THE DECORATIVE CONCRETE SMACKDOWN
ARTISTRY COMPETITION
Part of the Decorative Concrete Expo
Presented by Deco-Crete
The 2026 Decorative Concrete Smackdown will feature the industry’s top artists and creators in a thrilling competition. While anyone can apply, only a select few will make it to the main event.
If chosen to compete, you’ll receive a guaranteed $1,000, with the winners receiving additional prizes after the competition. Expo attendees will judge the finalists, and the winners will be announced on Friday, February 27th, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
Who Can Apply
The Decorative Concrete Smackdown is an open competition, and anyone is welcome to apply. After reviewing the applications, Deco-Crete will select the eight finalists for the 2026 event. The goal of this event is to create a platform for decorative concrete artisans to showcase their abilities. The champion from the previous year will be automatically granted a spot as a finalist if they choose to defend their title. Other competitors of the prior year are welcome to apply; however, their applications will be judged differently, as Deco-Crete strives to create room for new competitors.
Deadline for Applications
Applications must be submitted by December 5th, 2025. Any applications received after this date will not be eligible.
Working Area / Project Area
Each competitor will be assigned a designated working space of 20 ft. x 20 ft. Within this area, a central project space will be provided with the following dimensions:
Project Space: 15 ft. Wide x 15 ft. Long x 8 ft. High.
The additional working area provides ample space for artists to move around and allows Expo attendees to view projects from all sides. All tools and products must stay contained within the working area. Contestants are responsible for keeping their area safe and tidy throughout the show.
Project Concept Guidelines
We encourage a wide range of creative submissions and provide complete creative freedom—as long as decorative concrete is featured! You may submit your project concept in any format, such as:
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Drawings or Sketches
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Photos of Similar Projects
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Written Concept Descriptions
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Any Combination of These Examples
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Any Other Format That Clearly Conveys The Project Concept
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If you have questions about submitting your concept, feel free to contact us for assistance.
Competitor Team Size
Each competitor may have up to 3 designated team members (a total of 4 individuals per team, including the artist).
Working Time
– Tuesday, February 24th: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
– Wednesday, February 25th: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
– Thursday, February 26th: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
– Friday, February 27th: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM**
*No more than 40% of the project may be completed before Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
**All work must be completed before 12:00 PM on Friday, February 27th, 2026.
Winners will be announced on Friday, February 27th, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Prefabricated Project Components
All prefabricated components used in your project must be scratch-coated only. Components with further prefabrication or final products will not be permitted in the competition.
Tools and Equipment
Deco-Crete will provide some tools and equipment for use; however, due to limited availability and time restrictions, we strongly recommend bringing your own tools and equipment to ensure adequate access. Feel free to contact us for a description of the tools and equipment that will be provided.
Products for the Competition
Finalists will be asked to submit a list of products needed for their specific project. All product requests must be submitted by February 2nd, 2026. Deco-Crete will supply any required products that we manufacture. Cost and sourcing of any additional products and building materials will be the competitor’s responsibility.
Prizes and Payment Information
A $1,000 selection bonus will be awarded to each of the eight finalists. Finalists will receive this bonus at the conclusion of the event on Friday afternoon. Additional cash and prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners. The total cash and prize pool for the 2026 event will be more than $10,000!
Voting
Votes from the Decorative Concrete Expo attendees will determine the winners of the Decorative Concrete Smackdown. Both in-person and virtual attendees may vote one time during the event. Voting will end at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 27th, 2026. Votes by non-attendees will not be allowed. Any team or individual competitor attempting to gain votes from outside sources will be disqualified from the event.
PLEASE NOTE: NO OPEN FLAMES, SPARKS, OR ANY COMBUSTION IS ALLOWED INSIDE THE FACILITY!