Brads for Deck Railings

[MikeInWA]

I am building deck railings between 6x6 posts with 2x2's as the vertical rungs and 1x4's as horizontal top and bottom facia boards on the front and back. Is it sufficient to attach the 1x4's to the 2x2's with 1-1/2" or 2", 18 guage, brads or should I be using finishing nails or screws? I will be attaching each railing assembly to the posts with #8-3" screws.

Thanks for your advice,
MikeInWA

[homebild]

Your state and local building code will prescribe just what types of fasteners, either nails or screws, will be acceptable to provide minimum lateral loads for safe vertical rail installations.

In most cases, no brad nor finish nail will meet minimum code.

Contact your local code enforcement office for your minimum load code required fasteners.