The Starborn Color Matched Pro-Plug Kit delivers a hidden fastener aesthetic with top-down structural strength, combining 5/16” color-matched hardwood plugs with Grade 305/316 stainless steel screws for premium deck installations. For contractors who need face-fastening strength but want the finished look of hidden fasteners, this system bridges both requirements.
The patented Wood Tool creates a uniform hole, countersink, and counterbore in one step, with a free-spinning stop collar that prevents surface damage. That means faster installation without the risk of marring expensive hardwood surfaces — critical when working with Ipe or Tigerwood where board replacement runs serious money.
Installation Speed and Precision
The patented Wood Tool (sold separately) creates a uniform hole, countersink, and counterbore in one step. Traditional plug systems require multiple tools and passes. This tool eliminates that redundancy.
The free-spinning stop collar prevents damage to the board surface. When the collar contacts the wood, it stops spinning while the bit continues drilling. No burn marks. No oversized holes from drill wandering.
The patented glue nozzle applies adhesive to the sidewall of the hole for superior plug retention. Quarter-turn application coats the hole walls evenly. Plugs stay put through Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles better than surface-glued alternatives.
Installation follows four straightforward steps:
- Predrill and countersink: Use the Pro Plug Wood Tool at high speed until the stop collar stops spinning.
- Drive screw: Insert the screw into the countersink and drive until seated.
- Apply glue: Use the included glue nozzle to apply adhesive to the sidewalls of the hole (quarter-turn application).
- Insert plug: Align the plug’s wood grain with the board’s grain and tap with a smooth-faced hammer until flush.
Material Compatibility and Montana Durability
The system works with ten hardwood species: Ipe, Garapa, Cambara, Cumaru, Jatoba, Massaranduba, Meranti, Merbau, Red Balau, and Tigerwood. Plugs are cut from actual Iron Woods hardwood species for exact color and grain match.
For Montana conditions, the screw material choice matters:
| Screw Grade | Application | Montana Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 305 Stainless Steel | Standard Exterior | Handles freeze-thaw cycles |
| Grade 316 Stainless Steel | High-Corrosion/Salt Water | Overkill for Montana unless near hot springs |
| Yellow Zinc Plated | Interior Flooring only | Not for exterior use |
All stainless options are approved for ACQ and pressure-treated lumber. That compatibility matters when mixing exotic decking with treated framing lumber — no galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
Screws come in #8 x 2-1/2 inch and #8 x 1-5/8 inch sizes with Star Drive (T20 Bit). Plugs measure 5/16” diameter x 1/4” length with face grain orientation.
Kit Sizing for Different Projects
Three kit sizes match project scale:
100-piece kit: 100 Screws, 100 Plugs, T20 Star Drive Bit. Small repairs or accent boards.
350-piece kit: 350 Screws, 350 Plugs, 1 Glue Nozzle, T20 Star Drive Bit. Standard residential deck. The glue nozzle inclusion makes this the contractor’s starting point.
1,050-piece kit: 1,050 Screws, 1,050 Plugs, 1 Glue Nozzle, T20 Star Drive Bit. Commercial projects or multiple residential decks.
The Pro Plug Wood Tool is essential for installation but is sold separately from the kit. Budget for this tool purchase — trying to make the system work without it defeats the entire purpose.
The Bottom Line
This kit shines in exterior wood decking (Ipe, Garapa, Red Balau, etc.), interior hardwood flooring, exterior cladding and siding projects, soffit systems (e.g., Iron Woods Vanish Soffit System), and marine and salt-water environments (when using Grade 316 screws).
For Montana contractors working with exotic hardwoods, the Pro-Plug system solves real problems. Face-fastening provides structural confidence on elevated decks that see heavy snow loads. The concealed plug finish satisfies clients who want that high-end hidden fastener look. And unlike side-fastening systems, damaged boards can be replaced without dismantling half the deck.
For salt-water applications (within 1 mile of the coast), Grade 316 Stainless Steel is mandatory. Not relevant for Montana, but worth noting if working on lakefront properties where road salt spray reaches decking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can these plugs handle Montana’s temperature swings? A: The patented glue nozzle applies adhesive to the sidewall of the hole for superior plug retention, and plugs are cut from actual Iron Woods hardwood species. The sidewall adhesion method creates better mechanical bond than surface gluing, helping plugs stay put through freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: What’s the real advantage over standard face screwing? A: The system combines top-down fastening strength with a high-end concealed wood plug finish, unlike standard face screwing which leaves visible screw heads and lacks the high-end aesthetic. Clients get the premium look without sacrificing the structural confidence of face-fastening.
Q: Do I need special skills to use this system? A: Installation involves four basic steps: predrill with the Wood Tool, drive the screw, apply glue with the nozzle, and tap in the plug aligned with wood grain. Any contractor comfortable with a drill can master this system quickly.
Q: How does this compare to Iron Woods’ other fastening options? A: EB-TY Hidden Deck-Fastening uses a side-fastening mechanical clip system (no face plugs), while Iron Woods Vanish Soffit has an integrated tongue-and-groove profile that hides fasteners naturally. The Pro-Plug system offers face-fastening strength with concealed aesthetics — best of both approaches.
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