The base of the pre-fab sections on the base, what did you use screws or nails? I am new and have been told to use nails for load bearing portions. Screws for joining nails for load bearing, or do I need to get into making joints?
In general, nails have greater shear strength than ordinary screws, and so would be a better choice. However, I just used ordinary 3-inch deck screws, but used perhaps four at each joint to increase the total shear resistance. Since the live load (just me) wasn't that great, it proved to be sufficient. Probably best to use the new "structural" or "construction" screws, which combine ease of installation (and demolition) with high shear strength. See, for example: www.familyhandyman.com/tools/structural-screws-vs-lag-screws/
