The five basic steps involved in Building a Deck are as follows:
Plan Your Deck Size: The first step is to plan the railing. This includes deciding on the railing height, the type of railing, and the materials you will use.
Pour The Footings:  Once you have your deck plan layed out, you need to dig, and pour the cement footings, to set your deck posts on. (alternatively, you can set the deck posts "in concrete" as you pour the concrete).
Start Building: Once you have a plan, you need to attach the ledger, assemble the floor joists, set the deck boards.
Assemble the railing. Once the deck is built, you need to assemble the railing. This includes attaching the horizontal rails to the posts, and the balusters to the rails.
Stain and Finish the railing. Once the railing is assembled, you will need to finish it. This includes staining or painting the railing and adding any other decorative elements.