Natural Concrete Floors look Amazing in this Brand New Contemporary Home in Kelowna BC

Wow, what a stunning contemporary space!  These clients wanted to highlight their natural concrete floors, so Mode Concrete came in and did our top selling seal/wax floor treatment to the surface. It's an easy, cost effective flooring option that elevates the natural beauty that occurs already in concrete.  Usually it only takes us a few days, and ta da, you'll be enjoying your new space before you know it! Our clients absolutely love the concrete floors that we have created. Our contemporary polished concrete floors are the perfect option for any indoor or outdoor space. Polished concrete is often used in many areas like: art galleries, shopping malls, warehouses, retail environments as well many residential, commercial and industrial properties. Basically we finish and buff the floor to give it a stunning finish. Our entire process is VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and emission free, an entirely non-toxic and safe process.

This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

 Here we are, burnishing the floor after naturally finishing the surface. 

 This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

This floor was naturally finished by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC. 

Why do people love concrete floors?

• They are super easy to clean and maintain. You can dry or wet mop (use warm water when mopping), sweep, or vacuum to remove small debris on a weekly basis. Use PH-neutral, non-acidic natural cleaners to ensure nothing strips the sealers and waxes. Then once every few years you will have to apply a moisture barrier sealer and waxes. Maintenance and refinishing, totally depends on wear and tear and the client's preference. Some customers like a pristine highly reflective concrete floors, while others like an industrial, high patina, raw surface look.
• Concrete retains the thermal heat in your home.  Your concrete floors will help store heat and moderate interior heat fluctuations. 
• 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!

We can help you with maintenance, refinishing and rewaxing your existing concrete floor. When we finish your floor it will come to life... in a non-toxic, eco-friendly, inexpensive kinda way. For more information on sealing, waxing or staining any interior or exterior concrete surface, please contact MODE CONCRETE.  

We service Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, in BC Canada (and can travel depending on client requirements).

MODE CONCRETE is Kelowna's Outdoor Kitchen Specialists - We Even Import Italian Wood Burning Ovens for your Patio!!

Mode Concrete was hand-picked by one of Houzz's writers to be featured in an editorial ideabook on their homepage about Patio Pizza Ovens.

Portable ovens are made by a few manufacturers, some of which are, appropriately, Italian. Some of the outdoor ovens featured are Alfa Ovens, and you guessed it... Mode Concrete can import any of these babies direct to you!

We can help to build and plan your dream outdoor kitchen. Maybe you want the full luxury built in package, or maybe you're looking for one specialty item to be the sparkle of your patio or backyard.  ‎

Contact us for more details about prices and availability - call Gareth direct at 250.864.6566. Start planning your outdoor kitchen now, to make sure everything is ready for you by spring time.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22183790/list/How-to-Get-a-Pizza-Oven-for-the-Patio

Wanna get the Down Low on Concrete Overlays? Our client talks about why they chose a concrete overlay by Mode Concrete

Feedback like this, is why we love what we do.  Our ultimate goal at Mode Concrete is to make sure our clients have a stress-less and even enjoyable process, that is always on schedule and on budget. We use nothing but the best artisans and highest quality products available.

"I hired Mode Concrete to install a concrete overlay in a 4000 sq ft renovation home in Kettle Valley. When deciding what to do for flooring we were inundated with all of the flooring options, I was searching for something unique and outside of what would be considered traditional, I've had carpet, vinyl, hardwood, ceramic tile, etc, etc. I came across Mode via their website and upon the initial meeting to review the installation requirements I was very impressed. Mode Concrete delivered on time, on budget, and exceeded my expectations. The floors are very unique, every room has its own bit of character, a swirl, a beauty mark and unlike hardwoods (or some tiles) that are popular, no-one will ever have the same floors, not even close. Contrary to what I expected and what most people may believe, the floors are surprising warm as they seem to retain more heat than any floor I've had in the past. No more worries about the kids ruining the hardwood with a rough toy or a dragged chair. I am very happy with every aspect of the decision, not only to do the concrete but to hire Mode Concrete."

Our client took this photo of their concrete overlay, completed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Check out this link to see their review http://www.houzz.com/viewReview/138982/MODE-CONCRETE-review

Season's Greetings from MODE CONCRETE

Raw Concrete Floors Naturally Look Clean and Contemporary - A Simple, Inexpensive Process with Concrete Sealers & Waxes perfect for Commerical or Residential spaces - article by artisans MODE CONCRETE

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 featured project) only take a few days. 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.

Here is a natural concrete floor we completed for our Kelowna client.  Natural concrete is where it's at.  Look at all that natural concrete beauty + amazingly high ceilings.  This is space feels light, airy, open and contemporary with a pop of sparkle coming from the light fixtures.  Love.

Think of a concrete floor sealer as a protective barrier or sacrificial 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. High traffic areas or exposure to machinery or pets may also cause damage to a concrete floors that can be prevented with adequate sealant and wax. New concrete floors should be sealed after they are completed (make sure concrete is fully dried and cured first), while existing concrete floors should be sealed every few years based on wear and tear.

Here is a natural concrete floor we completed for our Kelowna client.  Natural concrete is where it's at.

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. Also make sure that your concrete is protected during the construction phase to minimize visible marks, staining and concrete damage that often occurs.

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

And there's your daily dose of concrete flooring information from the artisans at Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC.  Please contact us for pricing or more information for any services we discuss in our blog.  We service Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, in BC Canada (and can travel anywhere depending on client requirements). 

Contemporary Concrete Flooring Overlay Possible on Wooden Substrate - by specialists Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC

A concrete overlay we applied to a wooden subfloor, for our Kelowna client.

Concrete floors are modern, natural 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. 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?

Why do people love concrete floors?

• Well, firstly and most importantly... they look AWESOME!
• 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!

 Here is a standard grey concrete overlay we applied to a wooden subfloor, for our Kelowna client.

 Here is a standard grey concrete overlay we applied to a wooden subfloor, for our Kelowna client.

If you’re looking for some information about putting concrete floors on wooden substrates, you've come to the right place. Keep in mind we use the most cutting edge products and techniques for our applications and only experienced artisans should complete these sort of applications. Our overlay can be laid onto existing substrate and achieve the look and feel of polished concrete. Our overlays are VOC (volatile organic compounds) and emission free. Our dustless process of finishing concrete floors is done with natural, safe, non-toxic finishing products. After preparing the surface, we can pour a thin layer of new concrete to virtually any surface or 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.  

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

If you have any more questions about anything we discuss in our blog, please contact us today for additional information.

Reclaimed Pine Beetle Wood / Concrete Furniture - Modern, Sustainable, High-Quality - created by the specialists at Mode Concrete in BC

We have been playing around with reclaimed pine beetle wood + modern simple concrete shapes. We are going to turn this idea into a bar stool, coffee tables, and maybe even a dining table... oh the endless possibilities!!

We take what was once considered unusable wood and give it new life. We always try to preserve as much of the wood’s natural character as possible, by highlighting the raw natural imperfections as the main feature of the piece.  We finish our furniture with ultra-low-VOC water-based stains and natural waxes.  Our customers want high-end design but are also conscious of sustainability.

Mode Concrete is focused on high quality and one-of-a-kind custom designs, staying as far away from mass production as possible.  If you are looking for a high quality, BC made, environmentally conscious, modern design - you should most definitely contact us!