4 1/2 inch screws !! HELP

Submitted by loop292 on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 19:51

The only 4 1/2 inch screws I can find at Home Depot are outdoor deck screws that are size 14. I'm afraid that a screw this thick will split my wood.

I am building the farmhouse bed (twin) and I can't figure out home to attach the panel to the 4x4 posts. The guy at home depot suggested that I drill 1/2 first and than use 4 inch screws that are a size 10 or 12.

What screw thickness did everyone else use on the farmhouse headboard? How many screws? How far apart?