Contemporay Concrete Tiled Fireplace - locally made in the Okanagan by MODE CONCRETE

We have always been passionate about concrete. Versatile, durable, elegant, great longevity, unique and modern...  only a few reasons why we love it. Its ability for customization makes it perfect for almost anything. At MODE CONRETE we collaborate with clients, architects and designers to create beautiful, contemporary concrete pieces. Our hand cast artisan method using high performance concrete allows us to create unique solutions and designs.  We love hitting the drawing board with our next custom concrete project.  

We recently re-did an older brick fireplace, refacing it in large, modern, custom hand-cast concrete tiles.  We can design and create any fireplace surround, mantle or hearth out of custom shaped concrete tiles to achieve your original one-of-a-kind design.  We work with you to achieve the look that you are going for.  

We love how the color changes and varies at different times of the day. The concrete we create is a piece of art and carries on a life of its own, you'll notice it gains 'character' and 'beauty marks' as it ages.  It is the ultimate material to go around your fireplace... it's heat resistant, super stylish and camouflages ash or wood sap. 

We specialize in all high-end decorative concrete surfaces and guarantee customer satisfaction.  Check out our website for our full portfolio - http://www.modeconcrete.com/

Basement Concrete Floors Naturally Look Amazing and Modern - Simple Process with Concrete Sealers and Wax

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.

Think of a concrete floor sealer as a protective layer that will improve its appearance, durability and longevity.  Stain protection is the main reason for sealing concrete floors, especially in areas of your home or business where food and drink will be consumed. Pets may also cause damage to a concrete floors that can be prevented with sealant and wax. New concrete floors should be sealed after they completed, while existing concrete floors should be sealed every few years based on wear and tear.  Properly sealed and maintained concrete (natural or stained) will give the same beautiful appearance for years to come. It is extremely durable, requires very little maintenance, and will likely outlast the home or business which surrounds it. The materials used to seal stained concrete include water-based sealers, waxes, alternative green sealers and solvent based sealers. Always make sure that the concrete contractor preforms tests on small areas, or shows you samples of what to expect.

The top question we get 'AREN'T CONCRETE FLOORS COLD brrrrrrrr?' and our answer is always, 'expect the same temperature as tile or other natural stone flooring options.'  

If you like the natural look and color of regular standard grey concrete, we usually recommend sealing and waxing.  It's 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.  And the best thing about finishing your existing concrete floors... usually most projects (like this basement floor pictured below) 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.

For more information on sealing, waxing or staining any interior or exterior concrete floors, decks, or surfaces, please contact MODE CONCRETE.  We service Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, in BC Canada.

Concrete Countertop and Floor Concerns - also featuring Concrete Countertops in a Traditional Renovated Kitchen

some top questions and concerns we get asked about decorative concrete

Why Concrete?  Concrete is one of the strongest, most customizable, unique, and durable options out there. That is why designers, architects, and builders have been using this medium for years.  Totally pliable, hand cast, it will have it's own individualization, and will carry on a life of it's own.  The most amazing thing about concrete... wear and tear only add more beauty. Concrete lovers embrace the imperfections that occur naturally and the personality it will develop over it's long life - think of it as part of the family.

Concrete is for:

• lovers of natural stone
• clients wanting something completely unique, hand made and one of a kind
• people concerned about being environmentally friendly and love mother nature
• clients wanting the durability of stone don't want mass produced, store bought, easy found items
• clients that want limitless options of colors, additives, stains, finishes or shapes
• clients wanting to use a natural looking material that compliments other natural materials like wood, stone and brick 

Myths and top concerns about concrete:

• is concrete green and environmentally conscience - made of stone, sand and water, a product doesn't get much more simple than this.  Those are the materials that make concrete.  In addition, when we make terrazzo countertops or floors, we only use post-consumer recycled glass.  At the end of its life cycle, your concrete project itself can be recycled.   
• concrete can easily crack or chip - imperfections in concrete surfaces, countertops, sinks or floors are part of the appeal and the uniqueness. In fact, hairline cracks and slight irregularities are the thing we love the most.  Wear and tear on our decorative concrete surfaces will not affect the structural integrity in the slightest (fine cracks are too narrow to trap food and debris). People look forward to the aged appearance that that occurs naturally over time. No matter what reinforcing method is used, hairline cracks may still occur. Hairline cracks are non-structural and should be considered part of the character and uniqueness of your hand crafted item - we call them beauty marks.  
• concrete can easily stain, is too porous, and requires to much maintenance - Top quality sealers and waxes are used to protect all of our concrete which help to resist stains and scratches. Using a nonabrasive natural cleaner and wiping up your stains will help to avoid staining and keep your concrete looking beautiful for years. Concrete has similar properties to other natural stone surfaces like travertine, soapstone, marble or granite - take care of them and they'll last you a lifetime.  Depending on what sealers or waxes have been applied to your concrete, periodic reapplications may be required.
• concrete is too modern for me - Concrete is super versatile and can be easily customized to fit into any space. It can be modern, simple and industrial, or it can be stained or dyed to a warmer color for a more traditional look. Whether your style is eclectic, classic, retro, funky, or modern - we have lots of options that will compliment your space.    

Here is a concrete counter top MODE CONCRETE completed in the Okanagan, for a client with a more traditional, natural color palette.  We colored the concrete to a natural earthtoned sandy color.  

Contact us for a free concrete design consultation and estimate - 250.864.6566.

Black Acid Stained Modern Concrete Floor - created in the Okanagan

Okay, we know the room isn't totally done yet, but we had to share... And check out those stunning views, I'd love to be positioned here next to Kalmalka Lake anytime of the year!!  

For this project our clients came to us with a specific color in mind, so we began experimenting and worked our magic.  We created a sample for them, experimented a little with coloring and staining (we tried to color match a tile they showed us).  After we completed the sample and had the clients approval we knew exactly how to achieve their vision in their new gorgeous custom home.  And we must say... by having a wood ceiling, it really warms up the space and is a great contrast to the concrete.  Amazing design choices, we have some serious style envy!

We are going to help complete the look, with a floor to ceiling custom concrete fireplace surround. We'll have more pictures up soon once we're done, so stay tuned...

We are concrete floor specialists and service the entire Okanagan.  Please contact us for more details on our services or to book a free concrete design consultation. 

Sealing and Waxing Concrete Floors - An Easy, Cost-Effective way to Create a Style Statement

An existing concrete floor that MODE CONCRETE sealed and waxed.  We didn't add any color or pigment.  This is natural standard grey concrete - and we are in and out within usually 2 days!  A quick and stylish fix to any new and existing concrete surface.

How do you prepare concrete for sealer, wax or stain??

• Thoroughly clean (pressure wash if necessary) and de-grease your concrete, allow to totally dry out.  Typically wait a few days before sealer, wax, or stain application.
• Create a test section or test sample pieces, to see exact coloring and finishing is to your preference (don't do the test in direct sunlight).
• All applications of sealer, wax and stains should be done in thin coats opposed to heavy thick coats.  Wait at least 2 hours between coats.  
• If applying on outdoor concrete surfaces only do in warmer seasons (or hoard off and heat area).
• Allow 24 hours to dry before regular traffic.
• Apply in well ventilated areas.  Be careful of sparks from fans and electrical devices if using any flammable liquids.
• Always wear appropriate protective gear, follow manufacturers application instructions and gain knowledge on the products you anticipate using.
• Sealers are usually best applying with a spray gun, while wax is usually mopped on. But make sure to check your product directions and see what they recommend.
• Hot days are not the best for applying sealers.

Why should you seal and wax your concrete?

• It creates and maintains a natural luster and shine that is a characteristic of maintained concrete. 
• Increases the longevity and life of the concrete.
• Makes your concrete resist moisture, staining, and helps to prevent surface damage.
• Anti-slip and other additives can also be added, if you're concerned about slipping on the concrete.
• Various sheens and matte finishes are available, depending on your style preference.
• Brings out the natural irregularities, patinas and patterns that occur in concrete - in our opinion this is the best thing!

Contact MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC, for a free onsite concrete consultation and an estimate.  For more information or to book an appointment, please call 250.864.6566!

Ultra Modern Concrete Floating Bathroom Vanity - made locally in Kelowna BC

Vanity insanity, check out the level of customization on this hand cast concrete trough sink MODE CONCRETE created earlier this year.  It's a floating wall-mounted trough sink, and is no doubt a conversation starter.  We love working with clients to create one-of-a-kind custom designed pieces like this.     

Check out the gorgeous variations, we are loving how ultra-modern this statement vanity looks - great design!  Concrete is unpredictable and each piece will have it's own personalty and markings - no two pieces are alike.  Contact us today to discuss any custom concrete projects.

Some things about MODE CONCRETE:

We are artists that love to to create. 

We are fueled by caffeine, late nights and imagination. 

We have no respect for the status quo and challenge it daily. 

We love British Columbia, nature and the environment. 

We believe in creating unique hand crafted items. 

We are passionate about what we do.

We love our customers.

White Concrete - Gleaming White or Stained to Perfection?

Have you ever heard of using white concrete for floors, tiles, or countertops?  White concrete is sure to create an impact, whatever the application and is the perfect color to start with when designing anything. This innovative white version of concrete is reminiscent of newly fallen snow and blends so well in a variety of design styles. Basically, the product mix of the concrete uses white cement in place of the standard gray which allows for more vibrant, richer colors to be achieved when staining or when adding coloring pigment.  It is also on trend to add no color or stain at all and leave the concrete a bright, gleaming white.  The white allows spaces to feel larger, architecture and design elements stand out and textures/colors to really pop against this. 

White concrete pictured above, was created by MODE CONCRETE.

If pure white is not your thing, let your imagination go crazy.  Stained, colored, textured or smooth, concrete boasts limitless design options. It provides a blank canvas upon which homeowners and designers can leave their mark. Concrete lends itself to so many design styles, but best thing is how concrete gains character over time and like freckles, concrete floors help to camouflage wear as it gets older and only gets better with age, wear and traffic.

But beyond the design advantages, these surfaces are low maintenance and they blend seamlessly with a multitude of various design styles.  Concrete will have variations and inconsistencies, all characteristic properties of concrete.  With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, in particular concrete floors will develop irregularities, freckles, hairline fractures, spider webbing, and will patina naturally with wear over time.

CONCRETE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Dust and wipe frequently to remove gritty soil or dirt.
• Use natural, nonabrasive cleaners for best results and longevity of concrete, sealers and stains.
• Every few years, rewaxing or restaining may be required depending on wear and tear.

MODE CONCRETE is an artisan concrete design studio specializing in custom concrete, concrete floors, fireplace surrounds, furniture, and other custom projects, and the list goes on and on... Basically, we conceptualize, design and build gnarly awesome stuff out of concrete on a daily basis.  We are largely fueled by caffeine, constant brainstorming, and love hitting the drawing board with our next project or idea.  Gareth lives, dreams, breathes concrete... his passion for concrete is infectious.  We encourage you to call for a free onsite concrete design consultation.