Best way to fasten two flat 2x4s together?

Question

Imagine two 2x4s lying flat on the ground (not on their edges). I want to fasten one to the other in the shape of a T. What is a strong and easy way to fasten them to each other? They cannot intersect each other nor can there be a third piece of wood used to join them. Is there any expert who can suggest the best and easiest way to fasten them together? Here are the options that I have thought of but do not like any of them:

1. two very long screws going into the edge of one and into an end of the other.

2. joining plates on each side (I want surfaces to be smooth and uncluttered)

3. dowels and glue (perhaps my best method available, but without a drill press it is difficult to get them straight.)

Thanks for any other tips you may provide.

Answer 1

Use a Simpson plate.

Answer 2

Forget about the dowels.  Your best bet and easiest is to take about 3 very long screws (6 inch?) and drill some small pilot holes, and run them in.  Joining plates would be the strongest, but it would be more parts and money.

Answer 3

a mortise and  tenon would be more typical joint but without tools may be difficult.  could add a wedge as is done in axe handles to tenon, and glue all together

if you gave us a clue as to what the purpose is we might help better

Answer 4

Best method would be to use a strong adhesive like liquid nails to glue the upright piece to the flat, then flip over and put in screws from the back of the flat piece into the upright piece. You can use shorter screws then. Space the screws every 12 to 24 inches.

Answer 5

For the easiest, strongest solution, use a steel joining plate, which has sharp points that you pound into the wood to hold a shape.   Look for them near the lumber at your local Home Depot of home improvement store.

Answer 6

If only 2 2x4s, then 1 and 2 plus glue.  Still won't be real strong.

If you could use more 2x4s and make it a little thicker......

Make your T, then on the vertical piece place another longer 2x4 (or 1x4) that goes from the top of the T to the bottom end - so it overlaps the joint.  Put lots of wood screws on either side of the joint and use wood glue on the whole length.  Do this on each side.  

Then add 4 smaller pieces on the horizontal sides of the T to make it all one thickness.  

For your "supports" you could use 1x4s too.

Answer 7

Okay, how can two 2x4s lay flat on the ground in the shape or a T? Are you talking about the end of one butting into the edge of the other at the midpoint?

Depending how much force will be applied to them you could use dowels or biscuits to join them. Long screws in addition would make the joint stronger. The best result would come from a mortise and tenon joint which is glued and could be screwed or doweled from the edge of the board that is the top of the T.

Look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortise_and...