Contemporary Concrete Fireplace Tiles are All the Rage - article by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Here is a project that MODE CONCRETE just completed. The quality of our products are extraordinary, have incredible longevity and are too stunning for words.  MODE CONCRETE offers luxury concrete floor finishing and high-end large-format concrete tiles.  All of our original, hand-cast concrete products are individually created, designed and fabricated in Kelowna BC, Canada. Stained, colored and finished to your preference - many options available to achieve the 'look' you are going for. Since all of our concrete products are custom and made to order, everything is made by hand to fit your project perfectly. 

Even the dogs approve of this stylish look.  Contact MODE CONCRETE today to discuss your project at modeconcrete@shaw.ca or call / text 250.864.6566.  We specialize in high-end artisan concrete, servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Natural Concrete Floors look Amazing in this Brand New Contemporary Home in Kelowna BC

Wow, what a stunning contemporary space!  These clients wanted to highlight their natural concrete floors, so Mode Concrete came in and did our top selling seal/wax floor treatment to the surface. It's an easy, cost effective flooring option that elevates the natural beauty that occurs already in concrete.  Usually it only takes us a few days, and ta da, you'll be enjoying your new space before you know it! Our clients absolutely love the concrete floors that we have created. 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, commercial and 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.

This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

 Here we are, burnishing the floor after naturally finishing the surface. 

 This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

Why do people love concrete floors?

• They are super easy to clean and maintain. 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.
• Concrete retains the thermal heat in your home.  Your concrete floors will help store heat and moderate interior heat fluctuations. 
• 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!

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. For more information on sealing, waxing or staining any interior or exterior concrete surface, please contact MODE CONCRETE.  

We service Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, in BC Canada (and can travel depending on client requirements).

Outdoor Kitchen Contractors - Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC

We can help you design, build, order and import any items for your outdoor kitchen and living area. Here are the final pictures of a recent outdoor kitchen, located on a penthouse rooftop patio in Kelowna, overlooking Okanagan Lake.  We love the client's choice of river rock, with a black slate tiled countertop.

And check out their view... you can see Okanagan Lake and the mountains surrounding the Okanagan Valley.  I'm sure it'll be quite the affair when entertaining in this gorgeous outdoor space!

When you hire Mode Concrete, you hire a professional contractor that always stays on budget and on schedule!  From the moment you hire Mode Concrete, you'll notice why our clients give us amazing referrals and recommendations, every time.

Contact us today for more information about our services.  

Outdoor Kitchen Specialists - here is another built-in outdoor kitchen created by Mode Concrete in Kelowna, BC

Here is another brilliant outdoor kitchen created by the pros at Mode Concrete in Kelowna, BC. This outdoor kitchen was managed and fabricated by Mode Concrete, from ordering and installing the stainless steel Luxor appliances to organizing all the necessary trades required, we take care of everything and manage the entire project.  Best of all, we always stay on budget and on schedule!  

For this project, we had to match the rock with the existing rock columns that were already in place on the exterior of the house.  We also called in our stucco expert and he was able to color match the stucco to perfectly match the pre-existing arch overhead.  

Regardless of the project you hire us to do, Gareth the owner and president of Mode Concrete, works directly with all our clients throughout the process.  Gareth has a keen eye for the lay out of projects, is an experienced concrete expert and can easily outline available options to fit within your style and budget.  We have a network of excellent and reputable trades people to help with any part of your project.

When deciding who to hire for your project... you should look for business owners that are 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.

Water Front Concrete Repair, Reinforcement and Maintenance - water erosion reparied by the specialists at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

When you are lucky enough to have a lakefront home, you have to deal with the natural erosion that inevitably occurs.  Erosion is a natural process that causes a gradual wearing away of surfaces by water, ice and wind. Erosion causes slumping, surface runoff, silt deposits, and if left unchecked, major property, building damage and concrete deterioration. Protect your shoreline by creating a buffer zone and repair deteriorating items as soon as you spot them.

We were hired by a client to help repair this crumbly, hollow, water front concrete pad.  With old or aged cement or concrete docks, the only option is repair the concrete and try and work with what exists already.  As far as we know, it is against the current bylaw's to fabricate new concrete docks or patios this close to the water.  Homes or properties with existing concrete shore-side have the option of structurally reinforcing what is already there... the zero-waste and green option!

Repairing the concrete or cement that is already there, is a great option because... 1) it's affordable 2) it's green and creates zero waste 3) concrete is stronger than any other material 4) takes minimal time to repair and concrete dries quickly 5) concrete can be stained to disguise the repairs 6) you can top the concrete with any material of your choice if you'd prefer 7) is easily repaired by concrete experts who have plenty of experience.

Home or properties with existing water front concrete have the option of structurally reinforcing what is already there, the zero-waste and green option.

 

The concrete was hollow and crumbly underneath this slab, so we created large holes that were filled with concrete and large lengths of rebar, all tied into the existing concrete surface.

  

After these are the after shots (the concrete appears darker since it's still fresh, but once dry you'll barely notice the repair).  Another happy client ready to enjoy the beautiful beachside, BC weather!

Every project is different, but an experienced concrete contractor should easily be able to assess your project, give you options, show you samples and work with you to achieve the results you desire within your budget and estimated price.  We are experts at concrete installation, forming, concrete refinishing and all decorative concrete applications.  

If you want to hire a professional high-quality concrete company that will stand behind their work and their reputation - contact MODE CONCRETE today.  We provide free onsite consultations to inquiring clients, a written estimate and unparalleled customer service... we continuously surpass our clients expectations every time!

Color Blocking Concrete.... Go Bold or go Home! Concrete stained by concrete artisan at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Mode Concrete uses bold concrete stains and colors to punctuate raw concrete.  Cindy Manchur (co-owner and artisan) went to town with some concrete stains and was able to build up rich complex colors to contrast against the grey stark concrete. Color blocking is a great way to punch up architectural angles or just add some personality to raw concrete.  

By highlighting certain areas of the concrete surface you can easily accentuate and bring out different angles and shapes.  When it comes to color blocking, we say go bold or go home.

We are able to color block our concrete furniture or other custom concrete pieces upon request - please contact us for more information and available colors.

Concrete Acid Stain Color Chart - created by MODE CONCRETE in the Okanagan, BC, Canada

Acid 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. Acid stain consists of a acid and water solution 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 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.

We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Concrete staining and sealing is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors (garage, basement), 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.