Basement Concrete Floors Naturally Look Modern and Amazing - Quick Process with Concrete Sealers and Wax - MODE CONCRETE services the Okanagan Valley in BC

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.  Since all concrete has its own unique color, ‘beauty marks,’ and personality – two floors will never be identical, but that’s the cool thing about concrete.  When wax is applied to your concrete, it comes alive and you will notice a beautiful sheen and uniform luster or reflective quality.  

And the best thing about finishing your existing concrete floors... usually most projects (like this basement floor pictured below that we recently finished in the Okanagan) only take 2 days. 

Here is an example of a natural concrete existing basement floor, that we simply sealed and waxed.  It's an easy, cost effective flooring option that elevates the natural beauty that occurs already in concrete.  Great for people with allergies, it's an eco-friendly flooring option and it is has great longevity when compared to other flooring materials - what else could you ask for?!  It's the ideal flooring material!

We specialize in Concrete Floors, Overlays and Concrete Surface Staining/Waxing/Sealing and service the entire Okanagan Valley.  Contact us today for more information.

2013 Services and Information Commercial - MODE CONCRETE located in Kelowna BC

Also - check out our MODE CONCRETE Youtube Playlist, featuring our Services, Information and Specialty Products (all of which are hand selected for their strong design elements and high quality).

MODE CONCRETE is a design firm specializing in custom hand cast concrete, located in Kelowna BC Canada and servicing the entire Okanagan.  We specialize in concrete floors (overlays, basement finishing, sealing, waxing), concrete fireplaces, concrete furniture, concrete countertops, terrazzo concrete... and the list goes on and on.  Check out our video, our website http://www.modeconcrete.com/ or contact us directly if you have any questions about our services.

This video highlights some recent projects we've completed and services that we offer.

All images were taken by MODE CONCRETE.  Video was created by MODE CONCRETE.

Outdoor Kitchens Have Great Return on Investment

Outdoor kitchens will have a great return on your investment and make your home stand out when trying to sell. They encourage easy entertaining and create a personal oasis, increasing your personal enjoyment and adding value to your life. Who doesn't want their home to feel like a resort? Our outdoor-living season stretches from March through November, for those of us lucky enough to call the Okanagan 'home.' That means many buyers and and homeowners carefully evaluate and try to maximize their exterior spaces.  Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, pergolas, covered patios, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor bars are among the hottest alfresco trends right now.

Most homes have an outdoor eating area, and having an outdoor kitchen further encourages and enhances your outdoor living space.  Many of these kitchens have small cabinets with under-counter refrigerators. Some include sinks, most include a built in cooking unit of some sort (BBQ, grill, pizza oven, burners). The most luxurious items include cocktail stations and imported Italian pizza ovens.  Every outdoor kitchen needs one thing that sparkles and acts as a focal point to your kitchen - is there a 'must have' or anything that particularly stands out when you envision your outdoor kitchen?

Renovation quality is key when determining whether an outdoor addition will have a positive or negative resale effect on your space. Do-it-yourself projects can sometimes erode value, if poor materials or workmanship are used for the project. Research all your options before making any decisions and if you go with a contractor, make sure they are reputable and know what they are doing.  

And finally, the design is probably the most critical part of planning any outdoor living space.  What will maximize space, encourage easy entertaining, and not inhibit the flow of your space?  Most times it's best to get a professional designer and if you can, check out some 3D renders to really see how your space will look before you begin construction.  

MODE CONCRETE can help you with any component of your outdoor kitchen project. We offer free estimates and one free on-site consultation.  Contact us today to book your appointment.

Modern Bathroom with Black Stained Concrete Floor easily Contrasts a Rustic Wooden Vanity and White Porcelain

This home is a cutting edge design from floor to ceiling, gorgeous wood tones fill the home with light and warmth, especially since everything in the home is reflecting off the ultra chic and cool black stained concrete floor. 

Here is a stunning modern bathroom with a black concrete floor that contrasts beautifully against rustic wooden vanity and white porcelain. We created this custom black stained concrete floor, to exactly match up with samples and colors requested by the client, they had a great vision when designing this powder room.  

This contemporary bathroom design has a great balance between natural warm materials and modern elements.  If you love their style and want to recreate this look, the main elements are: a naturally beautiful rough cut wooden slab used as a vanity, a black concrete floor, architectural statement white porcelain vessel sink and toilet, and stainless elements (plumbing and tap).  

Why is concrete a great option for a bathroom or any wet area? There are a number of challenges that face a bathroom floor or wet areas on a daily basis, including water concerns, humidity changes, and staining agents which spill and splatter. With concrete, you get a floor or counter-top that is uniquely suited to your design scheme and the concrete itself is nearly indestructible, while the stains and waxes will develop a rich complex patina as it wears and is exposed to environmental factors. Even though your concrete will achieve character and marks as it ages, nothing will affect the strength of the concrete floor itself.  If you'd like to naturally finish your concrete surface but want a bit of sheen... waxes, stains and sealers make sure all damages are absorbed by making the floor a bit softer if anything should come into contact with the concrete.  Concrete is not for the perfectionist, people often say concrete is very similar to leather or vintage jeans, they get better with age.  One thing we love doing is checking out architecture in a city and noticing the concrete objects and buildings that look better than they day they were created and poured. Concrete is one of those rare materials that looks better the older it is. Concrete naturally develops character that tells a story about its life.

Concrete Floor Maintenance, Care and Cleaning: Concrete is fairly simple to take care of. You can dry or wet mop, sweep, or vacuum to remove small debris on a weekly basis. Use neutral, natural cleaners to ensure nothing strips the sealers and waxes.  Then once every one or two years you will have to apply a moisture barrier sealer and waxes.

Since concrete flooring is very hard, and an unforgiving flooring material with highly unpredictable results - make sure you hire an experience concrete contractor and see samples before deciding if concrete is for you.  Lots of options are available call your local concrete flooring expert for all the options available to you.

Concrete Stair Treads & Pods - Modern, Durable and Perfect for your Indoor or Outdoor Staircase

This is a recent project MODE CONCRETE completed. The clients already had the free floating black metal staircase in place and asked us to hand cast concrete inserts in the treads.

We are available to create a variety of concrete stair treads and pods, totally custom, unique and hand cast to your projects specifications. Contact us for more details or prices. We service the Okanagan Valley.

Considering Concrete Floors in the Kitchen, Bathroom or Anywhere in your Home? We address top questions & concerns about concrete floors

Are you considering concrete floors in your kitchen, or anywhere in your home?  Our clients absolutely love the concrete floors that we have created.  Concrete benefits include durability, flexibility of design options, incredible longevity, easy maintenance, cost and best of all it embraces age by developing a one-of-kind patina that is totally unique.

Here is a brand new modern black stain concrete overlay we applied to the entire main floor of this stunning Vernon residence.

Why do people love concrete floors?

• They are easy to clean and maintain.
• 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!

Concrete floors are modern, industrial and raw - people who want a meticulous pristine material that will always look flawless, steer clear of concrete.  It develops wear marks, patinas, natural irregularities, marbling and hairline cracks naturally as it ages.  If you are staining your concrete floor, the darker or more vibrant the stains you choose, the natural patinas may be more obvious. The reason is simply because there is a greater variation between the top layer of stained concrete and the concrete material itself.  Concrete is a natural material, and regardless if you keep your floor natural grey concrete or stain the surface, the natural patina is what makes concrete so fab and makes your floor totally unique.  We are true concrete lovers, are you?

We love the look of these floors!  MODE CONCRETE created the black acid stained concrete overlay floor, as well as the concrete countertops in this kitchen.  Concrete we love you!

Top questions about concrete floors  

• For people wondering if concrete floors can be done on wood subfloors and substrates...  well yes you can!  After preparing the surface, we can pour a thin layer of new concrete to any room in your house.  Depending on the flex in your wooden subfloor, hairline cracks are natural and expected to appear on the surface. This comes from the concrete slab being a single, solid piece of rock and the wood underneath is flexible and changes and shifts consistently. When the foundation of the house shifts, the concrete is subjected to various flex points and pressures which take the form of tiny hairline fractures in the material. For us, we love this aspect of concrete and it adds tremendous character to the floor.
• We are often asked if concrete is bone chillingly cold? Concrete floors will have similar properties to natural stone or tile.  In warmer months, the daily temperature of the floor will stay as cool as tile does - perfect for where we live in the Okanagan.  
• Concrete will be hard on my joints and on my feet all day.  Concrete has similar properties and hardness to tile or natural stone, so you can expect the same level of cushioning under your feet and joints.  If this is a concern, put a throw rug (or gel mat) where you expect to stand for long periods.
• Does concrete crack and chip easily?  It acts the same as natural stone and is a very durable material, it is easily repaired if something should happen to your floor.  It is easier to repair than tile or wood, since we can patch fix and fill any damage that may occur over your floors life. With adequate sealers and waxes, your floor will have a barrier protecting your concrete.  Proper concrete sealing/waxing every few years will maintain your floor and renew that wonderful brand-new sheen or reflective quality to your concrete floor.

Here is another angle of this modern black stain concrete floor.

For additional information, check out the Concrete Networks article about Concrete in the Kitchen - http://www.concretenetwork.com/kitchen-floor.html.

If you have any more questions about our services, or would like to make an appointment please contact us today.

How do you decide which contractor to hire?

This is such a great concern for all home and business owners.  How can you be sure you are getting what you pay for and will be happy with the end results?  Here are some tips on how to weed out the good contractors from the good salesmen.

Tips on choosing a contractor

• How do you know what their quality of work is, before hiring them? No matter how large or small project is, if you want a high quality outcome make sure your contractor is constantly educating themselves. Your contractor should use the most current techniques and best quality products available on the market.  The level of experience and product knowledge in your contractor is crucial in determining the life and quality of the workmanship you pay for. 
• How to decide which contractor is best for me? We suggest meeting with potential contractors and interviewing them, test out their product knowledgeable, experience, see their portfolio, check reviews, referrals and talk to your friends about local experiences.  After a few meetings, you should be able to differentiate between the fly-by-night jack-of-all-trades, and the reputable quality contractor that brings the most knowledge and experience to your project.  
• Why are all the estimates different and how do I know which one to choose? 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.

Another tip... you should look for a contractor or business owner that is 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.  

The company owner of MODE CONCRETE, Gareth Tyrrell personally consults with our customers on every job and works on every project to make sure the highest level of quality is produced (that's him in the picture below, look at how super eager he is!). 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.

If you live in the Okanagan and have any questions about our services - let us know!