Be Bedazzled... with Concrete Terrazzo!

Really... did we just say bedazzled out loud?  You should try and rhyme anything to terrazzo (suggestions welcome!)...

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!

Many of the available aggregates and additives are locally recycled post-consumer glass. Rather than recycling glass by melting it down, we are always environmentally conscious when choosing recycled aggregate whenever possible.  Look at all these colors available...

Here are some terazzo pros and cons for you to consider:
PROS - elegant, unique, durable, easy maintenance, customizable, hand crafted
CONS - cost, cold, no cushion (for sound), usually requires professional contractors

Terrazzo floors date back to the Renaissance and were invented by the Venetians. The Italians used terrazzo floors in cathedrals and other grand places. Did you know that Michelangelo had terrazzo floors installed when he was working on St Peter’s Basilica, ooh la la. Terrazzo floors are often referred to as 'Venetian mosaic', due to their appearance.

Our conclusion on terrazzo - Why doesn't everyone have terrazzo?!  MODE CONCRETE recently traveled to Vancouver (for the IDS West) and stayed at the MODA Hotel, they have gorgeous restored 100 yr old terrazzo mosaic floors that inspired us to create another article about their long term beauty!  If ever in Vancouver, go to the Uva Wine Bar (in the MODA Hotel) and check out the stunning floors... totally drool worthy.  And maybe grab a drink, since you're there anyways...  We would've taken pictures, but how weird would laying on the floor be?  It would appear pretty weird, I'm guessing.

We have always had an obsession with terrazzo, call us for more information or a free estimate. MODE CONCRETE is a concrete design firm specializing in hand cast and artisan created pieces.

Rejuvenate and Modernize Concrete Floors - Staining and Acid Etching

Whether you seek a contemporary, rustic, or more traditional style, acid-etched stained concrete makes a stunning flooring choice (inside or outside).  Acid stain can be applied by using many different techniques, giving a variety of dramatic results.

MODE CONCRETE stain colors (pictured above). Color can be subtle or intense, depending on how many applications we apply.

How does Acid Stain Work?  Chemical stains can be applied to new or old, plain or colored concrete surfaces. Although they are often called acid stains, acid isn't the ingredient that colors the concrete. Acid stain doesn't cover imperfections, but rather transforms that drab piece of imperfect concrete into a unique and elegant masterpiece of marbled color.

Most projects take 2 days - Acid stained concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming concrete slabs and floors.  We understand how busy your household is, and most acid staining projects will be totally completed within 2 days.  Because concrete has porous qualities and is a blank canvas, stain is the perfect thing to brighten up old concrete and add some style to any concrete surface. Staining gives a completely original look to concrete and cement floors, concrete driveways, patios, slabs, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls and all concrete surfaces.

Owner Acceptance - Most people love the unpredictability of the final results, it makes their concrete surface totally original.  Acid-etched stained concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean, and exceptionally scratch and stain resistant in almost any situation - wear and tear adds character and natural patinas increase and develop over time. Though stained concrete floors can be expensive depending on level of customization (prices rival those for high-quality ceramic-tile installations), they are very easy to clean, maintain and have incredible longevity.  Before creating your acid stained or etched floor, be sure to see samples and let the contractor preform a small test area if they are applying acid on an existing concrete surface.

How much does staining concrete cost? The cost of staining concrete will vary, depending on how complicated the design process is. A simple concrete staining should start at approx. $2 to $4 per square foot (according to the concrete network in Nov 2012).

MODE CONCRETE specializes in all concrete staining, sealing and waxing.  We can create concrete floors and overlays, great for inside or outside. A great way to add style and personality to any space! You can stain or color to further personalize your project. Contact us today for more information.

Add Excitement to a Beautiful Fireplace with a Concrete Hearth

Concrete has become the new material of choice for designers around the world.  Custom concrete is leading the way in design, innovation, longevity and style.  If you are looking to add some style to your home, office or exterior living space, concrete can add a punch of personality to any space.  From hearths to furniture, concrete is the perfect solution for many people.

Inside or outside, the strength of concrete easily stands up to weather and the intense heat of fire. All custom concrete hearths and fireplace mantles are sealed with top quality sealers which protects against staining and porosity.

The best thing we have noticed about concrete around a fire feature is that it embraces the heat, ash, wood, and gains character over time.  With concrete we embrace the freckles, veins and imperfections that naturally occur as the concrete ages.  It is totally raw, one-of-a-kind, incredibly strong, hand cast, hand honed, and 100% customizable.  If you want to use the best and most innovative decorative concrete contractors in the Okanagan, call us today for a free estimate.

A curved concrete hearth that MODE CONCRETE recently completed.

Concrete Floors, Overlays and Staining Experts located in the Okanagan

We specialize in concrete floors and concrete overlays, great for inside or outside. Concrete is an amazing flooring or surface solution that adds tons of style and personality to any space!  

 Here are some concrete stain colors that MODE CONCRETE offers. We have only applied one layer of color for this sample board. The color intensifies and gets more complex, depending on how many colors and layers of stain you would like.

 MODE CONCRETE only uses the best quality products and sealers (our trade secret) and only use the most experienced craftsmen we can find to create your one-of-a-kind concrete project. Please keep in mind we have extensively researched the market, and use only the most cutting edge innovative products and techniques available, often travelling worldwide and to various tradeshows to make sure we are staying ahead of the competition by using the latest concrete supplies available on the market. We hand hone the concrete to an incredibly smooth, luxurious surface. Our concrete is leaps above the competition and there is a reason we are the leaders in decorative concrete throughout the Okanagan and Western Canada. 

Contact us for more information.

Concrete Patios, Concrete Stairs, Concrete Slabs and Forming - We are Concrete Experts Servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan

A recently completed concrete patio slab and custom concrete stairs.

MODE CONCRETE cares about the little details.  We bring the latest European concrete techniques, concrete products and  concrete design ideas to the Okanagan.  

We travel often to educate ourselves and source products worldwide, keeping us ahead of the trends and competition.  If you hire MODE CONCRETE for your next custom concrete project, you will be impressed immediately with our knowledge, quality of workmanship and customer dedication.  

We are available for free onsite estimates.  Contact us today to make a booking!  250.864.6566

Concrete Patios, Driveways and Floors - created by the MODE CONCRETE experts

This broom finished concrete patio slab, is a project that we recently completed for a client in Lake Country. 

 MODE CONCRETE can help you redo or construct your concrete slab, patio, or pool deck.

MODE CONCRETE SERVICES INCLUDE

Exposed Aggregate: 

Exposed aggregate concrete has a concrete finish, then pressure cleaned to expose the stone at the surface. Great for driveways, entertainment areas and footpaths. 

Stamped, Coloured and Stained Effects:

Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as patterned concrete or imprinted concrete is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood. Stamped concrete can be used for pool decks, driveways, entries, courtyards, and patios. 

Concrete can assume nearly any shape, design, pattern or texture, one of its most distinguishing features of decorative concrete is colour and sheen, whether used subtly to blend with nature or boldly to make a dramatic design statement.  

Acid Staining concrete is a popular application for transforming concrete slabs. Unique outcomes can be achieved by combining colours and application techniques on cement flooring.

Sidewalks 

Concrete walkways or sidewalks can provide curb appeal to homes and buildings, and are becoming a point of artistic expression by way of a multitude of decorative concrete options. Plain gray concrete is still the most common surface installed; however, we can personalize anything to match your house or personal style. 

Driveways

Deciding on driveway material is easy: asphalt or concrete. Concrete choices have expanded to include an array of decorative options. Decorative concrete is one of the most reasonable ways to spruce up the entrance to your home.  Although plain gray concrete is still installed most often, more people are catching on to the alluring effects possible with decorative concrete - especially acid staining (our favorite)!

Patios and Floors

Outdoor patios and floors, concrete pool decks, a coloured, textured and inviting area, a safe, slip-resistant deck can be designed for you.  Our decorative specialist can help give as much detail and attention to your patios and floors as the interior design of your home.  

Decorative concrete has allowed home owners to create exteriors that can complement their homes, bond with the outdoor environment, and imitate traditionally expensive materials such as slate, stone or even wood - endless options for your space! 

Engineered Slabs and Curbing

There are many variations of concrete slabs depending on the purpose of the slab.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial

All of our stunning concrete services are available for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Acid Staining and Sealing Concrete

We specialize in acid staining and sealing concrete surfaces.

Concrete acid staining is an exciting medium with a hidden natural beauty revealed spontaneously by reactive chemical stain. Each concrete pad will stain uniquely according to variations in surface density, texture, porosity, and composition.  Observe beautiful patterns of marbling, mottling, veining, speckling to resemble stone, leather, clouds, etc.  Our preferred method of coloring concrete, the acid stain penetrates and becomes integral to the concrete, so it will never fade or peel. We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Acid staining is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors (garage, basement), concrete slabs or anything concrete.  We can also etch a pattern into the concrete - endless design options!

MODE CONCRETE can apply a wide range of concrete sealers.  Concrete walls, driveways, patios, sidewalks, floors, any concrete surface.  Different sheens available (matte or glossy), protects your concrete, and adds years of life to your concrete. 

We service both residential and commercial clients.  We are an Okanagan owned company, and our goal is to exceed our customers expectations every time!  Contact us for more information or for a free estimate.