Are you considering adding a mezzanine floor to your space? Whether you are looking to expand your warehouse, add an extra level to your office, or optimise your retail store layout, choosing the right type for your needs is crucial.
In this article, we'll explore the different types, their design options, and the materials used. We'll discuss the common uses of mezzanine flooring and help you decide which type is right for you.
Read on to learn more about mezzanine floor types.
What is a Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent structure that is commonly used in industrial settings. It is installed within a building and positioned between two permanent stories. These floors are designed to provide additional space and can be easily assembled and disassembled.
They are often used to maximize the available vertical space in a building and provide extra storage, workspace, or office areas.
The Key Components of a Mezzanine Floor
A mezzanine floor is made up of a number of individual components, all of which come together to create a strong and stable structure used for storage and industrial purposes:
- The primary beam is the main structural element that supports the entire floor.
- The beam is supported by columns, which are vertical supports that provide stability and strength.
- Joists, on the other hand, are horizontal beams that connect the primary beams and provide additional support for the floor.
- Finally, the decking refers to the flooring of the mezzanine, usually made of steel plating. This can be made up of various materials depending on the desired use and aesthetic.
These components come together to form a strong and stable mezzanine floor that can hold heavy loads and provide an additional level of storage or work area within a building.
The Benefits of Steel Mezzanine Flooring
Here at Bromsgrove Steel, we specialise in the use of structural steel in the manufacture of our Mezzanine Floors. This offers:
- Floor Strength and Durability: Designed to withstand heavy loads, they are perfect for storing items on racks and pellets. The design construction of our floors ensures their strength and durability; allowing you to maximise your storage space without worrying about the floor collapsing.
- Moisture Resistance: If you frequently encounter moisture in your storage area, our mezzanine floors provide an ideal solution for maximizing your space. Unlike concrete or wooden mezzanines, our steel plating offers exceptional resistance to moisture. Therefore, you can be free from concerns about the detrimental impact of moisture on your mezzanine decking.
- Low maintenance: The material itself is resistant to wear and tear, making it less prone to damage or deterioration over time. Additionally, steel is highly resistant to pests, such as termites or rodents, eliminating the need for regular inspections and treatments. The smooth surface of steel mezzanine flooring is also easy to clean, requiring only occasional sweeping or mopping to remove dust or debris. Furthermore, steel is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb liquids or stains, reducing the risk of permanent damage.
Overall, steel mezzanine flooring is a practical and cost-effective option for adding additional floor space to your industrial units or any building.
Mezzanine Floor Types: Design Options
You have a few options when it comes to the design of your new mezzanine floor. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it's important to weigh them up carefully.
Free standing mezzanines
This type of mezzanine floor is not dependent on any existing structure for support. It is a standalone structure that can be easily installed and dismantled if needed. Free standing mezzanines offer flexibility in terms of layout and can be customised to fit specific space requirements.
Rack supported mezzanines
Rack supported mezzanines utilise existing pallet racking systems as the support structure. This type of mezzanine floor maximizes vertical space and provides additional storage capacity above the existing racking system. It is a cost-effective option as it eliminates the need for additional support columns.
Shelf supported mezzanines
Shelf supported mezzanines are built on top of existing shelving units. They provide additional storage space above the shelves while maintaining accessibility to the items stored on the shelves below. This type of mezzanine floor is commonly used in warehouses and distribution centres.
Multi-tier mezzanines
Multi-tier mezzanines consist of multiple levels of mezzanine floors stacked on top of each other. They are suitable for applications that require a high amount of vertical storage space. Multi-tier mezzanines are often used in facilities with limited floor space but a need for increased storage capacity.
Different Mezzanine Floor Materials
When it comes to choosing a mezzanine floor, there are several different materials to consider. Have a look at each of these materials and decide which one will work best for your project.
- Steel: Which we specialise in here at Bromsgrove Steel. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to corrosion; easy to install and clean; and cost-effective. We offer standard and bespoke mezzanine floors to meet every requirement and budget.
- Concrete: Another popular choice for mezzanines, it is known for its durability; aesthetic appeal; and cost-effectiveness.
- Wood: Though less durable than steel, wood does have some strength capabilities, design versatility and aesthetic appeal.
- Bar Grating: Made up of metal bars welded together in a criss-cross pattern; the open gaps between the metal bars allow for air to flow through, making them a great option for areas that need ventilation.
Having explored all the material options, we recommend using steel for your mezzanine flooring solutions.
Common Uses of Mezzanine Flooring
Industrial Mezzanines
Here are some common uses of industrial mezzanine flooring:
- Additional storage space: Industrial mezzanines provide an extra level of storage, allowing you to maximise the vertical space in your warehouse.
- Office space: Mezzanines can be used to create office areas, providing a separate space for administrative tasks without taking up valuable floor space.
- Production areas: Mezzanines can be used to house production equipment, creating a dedicated space for manufacturing processes.
- Retail displays: Industrial mezzanines can be used to create elevated retail displays, showcasing products in an eye-catching and efficient manner.
- Break rooms or employee lounges: Mezzanines can be transformed into comfortable break areas for employees, providing a separate space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
With all of these potential uses, it's no wonder that industrial mezzanines are a popular solution for improving the efficiency of warehouses, distribution centres, and factories.
Office Mezzanines
Another great way to take advantage of mezzanine flooring is to use it for office spaces, allowing you to maximise the potential of your facility. Office mezzanines provide an excellent solution for businesses looking for a way to create more space in their facilities.
They can be used to divide offices, create conference rooms, and even add additional storage and workstations. Additionally, they're perfect for providing more floor space to accommodate extra staff or for creating a more open and inviting work environment.
Retail Mezzanines
Besides offices, you can also use mezzanine flooring in retail settings to create more space and improve organisation. Mezzanines are a great way to make the most of vertical space, giving you the opportunity to increase storage and display areas without taking up more floor space. Here are a few of the most common ways to use mezzanine flooring in retail stores:
- Increase storage for back-of-house operations, such as inventory, supplies, or extra merchandise.
- Add a second level of displays to make the most of the limited space.
- Utilise space above registers for extra product storage and display.
- Create an extra level of office or meeting space.
Whether you're looking to increase storage, open up more retail space, or create a more organised work environment, mezzanine flooring can help you achieve your goals. With a wide range of sizes and styles of mezzanines, you're sure to find the perfect solution for your business.
Which Type of Mezzanine Floor Should You Choose?
Which type of mezzanine floor should you choose? It can be tough to decide the best option for your needs.
Fortunately, our experienced team of professionals can help. We have experience manufacturing both standardised and bespoke mezzanine floors for various applications.
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