Careo 7014 Square WPC Hybrid Aluminum Post (3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
The Geolam Careo 7014 is a premium hybrid architectural element measuring 3½” × 3½”, combining an anodized aluminum alloy core (A6063S-T5 Series 6000) with a wood/polypropylene composite (WPC) outer skin through Geolam’s exclusive co-extrusion process. The sanded wood-grain finish replicates the warmth and texture of stained hardwood while delivering long-term performance and dimensional stability in demanding commercial and residential environments. Architects, designers, and builders specify the Careo 7014 for façades, sunshades, screens, and architectural accents where authentic wood aesthetics, zero maintenance, and design versatility are essential. Available in custom lengths for streamlined installation across a wide range of project types.
✓ Hybrid Aluminum/WPC
✓ Non-Combustible (ASTM E-136)
✓ Zero Maintenance
✓ Custom Lengths Available
✓ Non-Combustible (ASTM E-136)
✓ Zero Maintenance
✓ Custom Lengths Available
Key Specifications
| Dimensions | 3½” × 3½” / 88 mm × 88 mm |
| Weight | 1.88 lb/ft / 2.80 kg/lm |
| Standard Length | 9 ft 10 in / 3.0 m |
| Custom Lengths | 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in / 2.15 m to 6 m |
| Fire Rating | Non-combustible (ASTM E-136) |
| End Caps | Yes, WPC or ASA |
| Minimum Order | 1,000 lineal ft (standard colors) |
Available Finishes
Standard Colors (min. 1,000 lineal ft)
Sanded wood-grain finishes that replicate the look of stained hardwood. Sanding finish and shading may vary between production runs.
Teak
Moleskin
Rosewood
Ebony
Non-Standard Colors (min. 5,000 lineal ft, 90-day lead time)
Carbon
Bilinga
Custom colors available (min. 6,000 lineal ft). Sanding finish and shading may vary between production runs.
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Key Benefits
| Authentic Wood Appearance | WPC skin replicates the look and feel of stained hardwood with a realistic sanded grain finish. |
| Non-Combustible | Certified non-combustible per ASTM E-136 (appendix), suitable for fire-sensitive commercial projects. |
| Zero Maintenance | No staining, sealing, or repainting required. Resists weathering, UV, and moisture. |
| Performance | Aluminum alloy core provides dimensional stability with consistent, predictable thermal movement. |
| Custom Lengths | Order from 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in, reducing on-site cutting and waste. |
Applications
Commonly used for
- Architectural accents
- Exterior building façades & cladding accents
- Pergolas
- Sunshade & brise-soleil systems
- Decorative screens & privacy elements
- Interior feature columns & wall accents
Specified for
- Commercial office & mixed-use developments
- Hospitality: hotels, resorts & restaurants
- Multi-family residential & condominiums
- Retail & entertainment venues
- Institutional & civic buildings
Full Technical Specifications
| Material | Hybrid Aluminum/WPC (co-extruded) |
| Core | Anodized aluminum alloy A6063S-T5 Series 6000 |
| Dimensions | 3½” × 3½” / 88 mm × 88 mm |
| Section Tolerances | +0.5 / -2.0 mm |
| Weight | 1.88 lb/ft / 2.80 kg/lm |
| Standard Length | 9 ft 10 in / 3.0 m |
| Custom Lengths | 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in / 2.15 m to 6 m |
| Surface Finish | Sanded |
| End Caps | Yes, WPC or ASA, glued with Sikaflex Crystal Clear or 3M DP-8010 |
| Fire Rating | Non-combustible (ASTM E-136 appendix) |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.4 μm/m/°C (20–100°C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa |
| Max Tensile Strength | 186 MPa |
| Secondary Moment Ix / Iy | 81.74 cm⁴ / 81.74 cm⁴ |
| Section Modulus (all axes) | 19.55 cm³ (Z+x, Z-x, Z+y, Z-y) |
| Carbon Footprint | WPC: 1.54 kg CO₂/kg / Profile: 9.005 kg CO₂/kg |
Installation Overview
| Fastening options | InPull nut (M6–M12), blind nut, self-tapping screw, flange bolt, or plug system |
| Cutting | Aluminum-cutting chip saws only. Max 2 m/min. Do not use grinders or chainsaws. |
| Expansion gaps | Pre-drilled holes 2–4 mm wider than bolt shaft. Washers required. 0.92 mm/m expansion per 40°C difference. |
| End caps | Glue WPC or ASA end caps with Sikaflex Crystal Clear or 3M DP-8010. Keep four weep holes unblocked. Minimum order: 100 pieces. |
| Connectors | Straight connector (20 cm) for straight runs. Corner connectors for 90° joins with a nearly invisible joint. Minimum order: 100 pieces. |
Geolam Technology VS. Alternative Technologies
See how Geolam compares to the leading alternative materials on the market.
| Parameter | Geolam | AluminumLongboard, Knotwood, Dizal, Lynx | Phenolics / HPLProdema, Fundermax, Trespa | WPCWood’n | Rice Hulls / PVCResysta | Terracotta BaguettesBoston Valley, Terreal | Natural WoodIpé, Cedar, PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | ✓ Authentic wood grain | ✗ Printed finish | ✗ No true woodgrain | ✗ Visible butt joints | ✗ Needs finishing | ✗ Smooth, no grain | ✓ Natural warmth |
| Maintenance | ✓ Zero, clean only | ✗ Annual cleaning log | ✓ Zero, clean only | ✗ Regular cleaning | ✗ Needs refinishing | ✓ Zero, clean only | ✗ Frequent refinishing |
| Fire Rating | ✓ ASTM E136 NC | ✓ ASTM E136 NC | ✗ Class A/B, needs NFPA 285 | ✗ Class A, combustible | ✗ Class A, combustible | ✓ ASTM E136 NC | ✗ Combustible |
| Scratch Resistance | ✓ 35-yr proven, sandable | ✗ Visible scratches | ✗ Visible scratches | ✗ Visible scratches | ✗ Visible scratches | ✗ Visible scratches | ✗ Visible scratches |
| Custom Lengths | ✓ Up to 19’8″ | ✗ 12’–24′ standard only | ✓ Up to 4′ × 10′ | ✗ 12′ standard only | ✗ 12′ standard only | ✗ 6′ max | ✗ 8’–12′ (species-based) |
| Warranty | ✓ 10-yr non-prorated | ✓ 25–50 yr, may prorate | ✓ 10-yr, prorated finish | ✗ 5-yr (handled abroad) | ✓ 25-yr, no finish warranty | ✓ 30-yr | ✗ None |
| Installation | ✓ Ready to install | ✗ Requires furring | ✗ Requires sub-framing | ✗ Furring & clips | ✗ Specific furring spacing | ✗ Complex, engineered | ✗ Furring typical |
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Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the Careo 7014 made of? | The Careo 7014 is a hybrid aluminum WPC square column co-extruded with an anodized aluminum alloy core (A6063S-T5, Series 6000) and a wood/polypropylene composite (WPC) outer skin that provides a sanded, wood-grain aesthetic surface. |
| Is it fire-rated? | Yes. The Careo 7014 is certified non-combustible per ASTM E-136 (appendix), making it suitable for commercial, multi-family, and institutional projects with strict fire code requirements. |
| Are custom lengths available? | Yes. The Careo 7014 can be ordered in custom lengths from 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in (2.15 m to 6 m) to suit your project's precise requirements, with a standard stocking length of 9 ft 10 in (3.0 m). |
| What finishes are available? | Four standard colors are available with a minimum order of 1,000 lineal ft: Teak, Moleskin, Rosewood, and Ebony. Non-standard colors Carbon and Bilinga are available with a 5,000 lineal ft minimum and 90-day lead time. Custom colors are available at 6,000 lineal ft minimum. |
| Can it be used indoors? | Yes. The Careo 7014 is equally suited to interior applications including feature columns, decorative screens, and wall accent elements, where its authentic wood appearance and zero-maintenance profile provide lasting design value. |
Downloads & Documents
| Careo 7014 Datasheet | Download PDF |
| Installation & Maintenance Guide | Download PDF |
| CAD Drawings | View |
| Submittal Documentation | View |
| Tests & Certifications | View |
