Rich Patinaed Antique Brown Stained Concrete Patio Balcony - created by concrete artisans in Kelowna BC, MODE CONCRETE

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 balcony 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 (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.

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. 

Modern Trends in Concrete Flooring - Concrete Water-Based Stain, Acid Stain, Terrazzo, Concrete Overlays, Top Coats, Skim Coats

Here is an overlay MODE CONCRETE applied on an existing concrete basement floor.

Water Based Eco-Stain (non-toxic)
Eco-stains stains are another concrete flooring treatment that can be used on existing or brand new concrete for a decorative touch. These eco-friendly stains consist pigment that can be applied in a variety of colors and is applied to the surface. The effect is either vibrant, with the application of numerous coats, to subtle and marbled, depending on color choices and application techniques.

Acid Stain Concrete
Acid stains are applied to concrete flooring (new and existing) and add a wonderful a decorative touch. Acid stains consist of a solution of acid and water 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 peice of art.  The floor and art of acid staining is only as good as the artisan. This concrete flooring finish looks as superb in retail stores as it does in modern homes, and it is ultra easy to maintain.

Scored and Cut Concrete
Scoring concrete flooring can add dimension to the flooring through custom shapes and patterns. Scoring is done by making shallow cuts to the surface. The flooring can be done in a single color or multiple shades for a unique pattern. Floors should be sealed and waxed after treatment to maintain their beauty over the long term.

Concrete Overlays, Top Coats, Skim Coats 
A poured concrete floor (overlays, topcoats and skim-coats) are installed and poured on top of the existing surface or floor. Certain applications of concrete are suitable for underfloor and infloor radiant heating.  Make sure you use a reputable concrete contractor to ensure the proper preparation and techniques are being used on your project.

With proper preparation it can be applied to existing concrete, on a wooden sub-floor, on a wooden substrate, on top of most uneven surfaces.  Existing flooring can be covered with a concrete overlay if you want to change your floor or if it's in bad shape. An appointment is always recommend in this regard, so we can properly asses the prep required.

Terrazzo
Terrazzo is an ancient artistic creation, consisting of chips of glass, marble, or similar material fixed in tinted cement or concrete, then ground and polished to down. Terrazzo is a highly durable concrete material great for flooring, tiles, countertops, fireplace surrounds.  It is especially great when applied in high traffic installations for its resilience and longevity. The composition of terrazzo allows you to incorporate post-consumer and pre-consumer recyclables like glass, marble and cement.  We can even add glow rock dust...  it's probably our favorite additive!

Concrete flooring provides a unlimited options to modernize any space. With many options and colors and relatively low maintenance, it is no wonder concrete flooring has become the trend of today and the choice of many top designers and architects.

MODE CONCRETE provides all the services we discussed in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us.