In the fast-growing industrial world, and with the increasing demands for goods it is important to know what are the different solutions you can put forth to enhance the storage space at your industries, warehouses, or even commercial spaces such as shopping or office complexes or retail stores. The two most common solutions to enhance the storage space at industrial or commercial places by utilizing the vertical space of the area are the equipment platform and the mezzanine. Both of them are vertically paramount but differ in their features, uses, dimensions, and many more. Thus to let you know individually what is the equipment platform and what is the mezzanine. This article is perfect, as it will delve into every small detail about the difference between the equipment platform and the mezzanine.
What is an Equipment Platform?
An Equipment Platform is the best solution to bear heavy-weight machinery and equipment in the industries, without actually hindering the blueprint of the industries or warehouses. These platforms, unlike the floors of a building, are constructed separately, especially for industries that use heavy machines or equipment and need to be stored or operated separately. They are made from high-grade robust materials that enhance the load-bearing capacity of heavy equipment. Some of the key features of an equipment platform are:
- These are tailored or customized to meet the dimensions of the specific equipment or machinery in an industry or warehouse.
- They are equipped with railings on all sides to ensure safety and are accessed through stairs or ladders fitted with railings.
- They are made of robust raw material which makes it easy to accommodate heavy weights of the machines or other equipment, thus increasing the overall safety of the area.
- They are easy to customize in order to withstand the various requirements of the areas in which it is meant to be used.
What is a Mezzanine?
A mezzanine or a mezzanine floor is an intermediate floor of the building. It is constructed between the ground and first floor of the building to increase the storage space. They are constructed as per the intended use and requirements either for temporary or permanent use by the building authorities. The mezzanine floors, unlike the main floors of a building, use a portion of the flat base of the building and cover the unused vertical space. This overall makes it a better storage solution not just for industries or warehouses but even for offices, libraries, shopping complexes, etc. Some key features of the mezzanine are as follows:
- They are versatile and can be used in various areas like commercial complexes, industries, warehouses, offices, etc.
- They can be accessed through ladders, stairs, or conveyors at times of height.
- They are useful in maximizing the storage space of an area by using only the portion of the flat base but maximizing the use of the vertical space in a building.
- They can be constructed for permanent or temporary options as per the use and requirement of the buildings, thus the raw materials used are wood, steel, or concrete as well.
What is the Difference Between the Equipment Platform and the Mezzanine?
Understanding both of them individually it is clear that both the equipment platform and the mezzanine are used in increasing the space of a specific area. However they differ in their dimensions, customization uses, and application in large segments. Thus, some of the major differences between the equipment platform and the mezzanine are as follows:
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The equipment platform is designed to bear the heavyweights of the machines or equipment. While the mezzanine is built to accommodate lighter weights either temporarily or permanently.
- Raw Material Used: The material used in the construction of the equipment platform is generally steel to increase its load-bearing capacity. While the materials used in the construction of the mezzanine are generally steel, wood, or concrete as per their intended use or requirements in the specific location.
- Uses: The equipment platform finds its application or purpose in industries or warehouses to accommodate heavy industrial machines or equipment. While the mezzanine is used in industries, warehouses, commercial buildings, offices, libraries, or in buildings to increase workspace as well.
- Mobility: The equipment platform is generally fixed and can’t be shifted. While the mezzanines are easy to assemble and dismantle.
- Codes & Safety Regulations: The equipment platforms are complex to install and thus regulated with various industrial standards and safety rules. While the mezzanine is easy to install, it must comply with the building’s codes and regulations to enhance safety.
- Custom Options: The equipment platforms are easy to customize in order to meet the specific needs of the intended use. While the mezzanine allows customization only in their dimensions and not much specialization is possible here.
- Cost & Investment: The installation and initial investment in equipment platforms are generally high as they use good-quality robust material to accommodate heavy weights. While the mezzanines are cost-effective in installation and initial investment terms as per their use.
FAQs on the Equipment Platform vs Mezzanine
Q1: What materials are typically used for Mezzanines?
Ans: Materials commonly used in the construction of mezzanines are wood, steel, or concrete to meet the specific needs and accommodate the intended load.
Q2: Are there specific regulations or codes that govern the construction of Equipment Platforms?
Ans: Yes, equipment platforms are necessary to meet all the industrial standard codes and safety regulations to increase the safety of the employees and the structural integrity of the industries.
Q3: Are there specific regulations or codes that govern the construction of Mezzanines?
Ans: Yes, mezzanines are important to meet the various building codes and fire safety regulations in order to increase the structural integrity of the building by maintaining the heights, width, and uses of the mezzanine.
Q4: Can Equipment Platforms be customized to fit specific industrial needs?
Ans: Yes, equipment platforms are easily customizable to meet the specific needs of the industries or warehouses in order to accommodate the heavy weight of the machines or industrial equipment.
In conclusion, the equipment platform and the mezzanine vary distinctively in their features, applications, customization, and load-bearing capacity. But the one thing in common for both of them is their use for maximizing storage spaces, especially in industries. For further information about the two, you can contact our team of experts at SimcoSteel.