TL;DR for Terre Haute Homeowners

• Composite and PVC cost more upfront but deliver the lowest maintenance and the most consistent look over time
• Pressure-treated wood wins on initial price but needs staining and more upkeep to stay sharp
• In Indiana’s humidity and freeze–thaw, composites resist rot, cupping, and checking better than wood
• If you’ll stay 7–10+ years, composite often wins on total cost of ownership and hassle reduction

Why This Choice Matters in Indiana

Decks in Terre Haute and West-Central Indiana take a beating from spring rains, summer humidity and UV, leaf tannins in fall, and winter freeze–thaw cycles. In this climate, the composite vs wood decking in Terre Haute decision isn’t just about looks—it’s about long-term performance and upkeep.

Pressure-treated wood can look fantastic and feel warm underfoot, but it relies on routine sealing/staining to resist rot, warping/cupping, mildew, and color fade. Capped composite and PVC decking have low water absorption and color-fast caps that shed stains better and stay more dimensionally stable when temperatures swing. On shady or damp sites, synthetics usually outlast wood with fewer weekend chores.

• Freeze–thaw movement: follow brand gap/fastener specs for composites; wood moves with moisture and needs correct spacing
• Moisture & mildew: composites/PVC don’t rot; wood needs diligent sealing and ventilation
• UV & color fade: composite caps resist fading; wood benefits from periodic re-coats
• Everyday stains: leaves and grill grease mark wood more easily; capped composites clean up with soap and water

2025 Installed Cost Ranges in West-Central Indiana

Deck installation costs in Terre Haute vary by material, rail choices, stairs, and site conditions. These ranges reflect typical materials + labor by a licensed contractor.

• Pressure-treated wood: ~$28–$50 per sq ft installed (basic frame at 16″ OC, PT decking, simple stair and guard where applicable)
• Capped composite: ~$45–$85 per sq ft installed; PVC usually sits at the upper end of that composite range (brand, color mix, picture framing, and hidden fasteners move price)
• Railings: ~$55–$140 per linear foot for wood, aluminum, or composite systems; stair rails and complex layouts trend higher
• Permits & inspections: Required items (permits, frost-depth footings, ledger flashing) are included in our quotes and can affect totals by jurisdiction
• Scope multipliers: Extra stairs, elevated decks, under-deck drainage, lighting, privacy screens, and upgraded posts/footings increase price
• Access & site: Steep slopes, tight deliveries, tree/utility conflicts, demolition/haul-off, and long carries add labor and time

Example Budgets by Size (materials + labor)

Size	Sq Ft	Wood (Installed)	Composite (Installed)
12×12	144	$4,032–$7,200	$6,480–$12,240
12×16	192	$5,376–$9,600	$8,640–$16,320
16×20	320	$8,960–$16,000	$14,400–$27,200
20×20	400	$11,200–$20,000	$18,000–$34,000

Estimates include materials + labor; stairs/rails, site access, and permits can change totals.

Assumptions for Terre Haute Deck Cost Estimates:

• Standard rectangular deck with one basic stair run and code-right guard system
• 16″ OC framing; typical soil/footings at local frost depth; no helical piles
• No extras like under-deck drainage, lighting, privacy screens, or complex inlays
• Permits and inspections included; normal site access and demolition/haul-off if needed

10-Year Maintenance and Total Cost of Ownership

In the composite vs wood decking in Terre Haute decision, long-term maintenance often decides the winner. Here’s what the next decade typically looks like in Indiana’s climate.

• Wood upkeep cycles: Plan stain/seal every 2–3 years. Typical pro finishing runs ~$1.80–$3.20 per sq ft per cycle. A 12×16 (192 sq ft) deck totals about $1,382–$2,458 over 10 years just in finish maintenance, plus occasional hardware and board touch-ups
• Wood repair risk: Expect spot sanding, re-fastening, and periodic board swaps due to checking, cupping, mildew stains, and UV fade—especially under trees, near grills, or on north/shady sides
• Composite/PVC upkeep: Soap-and-water washes and routine debris removal. No sealing, no color re-coats, and far fewer spot repairs or fastener issues
• Composite durability: Capped boards resist leaf tannins, grease, and general fading better; many brands carry 25–50-year limited fade/stain warranties when installed to spec
• Bottom line over time: Wood starts cheaper, but maintenance and minor repairs narrow the gap by year 7–10; composites usually win on total cost of ownership for long-term owners
• Care contingencies: For wood, shade/trees and heavy grill use increase staining and refinish frequency. For composites, avoid metal shovels and harsh solvents; choose lighter colors and texture for better barefoot comfort in summer

Example: A 12×16 wood deck finished every 2–3 years at market rates will typically spend ~$1.4k–$2.5k on finishes alone over a decade—before counting any repair labor.

Performance in Indiana Weather

Decks in Terre Haute face humidity, UV, leaf tannins, and winter freeze–thaw swings—so material behavior matters.

• Moisture and rot resistance: Composite and PVC won’t rot; wood needs diligent sealing and ventilation to stay stable and resist mildew
• Heat and barefoot comfort: Both warm up in direct sun; choose lighter colors and textured boards for noticeably better barefoot comfort
• Freeze–thaw movement: Composites expand/contract predictably—follow brand gap and fastener specs; wood moves with moisture, so correct spacing and fastening are critical
• Stain, scratch, and mildew resistance: Modern capped composites shed leaf/grill stains better and hide micro-scratches with texture; wood can be sanded/refinished but needs recurring care

Materials at a Glance

• Pressure-treated pine: Lowest upfront cost and widely available; accepts stain well but needs regular seal/stain cycles to resist rot, cupping, and UV fade; great for budget builds and short-term ownership
• Cedar: Beautiful grain and warm feel; higher cost than treated pine, softer surface, and careful upkeep needed to prevent checking and color fade; ideal when natural look is the priority
• Tropical hardwoods (e.g., Ipe): Very dense and durable with premium price; pre-drilling and specialized fasteners recommended; periodic oiling preserves color; excellent longevity if maintained
• Capped composite: Wood–plastic core with a protective cap; broad color options, low water absorption, low maintenance; stable in damp or shady yards and resists leaf/grill stains; hidden fasteners common
• PVC decking: Fully synthetic with very low water absorption; light and stable, excellent near pools and heavy shade; minimal upkeep; typically at the upper end of composite pricing
• Thermally modified wood: Heat-treated for improved stability versus standard lumber; still needs finish care; availability varies by supplier; offers a more natural look with better movement control than untreated wood

Structure, Spacing, and Fasteners That Matter

• Joist spacing & spans: Many composites require 16″ OC for straight lays and 12″ OC for diagonals or herringbone; wood decking is commonly 16″ OC. Always check the brand’s span table—some “scalloped” boards need tighter spacing at stairs and landings.
• Ledger & flashing protection: Ledger flashing is non-negotiable. Use peel-and-stick membrane behind/over the ledger plus metal cap flashing, proper fasteners into the band joist, and maintain a drainage/ventilation gap at siding. Add lateral load connectors where your jurisdiction requires them.
• Posts, footings & connections: Set posts on frost-depth footings with elevated post bases to keep ends dry. Use through-bolts (not lag screws alone) where specified, and add solid blocking where guard posts mount so rails feel rigid.
• Fasteners & hardware: Use ACQ-compatible hot-dip galvanized or stainless hardware with treated lumber. For composite/PVC, use manufacturer-approved screws to minimize mushrooming and ensure clamp force.
• Hidden fasteners vs face screws: Hidden clips create a clean surface and allow controlled movement; face screws add grip at stairs, picture-frame borders, and high-traffic edges. Pre-drill composites where the brand specifies (especially in cold weather).
• Picture-framing & borders: A border elevates the look and hides cut ends on composite. Add perimeter blocking so border boards and clip systems have full bearing; gap per brand spec for expansion.
• Stairs & stringers: Many composites call for 12″ OC stringers (sometimes tighter for open-riser or wide treads). Keep risers uniform, add nonslip nosings or textured treads, and install graspable handrails with returns to meet the current code cycle.
• Resurfacing checklist: Before swapping to composite on an old frame, verify the frame is square, sound, flashed, and code-compliant. Correct joist spacing, replace compromised members, add joist tape at tops, and confirm guard post blocking is up to spec.

When Wood Makes Sense vs When Composite Wins

Choose Wood When

• You want the lowest initial price for a larger deck and can allocate budget to maintenance later
• You love natural grain and don’t mind periodic staining/sealing to control rot, mildew, and UV fade
• You plan short-term ownership and mainly need functional outdoor space now
• You’re okay with color variation/weathering over time and the occasional board repair

Choose Composite When

• You want minimal maintenance and a consistent, modern look that cleans with soap and water
• Your site is shaded or stays damp and you want rot/mildew resistance with low water absorption
• You plan to stay 7–10+ years and care about total cost of ownership in Indiana’s freeze–thaw climate
• You prefer broad color options that pair well with aluminum or composite railings for curb appeal

Local Code and Permit Notes for Terre Haute

Deck permits in Terre Haute focus on safety items inspectors always check. We design and build to the current code cycle used by your jurisdiction so your project passes cleanly.

• Frost-depth footings: Set posts on concrete footings that extend below the local frost line (often ~30–36″, confirm with your building department). No deck blocks for elevated decks.
• Ledger flashing & attachment: Proper peel-and-stick + metal cap flashing at the house ledger, structural fasteners into the band joist (not nails), and lateral load connectors where required to prevent pull-away.
• Guards & handrails: Guard height, infill spacing, and stiffness are checked on any surface above grade. Handrails must be graspable with returns at stair ends. We size and mount rail posts with solid blocking so rails feel rigid.
• Stair geometry: Uniform riser/tread dimensions, secure stringers (composites often need tighter stringer spacing), and safe nosings. Landings and lighting are reviewed on taller/elevated decks.
• Corrosion-resistant hardware: ACQ-compatible hot-dip galvanized or stainless fasteners, hangers, and post bases; no mixed-metal corrosion at coastal or high-moisture exposures.
• Permits, inspections & locates: We pull permits, schedule inspections (footings, framing, final), and call 811 utility locates before digging. You receive documentation for resale and insurance.

We handle permits and inspections start-to-finish and build to the deck code in Terre Haute so your project passes the first time.

Common Upgrades Terre Haute Homeowners Love

• Aluminum railings: Stay straight and low-maintenance with no staining; meet guard height and spacing requirements and pair well with composite colors
• Picture-frame borders & inlays (composite): Hide cut ends, control expansion gaps, and add curb appeal; requires perimeter blocking and careful gapping to brand spec
• Under-rail or stair lighting: Low-voltage LEDs improve nighttime safety and step visibility; timers or motion sensors keep energy use low
• Hidden storage bays: Built-in benches or deck-level hatches for cushions and yard tools; weather-resistant liners keep contents dry
• Under-deck drainage (for elevated decks): Create a dry patio below with ceiling or membrane systems; include cleanouts for easy maintenance
• Integrated benches, planters, privacy screens: Add seating, greenery, and wind-breaks; we engineer posts/attachments to handle Indiana wind loads and keep guards code-compliant