Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Plug a cedar deck railing?

I started building a deck last week, 10' x 21' (2 x 10 construction), the footings, beam, ledger, and joists are up. The next part is installing the inside 4x4 posts.

I plan on making a "ranch" style railing (drink rail style???). Basically a 2x6 and a 2x4. I'm wondering if I should plug the railing or not.

I'm using Trex Brasilia for the decking boards, but NOT Trex for the railing because, well, the Trex railings look just a *little* like hardened oatmeal.

I've read this guide for attaching the standard posts:

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/decks/oldporch/framing/newel.htm

However, the Trex is being fastened down with DeckMaster brackets, which I really haven't read too much about on the net (it's a HFS system). That being the case, I think I want to plug the railing so that there are no visible screws - is this wise? I bought a set of tapered plug cutters, stainless steel screws (can return both though). I'm guessing I will want to plug the cedar with the same cedar.

Reason? If I am going to spend the time putting in a HFS on the decking, the railing fasteners should be hidden as well.

Any thoughts? I have a total of 9 posts planned (two 2x4 against the house). I am not putting balusters up (no kids, pets, etc... to fall through).

Thanks!

John

Looks as if you did your research. I am glad you are attaching your newel posts in that manner. So many decks I have to retro have 4x4 posts toenailed to deckboards. As far as plugging the cedar, you can do it, but how long they will retain themselves in the hole may not be permanent. Of course you will have to use an exterior glue, possibly even a polyurethane glue.
I only have one point of contention with your plans. Your resistance to putting up balusters on the deck is untenable. Just because you have no kids or pets, doesn't mean your liability will be reduced if a visitor or neighborhood kid gets hurt on a non-code deck. It won't pass inspection, and should you ever place the house on the market, they will have to be installed prior to sale, since it was built during a code period that required it in the first place. In addition, the balusters will help keep your rail from sagging.

Your resistance to putting up balusters on the deck is untenable. Just because you have no kids or pets, doesn't mean your liability will be reduced if a visitor or neighborhood kid gets hurt on a non-code deck. It won't pass inspection, and should you ever place the house on the market, they will have to be installed prior to sale, since it was built during a code period that required it in the first place. In addition, the balusters will help keep your rail from sagging.
Well, it's the country, no neighborhood kids. Also, it's replacing a 10x10 deck that had the same railing styles, which lasted about 15 years (pressure treated). Worst comes to worst, I'll install metal wire (or that horribly expensive glass railing).

But, it's within code (local ordinance is 30" requiring a railing, it's ~29"). But... 29" is still a high deck, and we want something). I should have mentioned this...