The Beauty of Concrete • Leander

The Beauty of Concrete • Leander

Written by Mandy Hobby Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Leander residents channel artistic flair

In Leander, it is easy to find aesthetic beauty in the rolling green hills or the quiet open spaces. But, for Michelle and Darell Dansby, true beauty lies in concrete.

The couple and co-owners of The Beauty of Concrete became intrigued by the alternative flooring option in Dallas five years ago when Darell was laid off from a materials handling company. His supervisor, also laid off, decided to invest money into a concrete company and turned to Darell for help.

“He asked me if I knew anything about concrete. I said, ‘No, but I need a job,’” Darell said.

Only a few months later after attending a concrete staining seminar, Darell would discover a passion for flooring. He worked with his supervisor for a year before he and Michelle moved to Leander in 2002 so Michelle could be closer to her family.

Darell worked for Williamson County by day and continued to do concrete jobs on the side with Michelle’s help. After going to New Orleans for four months to help families in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, Darell returned with the idea to begin his own concrete business full time.

“I was working on my own for a few months, and then realized I needed some help,” Darell said. “Michelle already knew everything from helping me, so she joined with me full time.”

The two work one project at a time either remodeling existing floors or installing sidewalks, patios and concrete flooring. Finishing options include acid staining, overlays and engravings, refinishing, patterns and custom artwork.

“There is such an art to what we do,” Michelle said. “Any company can come in and spray on acid stain. We add more character and elegance, as opposed to just a flooring option.”

The Dansbys look at a home’s walls, arrangements and decor in order to determine what would look best. They work with clients to see what best fits their needs.

“We want to lay a floor that lasts as long as the house lasts. We are in it for the long haul,” Darell said. “We tell clients how to take care of the floor and offer service after the sale.”

After designing, laying, staining, cleaning and sealing a new floor, Darell and Michelle go a step further and wax the floor with four to six coats of a water-based acrylic so scratches are easy to repair.

“No two floors are alike because of the staining process and the way the chemicals react together,” Michelle said. “We are excited about what we do and that we always see the end result.”

Concrete Flooring 101

Several factors determine what a concrete flooring installation or remodel will look like. The Dansbys’ front porch exemplifies all of the choices a potential client has.

Acid-staining: the coloring of the concrete

Scoring: cutting a design or pattern into concrete

Sheens: choice between a matte finish or a high gloss finish

Michelle and Darell Dansby, owners.

The Beauty of Concrete, 731-9290 • www.thebeautyofconcrete.com