Concrete Patio vs Composite Deck in Terre Haute

See how a concrete patio stacks up against composite decking in Terre Haute—price per sq ft, upkeep, lifespan, permits, and freeze–thaw drainage. Request a local, line-item quote based on your elevation, stairs, and railings.

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Concrete Patio vs Composite Deck in Terre Haute: Which Fits Your Yard?

If your back door steps straight onto a flat yard, a concrete patio is usually the simplest, least expensive way to add outdoor living space in Terre Haute. When your door sits higher above grade or you want railings, lighting, privacy screens, and a more room-like feel, a composite deck tends to win on comfort and long-term maintenance. In West-Central Indiana’s freeze–thaw climate, both options work well when drainage is planned and the base, footings, and materials are specified for local weather; they just shine in different scenarios.

Costs you can expect in 2025 (local ballparks)

For a straightforward 4–5″ broom-finish patio on a compacted stone base, expect installed pricing around $10–$18 per sq ft; add color or stamping and you’re typically $18–$28 per sq ft. A single-level composite deck on pressure-treated framing with basic guardrails usually runs $35–$65 per sq ft once footings, framing, ledger flashing, and inspections are included. On a common 12×16 (≈192 sq ft) project, that lands roughly at $1,900–$3,500 for broom-finish concrete, $3,500–$5,400 for stamped concrete, and $6,700–$12,500 for a composite deck with simple rails and a short stair. For a 16×20 (≈320 sq ft) plan, think $3,200–$5,760 (broom), $5,760–$8,960 (stamped), and $11,200–$20,800 (composite), assuming typical access and soil in Vigo County.

What moves the number most (labor + materials):

• Door height and stairs: Each flight adds structure, rail posts, and labor.
• Railing length and style: Aluminum vs composite, post caps, and under-rail LEDs change totals.
• Access, soil, and drainage: Base prep, slope, swales, or dry-below systems for Indiana’s freeze–thaw.
• Upgrades and code items: Picture-frame borders, skirting, hidden fasteners; permits, 36″ frost-depth footings, and engineering for hot tubs.

These are turnkey, installed ballparks to help you compare true price per square foot. We’ll provide a line-item local estimate so you can see where each dollar goes.

How each one “feels” to live with

Concrete patios feel rigid and rock-solid, ideal for heavy furniture, grills, planters, and rolling carts. With a compacted base and control joints, they stay flat, shovel cleanly in winter, and look crisp with a broom finish or stamped border. In midsummer sun, darker slabs can hold heat and show some glare; a lighter tint or shade structure helps. Composite decking has a slight “give,” is splinter-free and barefoot-friendly, and capped boards offer strong fade and stain resistance. Hidden fasteners keep the surface tidy, and textured caps improve slip resistance in rain. Like any dark surface, some boards get warm in July; lighter colors and shade reduce heat build-up.

Living-with highlights:

• Barefoot comfort: Composite is softer and splinter-free; concrete is ultra-stable under heavy loads.
• Heat & shade: Lighter colors run cooler on both; pergolas, shade sails, or umbrellas boost comfort.
• Traction when wet: Broom-finish concrete and textured composite caps both provide good slip resistance—keep surfaces clean.
• Sound & feel: Composite is slightly quieter and springier; concrete is firm and steady for dining and grills.

Upkeep and lifespan in Indiana weather

Concrete patio (Terre Haute conditions). On a compacted base with 1/8″–1/4″ per-foot slope, a patio typically lasts 25–40+ years. Routine care is simple: sweep and rinse, then apply a penetrating sealer every 2–3 years to resist stains and de-icing salt damage. Hairline cracking is normal; control joints keep it orderly and reduce curling. To minimize spalling and surface scaling, avoid rock salt in winter and keep mulch/soil a bit below the slab edge so moisture doesn’t sit against the concrete.

Composite deck (boards + PT frame). Capped composite boards eliminate stain-and-recoat cycles—most clean with soap, water, and a soft brush—and better lines carry 25–50-year fade/stain warranties. The structure determines real longevity: a pressure-treated frame detailed with ledger flashing, joist tape, proper airflow, and ground-contact-rated posts routinely lasts 25–35+ years. Keep gaps clear of debris, check fasteners/rail brackets annually, and avoid harsh solvents or high-pressure washing that can damage caps.

Care checklist for Terre Haute homes:

• Spring wash: pollen, mildew, and leaf tannins off both patio and composite decking
• Re-seal concrete on a 24–36-month cycle; spot-seal high-traffic or stamped areas sooner
• Use sand or calcium-magnesium alternatives in winter; skip rock salt on concrete
• Inspect deck flashing, post bases, and fasteners yearly for moisture and movement

Drainage, frost, and code details that matter here

For patios, prep is everything. We grade away from the house and build on a compacted stone base (often 4–6″ of dense-graded aggregate) with a consistent 1/8″–1/4″ per foot slope. A geotextile underlayment helps over soft or clay soils, and an isolation joint at the foundation lets the slab move independently. Control joints are planned so panels are reasonably sized (commonly 8–12 ft), guiding hairline movement. We keep soil or mulch slightly below the slab edge to prevent heaving, extend downspouts and sump discharge well away from the patio, and, if needed, add swales or a French drain to move water off the living area.

For decks, structure and moisture control drive longevity. We set concrete footings below local frost depth (about 36″) after 811 utility locates, use code-listed post bases above grade, and size beams/joists to span and load. The ledger is through-bolted and properly flashed (drip edge, peel-and-stick, kick-out) to keep the house rim dry, with corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors compatible with pressure-treated lumber. Guardrails, balusters, and stairs are built to code, and we maintain ventilation clearances from grade so the frame can dry. On poor soils, fill, or tight access, helical piers can speed installs and deliver reliable bearing without over-excavation. If you want dry storage, an under-deck drainage (“dry-below”) system is planned from day one.

Quick checklist for Indiana’s freeze–thaw:

• Patios: compacted base, geotextile on soft subgrade, 1/8″–1/4″ per foot slope, planned control joints
• Water management: extended downspouts/sump, swales or French drains, keep mulch/soil below slab edge
• Deck footings: below ~36″ frost line, code inspections for footings, framing, and final
• Ledger & hardware: proper flashing, through-bolts, hot-dip galvanized or stainless connectors
• Framing details: joist spacing per composite manufacturer, joist tape for tops, airflow above grade
• Stairs/rails: guard height, baluster spacing (<4″), graspable handrail with returns, solid landings
• Soil conditions: helical piers for fill/high water table; verify bearing capacity before setting posts
• Permitting: decks typically need a building permit; larger patios may need zoning/stormwater sign-off in Vigo County

When a concrete patio is the better call

Choose a concrete patio in Terre Haute when your back door is near grade and you want the most square footage at the lowest upfront cost. Patios create an easy, ground-level living area for dining and grilling, allow true zero-step entry for aging-in-place, and can be dressed up with a broom finish, stamped borders, or subtle color without complicating the build. If an outdoor kitchen is on your roadmap, we can thicken specific zones and pre-run electrical and gas conduits so upgrades plug in later.

Best-fit signals:

• Flat or gently sloped yard with a threshold ≤1 step; no need for stairs or guardrails
• Budget-first project where fast install and low maintenance matter
• Zero-step access goals (aging-in-place/ADA), easy winter shoveling, stable surface for heavy furniture
• Future add-ons like an outdoor kitchen or fire feature (pre-planned thickened slab and utility conduits)

When a composite deck is the smarter solution

Choose composite decking when your back door sits 18–48 inches above grade, the yard drops away quickly, or you want built-in features like rail lighting, privacy screens, pergolas, or dry-below storage. A deck solves vertical distance cleanly with code-compliant stairs and guardrails, carries water through board gaps while the ground below is graded, and stays low-maintenance: capped boards resist fading and stains, won’t splinter, and clean up with soap and water. Detailed correctly ledger flashing, frost-depth footings (~36″), joist spacing per manufacturer, and airflow a composite deck delivers long, predictable service in West-Central Indiana’s freeze–thaw climate.

Best-fit signals:

• Elevated threshold needing stairs/landing and continuous guardrails
• Wish list includes under-rail LEDs, privacy screens, pergola, or shade sail
• Uneven or clay soils where spanning grade keeps feet dry and surfaces level
• Preference for low-maintenance, barefoot-friendly, color-stable outdoor living

Two real-world scenarios

Scenario 1: Near-grade ranch, flat lawn

At a ranch home with the back door a single step above the lawn, a 16×14 (≈224 sq ft) broom-finish concrete patio creates a clean dining and grill zone for far less than an equivalent deck. Add a stamped border for curb appeal and it typically still lands under the cost of a composite deck. Winter care is simple with one shovel pass and with a compacted base and proper slope, the slab stays flat and drains away from the house.

Why this works

• Door height doesn’t require stairs or guardrails
• Lowest upfront cost per sq ft on a flat lot
• Easy snow removal and furniture stability
• Future-proofing: thicken a corner and pre-run gas/electrical for an outdoor kitchen

Scenario 2: Two-story, 30″ above grade

Across town, a two-story with a back door ~30 inches above grade benefits from a composite deck with three wide steps, a simple guardrail, and a few under-rail LEDs. The deck solves the vertical drop cleanly, keeps drainage below through board gaps, and avoids concrete curing and sealing cycles. Upgrades like a pergola, privacy screen, or dry-below storage can be added later without reworking the surface.

Why this works

• Elevation needs code-compliant stairs/rails
• Low-maintenance surface (soap-and-water clean) with fade/stain warranties
• Comfortable, barefoot-friendly feel and consistent color over time
• Easy add-ons: lighting, shade, and privacy planned into the frame

At-a-glance: which fits your priorities

Quick way to match the project to your goals, budget, maintenance, accessibility, and elevation in West-Central Indiana’s freeze–thaw climate.

• Lowest upfront cost on flat lots: Concrete patio — more square footage per dollar, simple base prep, fast install.
• Easiest long-term maintenance: Composite deck — capped boards, soap-and-water cleaning, no staining or re-sealing.
• Best for zero-step access: Concrete patio with careful grading and a broom finish for safe traction.
• Best for elevated doors & add-ons: Composite deck — code-right stairs/rails, under-rail lighting, pergola, and optional dry-below storage.

Permits and timing around Vigo County

Decks in Terre Haute/Vigo County almost always need a building permit plus inspections at footings, sometimes framing, and final. Patios may only need zoning/drainage review (impervious area, setbacks, swales), but larger or more complex slabs can trigger a pre-pour inspection. We handle plans, submittals, and Indiana 811 utility locates so the build stays code-right and on schedule.

What we handle

• Plan set & submittals: scaled site/plot plan with setbacks, dimensions/elevations, footing sizes to ~36″ frost depth, ledger flashing detail, rail/stair notes.
• Inspections: 811 locates before digging; footing inspection; framing (if required); final. For patios, some jurisdictions do a base/slope pre-pour check.
• Coordination & timing: review times vary by season and jurisdiction; we submit complete packets to speed approval and schedule inspections 24–72 hours ahead when available.
• Homeowner prep: recent survey/plat, HOA approval (if applicable), clear access for inspectors/equipment, pets secured, and downspout routing decided for drainage sign-off.

The takeaway

If you want the most outdoor living space for the lowest price per sq ft and your lot is near grade, a concrete patio (broom-finish or stamped) is hard to beat. If you need to bridge an elevated threshold cleanly and prefer comfort, low maintenance, and options like code-compliant stairs/railings, under-rail lighting, a pergola, or privacy screens then a composite deck earns its keep. In Terre Haute/Vigo County, long-term success comes from a solid drainage plan (slope or dry-below), detailing for Indiana’s freeze–thaw cycles, and matching the build to your door height, yard slope, and daily use so the space feels intentional and easy to maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a concrete patio or a composite deck cheaper in Terre Haute?

On flat lots, a broom-finish concrete patio usually has the lowest price per square foot because there’s no framing, guardrails, or stairs. Composite decks cost more due to footings at ~36″ frost depth, framing, ledger flashing, and railings that solve elevated doors and uneven yards. Stamped concrete narrows the gap, while long rail runs and multiple stair flights push deck costs higher.

Which is lower maintenance in Indiana’s freeze–thaw climate?

Composite decking is generally lower maintenance: soap-and-water cleaning, no staining, and fade/stain warranties on quality capped boards. Concrete needs routine cleaning and a penetrating sealer every 2–3 years to resist stains and de-icing salts. Avoid rock salt on slabs to minimize scaling and spalling, and use lighter colors or shade to reduce heat on either surface.

Is either surface slippery or too hot in summer?

Broom-finish concrete and textured composite caps both offer good wet traction when clean. Dark colors on either surface run hotter in July; lighter tones, shade structures (pergola/sail), and strategic placement help comfort. Rinse off pollen, dust, and leaf tannins to keep slip resistance high.

Do I need a permit for a patio or deck in Vigo County?

Decks typically require a building permit with footing and final inspections, and sometimes a framing check. Patios may need zoning or stormwater/drainage review depending on size, setbacks, and impervious area; some jurisdictions do a pre-pour base/slope inspection. We handle plans, Indiana 811 locates, submittals, and scheduling so your project stays code-right and on timeline.

Will concrete crack or composite boards fade?

Hairline concrete cracks are normal; a compacted base, 1/8″–1/4″ per-foot slope, and planned control joints keep movement orderly. Quality composite caps are UV-stable with 25–50-year fade/stain warranties; keep surfaces clean and choose lighter tones to manage summer heat. Both materials perform well when drainage is handled—slab slope for patios, board gaps and graded ground for decks.

Can I put a hot tub on a patio or deck?

Yes—with planning. Patios may need a thickened pad and reinforcement under the tub’s footprint. Decks require engineered framing for the combined water + occupant load (often 80–120+ psf), correct joist spacing, and footings sized to local soils and frost depth. We design for service access, GFCI electrical, and safe clearances from railings and walls.

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