A raised rectangular deck with a black aluminum rail and a straight stair. Built to replace one that had started to lean.

Suburban lots in Ranchlands want a floor that is square, a rail the kids cannot climb, and a stair that hits the grass without a wobble. We framed a simple raised cedar deck, set a black aluminum picket rail, and ran a landing stair off the long side. The old grey boards and leaning wood rail came out in a day. The new one is the opposite of a statement piece, which is the point.