Three stunning boathouse designs – and how you can get the look (Concrete Dream Lounger featured in this article).

The Globe and Mail - May 30, 2014 - THREE STUNNING BOATHOUSE DESIGNS AND HOW TO GET THE LOOK

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/three-stunning-boathouse-designs-and-how-you-can-get-the-look/article18846702/?page=2

A sleek retreat

"For some, the idea of a rustic wooden boathouse is romantic. To others, though, it’s a high-maintenance nightmare, involving stripping, sanding and staining on a regular basis. That’s why architect Ken Borton of Winnipeg’s 5468796 Architecture built an all-metal steel-and-aluminum boathouse on Storm Bay in Lake of the Woods, Ont., not far from the Manitoba border. Even the walls are steel, though some have a fine perforation, so they appear translucent."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/three-stunning-boathouse-designs-and-how-you-can-get-the-look/article18846702/?page=2

"It would be hard to find a more resilient lounge chair than this sculptural cast-concrete seat by Kelowna, B.C.-based Mode (through www.modeconcrete.com). It would basically take a jackhammer to put a dent in it."

All material from article by MATTHEW HAGUE, Special to The Globe and Mail, published Friday, May. 30 2014, 6:00 PM EDT - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/three-stunning-boathouse-designs-and-how-you-can-get-the-look/article18846702/?page=2

Modern Light-Weight Concrete Tiles - Perfect for vertical, horizontal, overhead applications - by Mode Concrete in BC

Modern large format tiles easily create a dynamic, contemporary statement.  Our high quality, high performance concrete is our trademark creation of local and eco-friendly materials.  All of our concrete products are artistically and mindfully created.

All above images and concrete, created by MODE CONCRETE.

We were recently featured in an online article that has a wealth of info, to help you decide if concrete tiles are for you.  Check out the following link; Concrete Tiles: A Quick Fact Sheet On An Amazing Tile - http://www.tilehomeguide.com/concrete-tiles-a-quick-fact-sheet-on-an-amazing-tile/

Where to install concrete large format tiles?  

• They are perfect for firepalces, bathrooms, on the wall or used as cladding tiles.  Our light weight, fibre reinforced, large-format concrete tiles are perfect for... walls, floors, indoor, outdoor, wet, dry, vertical, horizontal and overhead applications.  Totally endless options.  

How to install our concrete large format tiles?  

• If you are located near Kelowna, we can help with installation.  Any experienced tile setter can easily install the concrete tiles.

Recommended tools and tips for installation - 

• 36" wet saw used for tile cutting
• 5" grinder + diamond blade
• grinder that smooths the edges down
• small sanding stone or sand paper to smooth down any rough areas 
• tile adhesive depends on surface you are adhering too - use same techniques and products that you'd use for natural stone tile installations
• concrete tiles chip and have similar properties to other tiles and natural stones that are often used 

Our concrete tiles have a special blend of ingredients that makes the concrete lighter weight than natural stone or other tile options.  The high tech products we use in our concrete gives it extra strength.  Our tiles are durable, are easily cut and even easier to install.

MODE CONCRETE can help with any of the services we discuss in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us.  

Concrete Pool Deck & Driveway - SEALING, PRESSURE WASHING, YEARLY MAINTENANCE - MODE CONCRETE, Established Specialists in Kelowna BC

Who wants to worry about unsealed, chipped, cracked or crumbly concrete interfering with summer fun?! No-one, that's who.

For this project below, the customer wanted to re-seal and pressure wash their existing concrete pool deck and patio.  

 

Many times when new or existing concrete cracks or needs a repair, our clients are discouraged because they aren't aware of the many options available. They usually assume the worst, and think that replacing the concrete is the best option. Concrete naturally shifts, moves and cracks with environmental changes and with age. Easily repaired, patched, or filled, these cracks are usually only cosmetic and not structural or unsafe (but every project is different). 

How often should you seal your driveway?

• Everyone has something different to say about how often to seal your driveway. Some say every 3-5 years, whereas others say every year. The determining factor here should be what sort of weather or climate zone your concrete is exposed to. Environmental factors, rain, snow, freeze/thaw zones, or high sunshine areas should be taken into consideration. If your driveway is exposed to freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your driveway might require re-sealing and maintenance every other year. If you salt your driveway or notice your sealer is deteriorating, you might have to reseal yearly. If you ever notice cracks or chips, you should fix these problems immediately. If damaged concrete is left unrepaired, water can seep into the cracks this will quickly deteriorate the concrete. 
• It is recommended you seal your brand new concrete after it is cured (28 days after it's poured).  If you don't seal your concrete, water may seep into the surface pores of the concrete, which can eventually lead to surface or structural damage.

How can I tell if my concrete needs resealing?

• Water should bead up on the surface of the concrete if your sealer is doing its job. If this is not happening, it's time to reseal your concrete. High traffic areas or highly acidic areas (exposure to salt, chlorine, vehicles) will likely need resealing on a more frequent basis.
• Properly maintaining your concrete saves money in the long run. Make sure you have a protective barrier on your concrete to get the maximum longevity of your investment. 

What can I do if my concrete is spalling or has a surface failure?

• Spalling and surface failures are most likely caused by 1) Freeze thaw damage & water penetrating the concrete surface and then expanding as it freezes or 2) poor finishing and the use of water on the surface to aid in the finishing process. Excess water and overfinishing create a weak surface that can't handle freeze-thaw expansion and contraction. You should always get a signed contract with a concrete installer with specific warranty language dealing with spalling and cracking. To fix the spalling, you may need to resurface the driveway with an overlay or replace the entire driveway.
• Sealers are a great way to protect concrete from spalling deterioration. A good-quality sealer designed for use on exterior concrete will help minimize water saturation and protect against salt damage. Even with a good sealer, the concrete itself remains the most important component in avoiding spalling.
• Spalling details obtained from the Concrete Network. http://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-spalled-concrete/spalled-concrete-new-driveway.html 

Mode Concrete can help you refinish, repair or install lots of different indoor or outdoor concrete surfaces (we can even help with outdoor kitchens!). We have worked with many residential and commercial clients over the years. We can help talk you through all the options available to you depending on the state of the concrete. We can stain the concrete, disguise cracks and patch any deteriorated areas. There are so many options available, we can walk you through the entire process. We always stay within the original estimated price and on schedule (weather permitting... we live in the mountains afterall!).

Free onsite estimates for clients residing in the Kelowna area.

Mode Concrete - Professional Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Contractor with amazing reviews, located in Kelowna BC

Here is a video about our outdoor kitchen services. It highlights some of the outdoor kitchen's we built in 2013 + amazing client feedback from these projects. We can help supply, manage, design and build the perfect outdoor living area for you.

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.

MODE CONCRETE from Kelowna BC can help you design, build, supply, order and import any items for your built-in outdoor kitchen. We are able to work many different budgets, since we offer different lines of stainless accessories and grills that accommodate different price points. 

Outdoor Kitchen lines that we offer our clients: Lynx, Luxor, Sedona, Saber, EVO, Perlick, Kalamazoo.

Check out this video to see some of the projects we've completed in the Okanagan, and the feedback from these clients.  Please contact us for more details about any of our products or services.

Environmentally Conscious Concrete Floors, A Natural & Dustless Solution for all you fellow Style Savvy Treehugger Types - article by MODE CONCRETE

Concrete floors offer a rather lovely solution for all you environmentally conscious, style savvy, treehugger types. Most people fall in love with the understated elegance that concrete floors offer. 

We provide a simple, eco-friendly, inexpensive solution to finish any existing or brand new concrete floor in your home or business. 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.  

Concrete's natural raw color is always our favorite look, and totally differs from project to project. Every piece of concrete is original in it's coloring, textures, irregularities, and variations that occur naturally when the concrete dries and cures. Contractors grade pavement looks absolutely glorious with minimal effort or expense - and the best thing about finishing your existing concrete floors... usually most projects take only a few days for our artisan(s) to complete. 

Concrete floors are usually dried and cured for a minimum of 28 days before any finishing processes can be preformed.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in concrete floors, concrete floor finishing and concrete maintenance/repair.  Contact us for more details on our services or prices.

Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Specialist located in the Okanagan - MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Built in outdoor kitchens let you truly enjoy your backyard and outdoor entertaining. If you are lucky enough to call the Okanagan home (like we are!!!) you'll know that outdoor entertaining is the best part of living here. Why not build an outdoor kitchen and maximize your time outside this summer?

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.

To get a full picture of what your outdoor kitchen will look like, we have an artist make a rendering of your outdoor kitchen. We will show you a front view and a top view of the design.

(image on the right is an example)

And this is the end product... (see picture on the right). The client decided to switch the sink and fridge to the other ends of the countertop. The artist rendering made it easy for everyone to visualize the design and plan appropriately to maximize function in this entertainers dream outdoor kitchen. 

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!

(this is an outdoor kitchen MODE CONCRETE created for our Kelowna clients)

We have a reputation for staying on budget & on schedule. Check out our reviews, we dare you. We also import exceptional luxury outdoor kitchen accessories and grills for our clients (custom ordered, hand picked & quality tested by us). Contact us about any services we discuss in this blog. 

How often should you seal your driveway? Concrete Driveway Sealing, Yearly Maintenance, Repair - blog by the experts at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Applying concrete sealers are an essential part of finishing any indoor or outdoor concrete surface. Protect your concrete driveway and patio from weather, staining, oil/gas, salt, and water by making sure you have a surface barrier on your concrete. 

How often should you seal your driveway?

• Everyone has something different to say about how often to seal your driveway. Some say every 3-5 years, whereas others say every year. The determining factor here should be what sort of weather or climate zone your concrete is exposed to. Environmental factors, rain, snow, freeze/thaw zones, or high sunshine areas should be taken into consideration. If your driveway is exposed to freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your driveway might require re-sealing and maintenance every other year. If you salt your driveway or notice your sealer is deteriorating, you might have to reseal yearly. If you ever notice cracks or chips, you should fix these problems immediately. If damaged concrete is left unrepaired, water can seep into the cracks this will quickly deteriorate the concrete.  
• Properly maintaining your concrete saves money in the long run. Make sure you have a protective barrier on your concrete to get the maximum longevity of your investment.

Concrete services we offer for driveways, patios or concrete slabs:

• Concrete cleaning 
• High power pressure washing
• Concrete maintenance
• Concrete sealing (for stained concrete, aggregate concrete, or stamped)
• Concrete patching
• Concrete chip and crack repair
• Adding anti-slip surface finishes onto concrete
• Acid staining, eco-based water staining

We always offer expert concrete advice, superior workmanship and never cheap out on the products we use.  We only use the highest quality materials to repair, maintain or seal your concrete.  Whether your concrete is brand new, needs maintenance, or needs some repair... we are here to help.  We walk you through the entire process and continuously get client referrals. People all over the Okanagan put their trust in Mode Concrete to get the job done right, with long term results.  We always offer free written estimates to our inquiring clients.  We always stay within the original estimated price and on schedule (weather permitting... we live in the mountains afterall!). 

CONTACT us today for any of the services we discuss in this blog.