Careo 7031 Square WPC Hybrid Aluminum Post (1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″)
The Geolam Careo 7031 is a slender hybrid architectural element measuring 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″, 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. With subtly rounded corners and a slightly heavier wall section than comparable small profiles, the 7031 offers refined detailing and added rigidity for close-spaced screen and brise-soleil applications where precision and finish quality matter. Architects and designers specify the Careo 7031 for decorative screens, exterior façades, privacy elements, and pergolas where authentic hardwood aesthetics and zero maintenance are required. Available in custom lengths to minimize waste and on-site cutting.
✓ 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 | 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ / 45 mm × 45 mm |
| Weight | 0.55 lb/ft / 0.82 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
EbonyNon-Standard Colors (min. 5,000 lineal ft, 90-day lead time)
Carbon
BilingaCustom 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 | The sanded WPC outer skin replicates the grain, texture, and warmth of stained hardwood. Subtly rounded corners on the 7031 add a refined finish quality suited to close-viewing applications. |
| Non-Combustible | Certified non-combustible per ASTM E-136 (appendix), suitable for fire-regulated commercial, high-rise, and institutional projects. |
| Zero Maintenance | The Careo 7031 never requires staining, sealing, or painting. It resists UV fading, moisture, and weathering throughout its full service life without any periodic treatment. |
| Performance | The 45 mm aluminum alloy core delivers equal secondary moment on both axes (6.33 cm⁴), with a thermal expansion coefficient of 23.4 μm/m/°C for predictable, consistent alignment year-round. |
| Custom Lengths | Available from 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in (2.15 m to 6 m), enabling clean unjointed runs across screens, brise-soleil systems, and façade applications of any scale. |
Applications
Commonly used for
- Decorative screens & privacy elements
- Brise-soleil & sunshade systems
- Exterior façade accents & battens
- Pergolas
- Architectural accents
- Interior feature walls & ceiling elements
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 | 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ / 45 mm × 45 mm |
| Section Tolerances | +0.5 / -2.0 mm |
| Weight | 0.55 lb/ft / 0.82 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 | 6.33 cm⁴ / 6.33 cm⁴ |
| Section Modulus (all axes) | 3.00 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 7031 made of? | The Careo 7031 is 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 surface with subtly rounded corners for a refined finish. |
| Is it fire-rated? | Yes. The Careo 7031 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 7031 is available in custom lengths from 7 ft to 19 ft 8 in (2.15 m to 6 m), with a standard stocking length of 9 ft 10 in (3.0 m). |
| What finishes are available? | Four standard colors with a 1,000 lineal ft minimum: Teak, Moleskin, Rosewood, and Ebony. Non-standard colors Carbon and Bilinga require 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 7031's slender, rounded profile is well suited to interior decorative screens, ceiling batten grids, and feature wall installations where a precise, refined wood aesthetic is required. |
Downloads & Documents
| Careo 7031 Datasheet | Download PDF |
| Installation & Maintenance Guide | Download PDF |
| CAD Drawings | View |
| Submittal Documentation | View |
| Tests & Certifications | View |
