors, especially in areas of your home or business where food and drink will be consumed. High traffic areas or exposure to machinery or pets may also cause damage to a concrete floors that can be prevented with adequate sealant and wax. New concrete floors should be sealed after they are completed (make sure concrete is fully dried and cured first), while existing concrete floors should be sealed every few years based on wear and tear.

Here is a natural concrete floor we completed for our Kelowna client.  Natural concrete is where it's at.

Properly sealed and maintained concrete (natural or stained) will give the same beautiful appearance for years to come. It is extremely durable, requires very little maintenance, and will likely outlast the home or business which surrounds it. The materials used to seal stained concrete include water-based sealers, waxes, alternative green sealers and solvent based sealers. Always make sure that the concrete contractor preforms tests on small areas, or shows you samples of what to expect. Also make sure that your concrete is protected during the construction phase to minimize visible marks, staining and concrete damage that often occurs.

The top question we get 'AREN'T CONCRETE FLOORS COLD AND HARD?' and our answer is always, 'expect the same temperature and hardness as tile or other natural stone flooring options.'

And there's your daily dose of concrete flooring information from the artisans at Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC.  Please contact us for pricing or more information for any services we discuss in our blog.  We service Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, in BC Canada (and can travel anywhere depending on client requirements). 

Contemporary Polished Concrete Floors Naturally Look Amazing - Simple, Dustless, Green, Safe (no VOCs), Zero Waste Process - by Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC

If you like the contemporary look and color of grey concrete floors, we usually recommend using MODE CONCRETE (of course!) so we can professionally finish your concrete floor!  We specialize in finishing concrete floors in an economical, simple, dustless, zero-waste, green, eco-friendly, natural, safe, no VOC's, non-toxic... kind of way.

Naturally finished concrete floors are 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. We provide a simple, eco-friendly, inexpensive solution to finish any existing or brand new concrete floor in your home or business.  No concrete floor is complete without the application of a sealer and/or wax.  Punch up your concrete surface even further, by applying a staining agent or adding a color to the surface. Taking the time to put down this final layer of protection not only prolongs the life of your concrete floor, but also greatly enhances and preserves its natural beauty and appearance.  

 This is a commercial floor that used to have tile on the surface.  

Here is a recent commercial concrete floor that we refinished for our Kelowna client. This floor had tile on previously.  Once the tile was stripped and the concrete was cleaned up, this was the final product after our process was complete.  We love the extra variations that this floor has compared to a brand spanking new floor.  It already looks industrial and has lots of natural patinas and mottling mixed throughout the surface.

Usually this process only takes 2-3 days, depending on the size of your project.  

If you want your concrete surface stained or colored by an artisan, this timeline will increase a bit. 

Think of a concrete floor sealer as a protective layer that will improve its appearance, durability and longevity. New concrete floors should be sealed after they are completed, while existing concrete floors should be sealed every few years based on wear/tear and clients preferences.  Properly sealed and maintained concrete (natural or stained) will give the same beautiful appearance for years to come. It is extremely durable, requires very little maintenance, and will likely outlast the home or business which surrounds it. The materials used to seal stained concrete include water-based sealers, waxes, alternative green sealers and solvent based sealers. Always make sure that the concrete contractor preforms tests on small areas, or shows you samples of what to expect. 

MODE CONCRETE specializes in concrete floors, concrete floor finishing and concrete maintenance/repair.  We always stay on budget and on schedule!  Contact us for more details on our services or prices.

Contemporary Polished Concrete Floors - naturally treated and buffed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Our contemporary polished concrete floors are the perfect option for any indoor or outdoor space. Polished concrete is often used in many areas like: art galleries, shopping malls, warehouses, retail environments as well many residential or industrial properties.  Basically we finish and buff the floor to give it a stunning finish. Our entire process is VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and emission free, an entirely non-toxic and safe process.

We can help you with maintenance, refinishing and rewaxing your existing concrete floor. When we finish 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. This floor was a raw, natural, basement concrete floor, untreated contractors concrete. We prepared and cleaned the concrete, and completed our finishing process to create this look.  We dig it... do you?

Client feedback about this polished concrete floor: We used Gareth to seal and polish our concrete floor and it turned to be a fantastic looking and economical alternative verse other floor finishes. Highly recommended. Regards, Gavin B. Sparg

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 every 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.

Contact us for a free no obligation written estimate. Mode Concrete is highly knowledgeable and can discuss your requirements and advise the best option that suits your needs.

Contemporary, Modern Polished Concrete Floor Screams Style - by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna, BC

Concrete shakes off its cold reputation by combining brilliant innovations, cutting edge applications and new techniques.  Concrete works perfectly in residential, commercial, industrial, indoor, or outdoor applications.  So totally versatile.  

Concrete floors work in any room of the house, not just in the basement.  More and more clients are opting for concrete.  Concrete lovers want their space to scream style in a subtle, understated, elegant sort-of-way. And if you’re worried about it looking too industrial, you can easily soften it with punches of color, rugs, textiles and by mixing in warmer materials like wood planks. 

Here is a recent commercial concrete floor that we refinished for the Kelowna client.  This floor had tile on previously.  Once the tile was stripped and the concrete was cleaned up, this was the final product after our process was complete.  We love the extra variations that this floor has compared to a brand spanking new floor.  It already looks industrial and has lots of natural patinas and mottling mixed throughout the surface. 

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.

Concrete Flooring Benefits:

• STYLISH - Undeniably gorgeous, original, one of kind and a piece of art. 
• LONGEVITY - Excellent longevity of investment when compared to other materials available on the market.  If done right, concrete will outlive you.
• 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, 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. 
• 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).

Contact MODE CONCRETE for more details about any services we discuss in our blog.  Did you know we only operate of referrals and recommendations?  We make sure our past clients are always happy, research it... we dare you.