Best Way To Combine These 2x4's

[appletatoes]

Please see attached. I think I made a mistake in my design but I already cut all my wood! What's the best way to connect all the 10" side pieces to the 30" legs? I was gonna try a 5" screws but that seemed a bit too crazy. Any thoughts or ideas are welcomed.

https://imgur.com/a/6D7COGG

View: https://imgur.com/a/6D7COGG


Thank you,
Appletatoes

 

[Eximo]

If you want some strength that doesn't rely on screws, dowel pins maybe.

But if you just run a few screws at different angles it should be fine.

I suppose you could also get some brackets to put underneath if you expect any significant weight on that spot. Otherwise I think the verticals will be taking the weight.

 

[appletatoes]

Okay thank you for the ideas!

 

[tennis2]

• Dowels
• I have a Kreg pocket hole jig that comes in handy for situations like this for toenailing screws

 

[bryanc723]

Pre drill some holes with a 1/8" bit and run some deckmates(really good screws) through those bad boys. Also you can take a larger bit like a 1/4" and drill your holes half way so the screw can seat further in the wood. Makes things look a bit more aesthetic and keeps the wood from splitting.
You could also run some steel rods through some pre drilled holes(like the dowels but better).
When framing a house I run what we call toenails (just nails set at a 45° angle) through them, but it shows until the drywall is up. For stuff like this or cabinet building I use the bore and drill method to hide the hardware.

 

[geofelt]

Drill all the way through the 4" with a 1/8" drill.
Then drill half way with a 1/4" drill.
You should be able to insert something like a 3" screw to attach the 10" piece.
Two of them would be more secure.
Cover the end hole with a piece of 1/4" dowel.

Lesson to be learned:
Measure twice, cut once.