All decking is screwed down. This is a 3 inch premium triple-dipped Zinc-plated screw with a course thread and a square drive bugle head. Its head will be countersunk into the wood. I use the "DeckMate" brand which is formulated especially for use in the new AC2 type of treated lumber. Using any hardware that isn't AC2-testing will be a future disaster; it will quickly corrode and fail.

All railing parts are screwed together. Additionally, all miters and posts are glued--the glue would be enough on its own, but the screws keep the parts together as the glue dries.

Using a galvanized product in cedar wood will leave a black streak in your wood--take a look at the rail posts where someone has used lag bolts to attach it and you will the result of this common mistake.