It was made "off site" back in front of my shop. Constructed upside down using the pavement as a "level" to keep all the steps level in the end product. Once the frame was made, I put that in place and in the ground. Then, the actual board decking was cut, routed, sanded and then taken to the on site, in place frame and screwed in. Perhaps not the easiest way but very strong and good result.

Rather than make a simple box, I studied my spot and sketched out various ways I could do this project. I decided two short steps spanning a fairly large area would be much nicer and much more inviting. I made the top platform to slightly extend beyond the opening I had cut out of the existing deck railing. Then, it went out to match the edge of the pre-existing "plant borders" for a nice visual. Then the bottom step was extended out from that both forward and sideways an equal distance of about 16 inches to make sure it was a nice easy size to rest a foot on. Unfinished for a purpose, to age and match the existing deck within a few months (and won't need to paint or stain this one every year).