Joining 2x4 to 4x4 base: angles or regular wood screws?
I would use stainless deck screws.
Drill clearance holes all the way through the 2 X 4 , and put pilot holes in the 4 X 4. The SS deck screws can't take a lot of torque and heads will twist off without the holes. Or just galvanized lag screws ( around 1/4 by 4&quot; ). I had SS deck screws on my mind as I have been using them to replace rusted deck screws in my deck.