Cortex Concealed Fastening System for Timbertech Decking by Fasten Master
What Cortex Fasteners Are
Cortex is a hidden screw & plug fastening system made by FastenMaster and recommended by TimberTech for use with many of its decking boards. It’s designed so that the screw heads don’t show — instead, the screw is covered by a plug made of material matched to your deck board color and texture.
How the System Works
- Top-down fastening: Screws go straight down through the face of the deck board into the joist below, like regular deck screws — except they’re hidden later.
- Material-matched plugs: After driving the screw to the correct depth with the included setting tool, you insert a matching plug over the hole and tap it flush. This gives a clean surface with no visible fastener heads.
- Tools: Installation usually uses a drill/driver and the included Cortex setting tool(s). Some kits and collated versions are compatible with special tools like PAMFast or Panther for faster installs, especially on PVC decking.
Benefits of Cortex for TimberTech Decking
- Clean finished look: No screw heads on the board tops — just color-matched plugs blending into the board grain.
- Strong, secure hold: Because screws go into joists directly, you get solid structural attachment.
- Works everywhere: Unlike groove-clip systems, Cortex works on entire deck surfaces, including first/last boards, perimeter boards, and stairs.
- Compatible with TimberTech boards: Especially recommended for full-profile TimberTech composite and capped polymer boards.
PACK SIZES:
- 100lf. (224 screws - 300 plugs - 2 bits)
Cortex now comes with the following product enhancements:
- TORX® ttap® Drive System: This system is almost impossible to strip-out and the fastener is easily removed. In addition, the stability button keeps the fastener straight through installation.
- Modified Fastener: New thread design reduces installation torque and dramatically increases fastener strength. Length moves from 2-3/4” to 2-1/2”.
- Stronger Setting Tool: Optimized for extreme pro contractor use. Stronger bit material and industrial grade felt will enable you to install 350 fasteners on one Cortex Setting Tool.
Cortex is available in a 100 lineal foot package. All screws, plugs, and setting tools are included in every box.
*ALL TIMBERTECH DECKING COLORS AVAILABLE *
- FAST AND EASY: The deck boards are fastened in the same way as with a traditional deck.
- STRONG: A through-fastened deck offers the highest level of board-to-joist connection and deck racking strength.
- VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE: The Cortex plugs are textured to match specific decking brands, blending in naturally with the grain pattern.
- COST EFFECTIVE: The Cortex system is less expensive than virtually any other hidden fastening system and it is so easy to install! Deck pros will save money and save time installing it.
INCLUDED:
- Cortex Screws (epoxy coated carbon steel)
- Cortex Plugs
- Cortex Setting Tool
About this product...
Our strongest hidden fastener system provides a clean look, using a high quality, ACQ approved, specialty deck screw with a TORX® ttap® drive system. The best hidden fastener for stairs and perimeter boards. The FastenMaster Cortex Concealed Fastening System is the fastest, easiest way to conceal the heads of your deck screws on specific deck types.
* Coverage based on 6" wide boards with 16" o.c. joist design.
Square foot coverage may vary based on joist spacing and deck design.
