The most common question we get after someone decides they want a new deck is: should I do wood or composite? It’s a reasonable question to ask early, because the answer changes your budget, your maintenance schedule, and honestly how you’ll feel about the deck five years from now.
The short answer is that neither material is universally better. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay, how much upkeep you’re willing to do, and what you’re looking for aesthetically.
The Cost Difference Is Real, But So Is the Maintenance Gap
Pressure-treated (PT) pine is meaningfully cheaper upfront. If you’re comparing two identical 300 sq ft decks — same footprint, same framing, same railings — a PT deck will come in noticeably lower than a comparable composite build. Ballpark, PT installed tends to run in the $25–$39 per sq ft range; composite (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) typically runs $49–$84+ per sq ft depending on tier and complexity. You can see a fuller breakdown in our deck cost guide for Richmond.
The catch with PT is the maintenance cost that comes later. Pressure-treated wood needs to be cleaned, stained, or sealed every 2–3 years to stay looking sharp and resist cracking, cupping, and graying. That’s not a huge lift — a weekend and a few hundred dollars — but over 15–20 years, you’ll have spent real money and real time on upkeep.
Composite, once it’s installed, mostly just needs an occasional rinse. The better product lines from Trex and TimberTech carry 25–30 year warranties and hold their color well. The lifetime math often favors composite if you’re in the house for the long run.
Virginia’s Climate Is Hard on Wood
The Richmond area runs hot and humid in the summer and goes through genuine freeze-thaw cycles in the winter. That combination is tough on underloved wood.
PT pine, when properly maintained, handles it fine. But if a PT deck goes 4–5 years without attention, the Central Virginia climate accelerates the decline — boards crack along the grain, the surface grays and splinters, and end-grain checks open up where water can sit. On a composite deck, those same conditions are largely a non-issue.
How the Aesthetics Have Changed
One knock on early composite was that it looked plasticky. That’s mostly a past-era complaint. Current capped products from Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon have realistic grain texture and color variation — not quite the same as real wood up close, but genuinely attractive.
PT pine has a warm, natural character that composite doesn’t fully replicate. If you’re drawn to that look and will put in the upkeep, it’s a legitimate choice.
Resale: Does It Matter?
Both materials are acceptable to buyers. An unpermitted or structurally questionable deck is the real liability regardless of material. A permitted, well-built PT deck isn’t a problem at resale. Composite may get a slight nod from buyers who recognize they’re inheriting low-maintenance outdoor space, but it’s not a dealbreaker in either direction for most Richmond-area sales.
Which One Makes Sense for You
If you’re planning to stay in the house 10+ years and want to minimize ongoing effort, composite usually pencils out. If you’re on a tighter budget now, planning to sell in 5–7 years, or genuinely enjoy the maintenance ritual and prefer the wood look, PT is a sensible choice — as long as you actually follow through on the upkeep.
The River City Build Co decks team works with both materials regularly. A site visit lets us look at your yard, talk through how you’ll use the space, and give you honest numbers on both options side by side. Give us a call at (804) 525-9656 and we’ll set something up.