To find the surface area of the two-tiered steps, we need to calculate the surface area of both rectangular prisms and then add them together.
Surface area of the large rectangular prism:
Front and back faces: 17 inches (length) * 6.5 inches (height) * 2 = 221 inches squared
Top and Bottom faces: 17 inches (length) * 8.5 inches (width) * 2 = 289 inches squared
Side faces: 6.5 inches (height) * 8.5 inches (width) * 2 = 110.5 inches squared
Surface area of the small rectangular prism:
Front and back faces: 14 inches (length) * 6.5 inches (height) * 2 = 182 inches squared
Top face: 14 inches (length) * 8.5 inches (width) = 119 inches squared
Side faces: (6.5 inches + 13 inches) * 8.5 inches * 2 = 204.5 inches squared
Now, add up the surface areas of both rectangular prisms:
221 + 289 + 110.5 + 182 + 119 + 204.5 = 1126 inches squared
So, the surface area of the two-tiered steps is 1,126 in.².