03-28-2012, 11:49 PM
tenders wrote:
You could also use a "cleat" of 1x1 on the inside of the joint. Nestle the cleat in the inside corner of the joint, and screw through the edge of the cleat into your 2 x 4s. That's a pretty strong joint and you probably won't care that the cleat protrudes inside the box; also, there will be no external fasteners showing.
If you want to overkill, apply epoxy to the cleat before you screw it in.
I agree - use PT lumber and stainless fasteners.
This is what I'd do, except the weight of the upper 2x4 square may be much for 1x1s. so I'd go with 2x2.
Agree that 2x4s are overkill. I've been building simply with 2x2 corner posts and horizontally attached dog-ear, and I've got two that are still looking good though built 8 years ago.
(bottom image - built last year)