Stupid question: #14 brass wood screws or #12 zinc wood screws... Which is better?

So, I am installing a small 'lip' to hold up a portion of a long desk against a wall. The desk is supported at both ends, but it is fairly long and to prevent it sagging, I am installing a small lip to help provide support against a wall. I have found two viable options for screws: #14 brass screws or #12 zinc screws.

I have read a bunch of stuff and it seems as though brass screws are really more decorative because they are softer, BUT here is my question: Is is better to use a larger but softer brass screw? Or a smaller but harder zinc screw?

If it makes a difference, the lip is about 1.5" and the screws are 3" long. If you take into account the drywall, the screws will each be approximately 1" into the stud. I can also get 4" zinc #12 wood screws, which would put me about 2" into the stud.

What's my best option here?

Thanks!

Submitted May 30, 2016 at 03:40AM by pconwell http://ift.tt/25rNutY