FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
Tools & Materials

Cortex Concealed Fastening System Review

The FastenMaster company has produced a fastening system for synthetic decking that includes corrosion-resistant screws that cut their own countersink and are topped with pefectly fitting plugs for an attractive finished look to your decking

By Mike Guertin
Article Image

Before the flood of hidden deck fasteners and specialty deck screws, I attached premium deck boards with screws and plugged the holes. The work was time-consuming and involved countersink drill bits and a pile of plugs, but the finished product was attractive. The Cortex system applies the same concept to synthetic decking, but it’s easier because the corrosion-resistant screws cut their own countersink hole when driven with a special square-drive bit that has a no-mar depth stop. The plugs have a reduced diameter on one end, so they are easy to drop into the holes, and unlike custom-cut wood plugs, they fit perfectly without any glue and align flush with the deck surface. I also don’t need to use a jig to keep fastener holes in line because once the plugs are set, you really can’t see them. For a flawless look, it’s worth taking the extra two seconds to match the grain on the face of the plug to the area surrounding the hole. Also, there are no racking concerns for those building in high-wind and seismic zones where clip-style hidden fasteners require additional diagonal blocking.

Cortex kits are currently available to match only Trex Accents, TimberTech TwinFinish, and Azek deck boards, but the manufacturer plans to expand its offerings. The system can be purchased as a 100-sq.-ft. or a 300-sq.-ft. kit, which includes the screws, the plugs, and the special square-drive bit. Using this system is slower than setting screws alone, but for a clean look and screwed-in security, Cortex is a great choice.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×

Editor Test Results:

Overall RatingGood

Manufacturer Specifications:

ManufacturerFastenMaster
Manufacturer's Web Sitewww.fastenmaster.com
Manufacturer's Phone Number800-518-3569
WeightN/A
DimensionsN/A
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Comments are closed.

Up Next

Featured Story

Myron stands in a room under construction with text on screen saying Drywall Hanging the Ceiling Recap

Hang Drywall on the Ceiling the Right Way

Follow along as Myron explains how to make straight seams and accurate holes for electrical boxes when hanging ceilings.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

In this episode of Shop Class, learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Webinar: Designing Outdoor Spaces

  • Why You Should Use Screws Instead of Nails for Drywall

  • Flashing a Deck the Hard Way

  • Oil-Canning Deck Fascia

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

  • Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

    How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

  • Podcast 190: Becoming a Contractor, Patching Old Siding, and Strengthening a Building With Spray Foam

  • Podcast 188: Smoothing Plaster Ceilings, Enforcing Airtightness, and Better Brick Walkways

View All

Nails and Fasteners

View All
  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Fastening

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Fastening

  • Tighten Loose Screws

  • How to Use a Pocket-Hole Jig

  • electrical box

    Versatile Electrical Box

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 298 - April/May 2021

    • Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
    • Help Installing Gutters
    • Safety Bucket
  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in