Metsä Board's Kerto LVL Enhances Precision and Efficiency in Timber Construction

Metsä Group's Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) aims to address construction industry challenges by enhancing material performance and building efficiency. The product utilizes a multilayer veneer structure engineered to significantly reduce the swelling and shrinking issues common with solid wood.

The dimensional stability of Kerto LVL is particularly beneficial for prefabrication and modular construction, where tight tolerances are critical. Its layered structure also provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for slimmer cross-sections and longer spans without the added weight associated with concrete or steel.

The material's light weight offers considerable advantages on building sites. A Kerto-Ripa floor element weighs approximately 34 kg/m², compared to around 675 kg/m² for a reinforced concrete structure, representing a 94 percent weight reduction. This can lead to faster installation, reduced crane requirements, and lower foundation loads.

Metsä Group also emphasizes the transparency and sustainability of its raw materials. 93 percent of the wood used is PEFC or FSC certified, with 84 percent sourced from Finland, where forestry is strictly regulated. Sustainable forest management and traceable wood sourcing support the achievement of green building standards and corporate ESG reporting.