Friday, 30 March 2012

Modern Outdoor Firetables

Fire creates warmth, comfort and ambiance, making the fire pit or fireplace a great addition to the landscape. Take the chill out of a cool evening, or enjoy the crackle of the fire while roasting s'mores. Fire is an important element to many homeowners, and we offer features that accommodate all sorts of outdoor living spaces - whether residential or commercial. We love modern firetables and concrete fire bowls, many options are available through MODE CONCRETE. For a more permanent solution, we can design and construct a fireplace or fire pit. We always ensure that features comply with local fire ordinances.



Let MODE CONCRETE help you decide which outdoor fire feature is best for you.  Here is a picture of one of our favorites, you can order this gorgeous REGENCY firetable through us.  Contact us today for more information.

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Everyday is a Staycation in Your Backyard Resort

Summer is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to start planning your outdoor kitchen. Like clockwork, every May long weekend seems to be when all homeowners frantically push their contractors to get their outdoor kitchens done before all of our summer visitors start arriving (you get an abundance of summer time visitors when you live in the Okanagan).


Adding amenities to your outdoor space requires planning. It is ideal to lump together projects and complete several goals at once. Call us for information on creating an outdoor oasis, and we can discuss ways to maximize the value and comfort of your outdoor environment. Installation doesn't need to disrupt your life. We can work around your busy schedule.

From basic counters with cook tops to granite and upscale appliances, the outdoor kitchen has evolved into a luxury amenity that's just as equipped as the kitchen under your roof. Patios, retaining walls and plantings create a unique space for cooking, entertaining and dining.

It can take a few weeks to decide on a design that you like. Then once everything is decided and a 3D design is approved, getting the specific parts and accessories that you choose may take a few more weeks. And keep in mind that if you start planning your outdoor kitchen when everyone else does, your contractor may have to book you in after previous projects are completed.

In today's homes, the backyard has truly become an extension of your living space and MODE CONCRETE is at the forefront of helping clients create unique outdoor living spaces in the Okanagan. We are your complete source for custom designed outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, custom outdoor furniture, and pergola's.

The result: a customized setting that expands your living space and makes home feel like a vacation.

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Picking the Best Grill for your Outdoor Kitchen

There are many great options available.  Here are some things to consider when deciding.






  • Performance - This is the most important thing. Do your research and make sure you are buying an outdoor grill that stands up to years of grilling.
  • Appearance - The best built-in grill should enhance the look of your outdoor kitchen or BBQ Island. It should be the focal point of your outdoor kitchen and you should be proud to show it off.
  • Durability - When making an investment in an outdoor kitchen you want the grill to be the centerpiece of your overall design.  For the money spent, the best built-in grill should hold up well to the elements as well as to frequent use. A strong warranty says the manufacturer is confident that you won't have any problems and offers you peace of mind for years to come.
  • Value - You should expect to pay more for quality, but that doesn't mean you should expect to throw money away.  What is your budget?
  • Price - You can spend a lot of money for a grill, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.  Are you wanting a low end, a mid end, or high end grill?  And how many years do you want to trust your grill will fire up summer after summer?  This is the biggest investment of your outdoor kitchen, but it comes down to space, budget, and preference.
  • Specifications - The grade and quality of the stainless steel, size of cooking surface, how many BTU's, brand preference?  Are the burners and cooking grids made of stainless steel?  Research the brands available and compare their features and benefits.
  • Cool ExtrasDoes anything get your fancy?  Check out the product lines you have available and see if anything stands out or appeals to you. 
  • The Warranty - You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by the warranty that the manufacturer puts behind it.  

You can trust MODE CONCRETE to walk you through the entire outdoor kitchen process and walk you through all the decisions.  We have many different packages available, from design, to installation, to selling the outdoor grills - we help select between the many options available.  


Please call today MODE CONCRETE for a consultation or more information.

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

MODE CONCRETE - your outdoor kitchen and decorative concrete specialists in the Okanagan



Here is a preview of our ad going into the next Okanagan Home Magazine.  

They just designed this for us, we are very happy with it :)  Look for us in the next issue.

Creating Your Outdoor Oasis

Isn't it the best feeling in the world to escape into your backyard and let the day slip away?  Having a comfortable, luxurious retreat in your backyard is one of the best things about living in the Okanagan.  And with everything available on the market, you can even enjoy your yard, garden or patio on chillier days.


Mode Concrete is here to help you through the process.  We walk you through everything and help you choose the best design and products that complement your lifestyle, budget and space.


Things to consider when creating your luxurious outdoor living space:

  • identify goals 
    • do you want to dine outdoors?
    • would you like an outdoor kitchen?
    • do you plan on entertaining a crowd?
    • are you concerned about privacy?
    • do you need protection from the sun or wind?
    • would you like to star gaze or would you prefer shelter overhead?
    • how much space in your yard would you like to design/redesign?
    • what is your budget?
    • if you have a limited budget, what are your top 3 'must haves'?
  • details to consider when creating your budget or wish list
    • do you have any ideas (colors, stonework, building materials, etc) that you would like to incorporate into your outdoor living space?
    • furnishings
    • lighting
    • plants
    • comfortable temperature
    • decorative touches
    • do you like open concept, or segmented individual areas in your living space (you can create definition and dimension to outdoor rooms with walls, rock or concrete)
These are few things to consider when coming up with ideas for your outdoor living space.  

MODE CONCRETE can help you create an amazing, modern, enviable outdoor living space.  Get ready to fire up the BBQ and open up a bottle of your favorite local vino.  

MODE CONCRETE services the Okanagan and area.  Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, Osoyoos, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Mara Lake - please inquire for more details or areas we can travel to. 

Contact us for more information, or a consultation 250.864.6566.  

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Luxury Outdoor Kitchens

MODE CONCRETE deals with design professionals, building professionals and home-owners, to create luxury outdoor kitchens in the Okanagan Valley.  Having a luxurious outdoor kitchen has become the norm for people living in the Okanagan. Many designers, landscape architects and developers rely on our input and skill when it comes to the design and construction of an outdoor kitchen or grilling island.




Experienced contractors and builders often require MODE CONCRETE to assist in the design, installation (if required), and selection of outdoor kitchen grills and accessories.  We walk our customers through the process and design of creating a luxury outdoor kitchen.  People contact us because of our skill, knowledge, product line and design options.


We will start by assessing your equipment requirements, available space, budget, and how we can integrate an outdoor kitchen into your overall design.  We have knowledge about the “do's and don'ts” of outdoor kitchen design and can advise you on different outdoor equipment options and various construction materials available.


You can choose to have us build the complete outdoor kitchen or we can just build a outdoor kitchen frame, which you can finish with your own construction materials. You can have confidence that MODE CONCRETE has created all openings, cutouts, and clearances accurately, for your outdoor kitchen accessories and grills.  Our outdoor kitchen frames have amazing structural durability and are designed specifically for each individual project.





Steps for creating the luxury outdoor kitchen of your dreams:
  • set up a consultation with MODE CONCRETE
  • get ready any sketches, pictures, or ideas you have
  • make a wish list of the features you would like to see in your outdoor kitchen and living space
  • view our website and our suppliers lines for more ideas (we can also discuss the product line, and the pro's/con's with you at the consultation) 
  • after we have dimensions of the space, an idea of what you are looking for, and any specific requests (favorite outdoor grill, must haves) we call in the design experts and start putting together some ideas for you
  • you then approve your custom outdoor kitchen design
  • you select the finishing touches (countertops, exterior)
  • MODE CONCRETE will now begin building your outdoor kitchen
  • if necessary arrangements for gas, electrical and plumbing may need to be made at this stage
  • we install the equipment, accessories and make sure everything is working perfectly
Grab some wine from your cellar, and get the invites ready - you are the proud new owner of custom built outdoor kitchen by MODE CONCRETE!

Bon Appetit!