Give New Life to your Concrete with Acid Stain - Concrete Patio completed by 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 patio for our Kelowna client.

Here are some before and after pictures, so you can see the impact that concrete staining has on existing concrete.

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.

Some before and after pictures, so you can see the impact that concrete staining has on existing concrete.

We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Concrete staining and sealing is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors, retaining walls , 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.

Here is the acid stained concrete patio, completed by our expert artisans in Kelowna BC.  Contact MODE CONCRETE for more details or pricing today!

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. 

Considering Modern Concrete Floors in your Home or Business? We address top questions & concerns - by MODE CONCRETE

Are you considering concrete floors in your home or business?  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.

 The floor before we worked our concrete magic.

 Here is a brand new polished natural concrete floor we did for the Manteo / Rykon Group Head office in Kelowna BC.

 Here is a brand new polished natural concrete floor we did for the Manteo / Rykon Group Head office in Kelowna BC. 

 Here is a brand new polished natural concrete floor we did for the Manteo / Rykon Group Head office in Kelowna BC.

Top questions we get about concrete floors or overlays:

• 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.  
• Will concrete 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.

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

Contemporary Concrete Fireplace Tiles are All the Rage - article by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Here is a project that MODE CONCRETE just completed. The quality of our products are extraordinary, have incredible longevity and are too stunning for words.  MODE CONCRETE offers luxury concrete floor finishing and high-end large-format concrete tiles.  All of our original, hand-cast concrete products are individually created, designed and fabricated in Kelowna BC, Canada. Stained, colored and finished to your preference - many options available to achieve the 'look' you are going for. Since all of our concrete products are custom and made to order, everything is made by hand to fit your project perfectly. 

Even the dogs approve of this stylish look.  Contact MODE CONCRETE today to discuss your project at modeconcrete@shaw.ca or call / text 250.864.6566.  We specialize in high-end artisan concrete, servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Contemporary Concrete Fireplace with Flush Wood Grain Cabinetry - Concrete Large Format Tiles created by MODE CONCRETE

Here is a gorgeous modern concrete fireplace and hearth that MODE CONCRETE just completed. The quality of our products are extraordinary, have incredible longevity and are too stunning for words.  MODE CONCRETE offers luxury, high-end large-format concrete tiles.  All of our original, hand-cast concrete products are individually created, designed and fabricated in Kelowna BC, Canada.  Stained, colored and finished to your preference - many options available to achieve the 'look' you are going for. Since all of our concrete products are custom and made to order, everything is made by hand to fit your project perfectly.

 All of the concrete tiles used for this fireplace feature wall were created and designed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

We can make recommendations based on your application and give you various options depending on your budget.

All of the concrete tiles used for this fireplace feature wall were created and designed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. Here is Gareth Tyrrell (owner and concrete artisan) making sure everything is 100%.  He works directly with all of our clients to ensure the highest level of product quality is achieved on every project.

Contact MODE CONCRETE today to discuss your project at modeconcrete@shaw.ca or call / text 250.864.6566.  We specialize in high-end artisan concrete, servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Considering a Concrete Floor Overlay for your Basement? Call the pros at MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC (featured in Globe & Mail, and Azure's Product Guide)

Considering concrete overlay floors on your basement?  Well, you've come to the right blog... A concrete floor is the perfect solution to any home-gym, basement, garage, or any space you want something super durable that is easy to maintain. 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.

We specialize in this tricky technique and won't skimp on products, skill or quality to be the cheapest in town. When you hire Mode, you hire the company owner to work directly on your project to attain the highest level of quality possible that stands behind our work. Check out our reviews, we always make sure our customers are happy and will use again in the future.

This client was renovating their basement and hired us to apply our ultra thin concrete overlay on the entire surface.  And ta-da... check out the spectacular results!  All the pictures above are of MODE CONCRETE's concrete overlay on an existing basement floor.

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?

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

How often should you seal your exterior concrete? Concrete Pool Decks, Patios, Driveways and Pathways - Sealing, Yearly Maintenance, Repair & Refinishing

Concrete Pool Decks, Patios, Driveways and Pathways - Sealing, Yearly Maintenance, Repair & Refinishing 

ARTICLE BY THE PROS AT MODE CONCRETE IN KELOWNA BC.

Now is the perfect time of year to look at your exterior concrete, especially if your concrete is exposed to the extremely hot temperatures we have in the Okanagan.  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 exterior concrete? 
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 concrete is exposed to moisture, freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your concrete might require re-sealing and maintenance every other year. If your concrete is exposed to salt 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.

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.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.

Above is a driveway MODE CONCRETE sealed in Penticton BC.

Concrete services we offer on pool decks, pathways, 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
• Mildew removal
• Moss removal
• Troubleshooting water damaged concrete

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.  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.

SEALING, PRESSURE WASHING, YEARLY MAINTENANCE - CONCRETE POOL DECK AND DRIVEWAY RECOMMENDATIONS - ARTICLE BY MODE CONCRETE, ESTABLISHED SPECIALISTS IN KELOWNA BC

Now is the perfect time of year to look at your exterior concrete, to see if it needs protection before our extremely hot Okanagan summers kick in.  

 Exposed aggregate / Stamped concrete, that MODE CONCRETE pressure washed and applied a protective exterior topcoat sealer.  This protects the longevity of the concrete and provides environmental protection.  This a recent project we did near Okanagan Lake for our lovely clients.

Wondering how often to 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.

How much does concrete maintenace cost?  To extend the life of concrete, you’ll want to keep it well-maintained. After your concrete is poured and cured, applying concrete sealer to the surface is the final step (sealing usually done 1 or 2 months after pouring). Concrete sealer cost is not cheap but this final stage will vastly improve the durability of the driveway. Expect to pay $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot for one application or coating of sealer (which usually includes the cost of pressure washing the surface).  Anti slip additives or repairing chips and cracks can increase this cost a little.

When you contact Mode Concrete, you'll see quickly why we have so many repeat customers and recommendations. We always go the extra mile for our clients.  Contact us today for an onsite written estimate.