Second story, or elevated, decks are common because many houses, like split-level and raised ranch-style houses, have the main living area on the second floor and many houses are built on sloping land so in the back the main floor is raised off the ground. Second story decks require railing systems for and stairs to make the deck accessible to the yard. Raymer & Son Exteriors has been building Custom Vinyl Decks, Custom Composite Decks and Custom Wood Decks since 1998