( previous blog， first blog of the series ）
7. The New Deck
The new deck was finished.
When I just started to build the step, the Boss asked why I was going to so much effort, but she really liked it after it was finished. Well, it took me a lot of time to build that step.
Later, I realized a true benefit of the step after it was done. Because of the step, all the deck boards are single-piece, there are no end-to-end joint in the entire deck. I had not thought of that while designing the deck. It was a lucky accident. 
The section of railing next to house was included to protect the rain downspout.
View from a different angle.
Following is a comparison between old and new decks.
Before the final County inspection, it was necessary to install a light above the stairs and a handrail on one inner side of the stairway. Both are safety requirements. The deck passed the final inspection.
In Spring of 2009, I built a small section of retaining wall for safety and appearance.
Now, the deck project was completely finished!
（ end of the series ）