If you’ve started getting quotes for a new deck in Richmond, you’ve probably noticed the range is wide. A 12×16 pressure-treated deck and a 20×24 composite deck are completely different projects, but both get called “a deck.” Here’s how to think about cost so you can plan accordingly.
Pressure-Treated Wood: The Baseline
Pressure-treated (PT) pine is the most affordable decking material available in Central Virginia. For a straightforward, ground-level deck in Richmond or Henrico, expect to land somewhere in the $25–$39 per square foot range for materials and labor combined. That puts a 200 sq ft deck at roughly $5,000–$7,800, and a 400 sq ft deck at $10,000–$15,600.
What pulls that number up: multi-level framing, stairs, attached pergolas, built-in benches, and anything involving a ledger attachment to your home. What pulls it down: a flat yard, simple rectangular footprint, no ledger.
PT decks require regular maintenance — staining or sealing every 2–3 years keeps them looking sharp and extends the life considerably.
Composite Decking: Lower Maintenance, Higher Upfront
Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) runs more upfront — typically $49–$84+ per square foot installed, depending on the product tier and complexity. On a 400 sq ft deck, that’s $19,600–$33,600 or more for a well-built project.
The tradeoff is maintenance. Composite doesn’t need staining, resists fading and splintering, and holds up well in Richmond’s humid summers and wet winters. For a deck you plan to own for 15–20 years, the lifetime cost difference often narrows significantly.
What Actually Drives Cost in the Richmond Area
- Footings and ground conditions. Richmond sits on clay-heavy soil, which can require deeper footings or more excavation than you’d expect. Steeply sloped yards add cost.
- Permits. Henrico, Chesterfield, and the City of Richmond all require permits for attached decks and most freestanding decks above a certain height. Permit fees themselves are modest (usually $100–$400), but they’re mandatory — and a licensed contractor handles the filing.
- Size and shape. L-shapes, curves, and multi-level designs add labor hours over a simple rectangle.
- Extras. Stairs, railings (cable vs. aluminum vs. wood), lighting, and built-in features all add to the total.
A Word on Permits
Skipping a permit to save money is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make with deck projects. Unpermitted decks can create real problems when you sell — buyers’ lenders often flag them during inspections. In Chesterfield and Henrico, permit enforcement has increased in recent years. The process is straightforward when you work with a licensed contractor who handles it as part of the job.
Getting an Accurate Number
The only way to get a real number for your specific deck is a site visit. Yard grade, your home’s existing structure, the access for equipment, and your material preferences all matter. We’re happy to come out, walk the site, and give you a straight answer on what it would take.