If the woods splitting you are either going to close to the edge (stay central if possible), over tightening it or using to bigger screws.
Battens tend to be squared lengths of timber 1" square upwards depending what you are using it for. 2" square is more than enough for a cab.
I tend to use number 8 screws for assembly jobs and as mike said if you pre drill holes with a pilot drill it will make life a bit easier.