Here is the etrack I installed. You can see it is not recessed. I do use the plastic end cap pieces that prevent the square ends from snagging your foot and tripping you, and because they give it a more finished look. I used lag bolts in every third to fourth hole, and every third bolt is bolted to a frame crossmember instead of just being screwed into the wood. I've never had any problems with the etrack coming loose, and even use it to tie down a 4100 lb Challenger, and a 4300 lb Jeep.
