How many screws?

[ufg8r85]

I need to glue, and screw a 3/4 x3/4" cleat which is 71" long onto a sideboard of a bed. The side is also 3/4" thick. This cleat will support plywood on which the matress will lie. How far apart should I place screws into the cleat? What size screw as well.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[mschrank]

Assuming you get a good glue joint (clean, bare wood to bare wood), the screws are really just backup and act to "clamp" the two pieces while the glue cures. I'd feel comfortable with some #8 screws, 1-1/4 long every 6-8".

Make sure predrill pilot holes in at least the 3/4 x 3/4 piece to make sure you don't split it while driving the screws. Also, be careful not to drive too far or you'll pop the point throught the other side.

[crokett]

This is more work I know, but is it possible to make that cleat 1" x 3/4" and put it in a 1/4 deep dado in the bed rails? Then you know it will never move.

[cabinetman]

For those dimensions I also recommend 1 1/4" screws. I don't recommend wood screws (tapered). I have good luck with a drywall type thread, and they are closer to a #7, IIRC.
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[Wood_workur]

looking at my bed, it has one every 16" and they are about 1/4" to 3/8" shy of going through.

[drumpriest]

Another alternative to wood screws would be Kreg screws. I use them for this type of thing all of the time and they work great. They are self tapping pan heads, so you don't need to countersink them.