Introduction
With the increasing population and daily use of the e-commerce industry where people prefer comfort, the demand for more storage space is increasing to meet the supply the population requires. To tackle this problem of storage one of the most effective solutions is Mezzanine Floor. Mezzanine is an Italian word where ‘mezzo’ stands for ‘half’. Simply put, mezzanine floors which are also referred to as mezzanine levels are a level between two floors. These floors provide a solution to occupy the space to its full potential. They are cost-effective and also a versatile solution to increase the storage in a particular space. One of the plus points is they do not occupy the whole floor as well as give a classy touch to the building space making it look eye-catching. They can be customized and added as per the requirements of the building space rather than a general idea. These floors utilize the free vertical space for its installation and they do not count as an additional square footage. These floors can be made out of wood, concrete, or steel, which are explained below in further detail. Mezzanine floors can be made out of different materials such as concrete, steel, or wood.
Different types of Mezzanine Floors
Knowing and choosing the right type of mezzanine floor plays a huge role as it can make or break the deal. The following blog will explore different types of floors as well as their features and applications. As mentioned earlier mezzanine floors are made of different types such as:-
- Steel – one of the main advantages of steel material is that it is corrosion-free, this helps in storing products for a longer time without the fear of damage. Many other advantages are that they are durable and strong, easy to install, and, most importantly, COST EFFECTIVE!!
- Concrete – second on the list comes concrete, very famous and useful because of its aesthetically pleasant appeal, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Wood – it weighs more towards appeal rather than durability. It is ranked as the most popular choice but in houses rather than warehouses or for storage purposes.
- Bar Grating – these floors are made with metal bars that are welded together in a crisscross pattern, wherein the open gaps allow for air to flow through, making them a great option for spaces along iwith products that need ventilation.
FreeStanding Floors
As the name suggests, these types of floors are independent and made without any dependence on the wall. Being independent these floors are adaptable to any space and environment. These types of floors are made from different substances such as steel, wood, or concrete. Depending on the individual’s need, the type of floor can be selected. For example, for those who require these floors to sustain heavy-weight objects, steel floors provide assurance and reliability.
Features
As mentioned these floors are independent, hence providing the flexibility to place it anywhere without any reliance on the walls and changes in the existing structure.
They are cost-effective making it easier to use them and utilize the space to their full potential. Cherry on the cake, these floors can be added even after the installation so no mess of reinstallation. These are ideal for retail stores as depending on the supply, required changes can be made.
Applications
Freestanding mezzanine floors are most useful in places of retail stores, warehouses, and even commercial spaces.
Retail stores – these floors provide the flexibility to increase or decrease them based on the situation.
Warehouse – usually these floors are durable and can carry heavy-weight objects, making them the best choice to use and multiply in any warehouse. However, it is a popular choice for distribution centers as well as warehouses.
Commercial spaces – not only for storage but these provide a good reliance on business spaces.
Rack-Supported Floors
These floorings are usually utilized in vertical spaces, these floorings support the existing racks already installed and work as a strong base for additional flooring hence increasing the storage. The racks are also known as catwalks which offer a unique type of facility that is not only pleasing to the eye but also tremendously helpful. Rack-supported floors merge with existing racks to enhance space and also make space more efficient. These racks create extra spaces either between or above the pallet racks providing multiple points for unloading as well as loading of pallets within the rack system.
Features
They provide a variety of benefits in any business venture, some of which are listed below-
- Infrastructure – it makes use of existing infrastructure avoiding the hassle and extra cost for extra space without changing the design of the whole space.
- Pocket-friendly—using the existing infrastructure reduces the cost to almost nil for maximizing the business space. Also, building on existing infrastructure decreases the hassle of finding new spaces and managing various areas.
- Flexibility and customization – based on the requirements of the business and the availability of the area, these racks can be customized based on one’s convenience providing a solution that is not only helpful but also gives a sense of security.
Applications
These types of racks are usually helpful in storage and warehouses where small space is available but the demand for storage is more. It is quite effective for such areas as retail stores, storage spaces, etc.
Shelf-Supported Floors
Similar to rack mezzanine floors, shelf mezzanine floors as the name suggests are useful in making shelves using the support of existing shelf units. Usually, the space between the ceiling and the ground is utilized by building multiple shelves on top of one another for better support and enhanced vision as well as better maintenance of products.
This second level is used to house racks, shelves, offices, or work areas, giving you flexibility in utilising your space.
Features
These types of storage provide accessibility to a large variety making all the displayed products visible and within one’s reach. They can be imagined as elevated areas or platforms that integrate the existing shelves to create an aesthetically pleasant result as well as decently occupy the storage. Apart from the storage, it gives a new twist to the infrastructure making it more dynamic and hence inducing productivity through engagement and creativity.
Applications
These shelves are useful in homes, libraries, work areas as well as offices. The functionality makes it easier for a person to reach any height without much trouble.
Concrete Floors
As the name suggests concrete, these shelves are made using concrete which makes them durable and capable of bearing heavy weights for a longer time. Due to this advantage, these flooring are mostly used for military and industrial purposes. These mezzanine flooring are also rendered perfect. These storage are permanent, unlike others which are flexible.
Features
Some of the advantages of this type of flooring are –
- Low chances of fire eruption
- Higher resistance to damp
- The energy demand for thermal comfort is decreased due to the high thermal mass of the concrete floors.
Applications
This type of storage is mostly utilized for industrial purposes.
Steel Floors
One of the most useful and highly recommended storage mezzanine flooring especially for storage purposes is still mezzanine floors. Due to its enhanced durability as well as anti-corrosion ability, this is most preferred in business. Not only does it provide extra space but also helps in making the place look better and bigger by providing multiple outlets to increase the storage and make it even more accessible.
Features
The benefits of the steel mezzanine floors are
- Increased durability
- Resistance to corrosion
- Low-cost construction
- Low maintenance
- Increased strength and space.
Applications
Based on the benefits these are fit for any area or space with the requirement of holding heavy objects and maintaining a corrosion-free environment.
Office Floors
This kind of mezzanine floor is used to accommodate administrative functions, as well as provide a big comfortable space. This kind of flooring can be better understood as a platform for the supervisor who oversees every function of the company. A raised platform to get a view of every place visible in the working area.
Features
Mezzanine floors can be merged with the existing office layouts to provide solutions for businesses to change and adapt according to workforce changes as well as spatial requirements. Moreover, these flooring can be customized based on personal preferences of amenities such as lighting and soundproofing to create a comfortable and productive work environment.
Applications
This flooring is often found in the workspace or industrial facilities where the crucial task is to oversee the progress of multiple operations happening at the same time.
Multi-Tier Floors
Multi-tier mezzanine flooring consists of multiple levels of mezzanine floors which are placed on top of another flooring. These storages are ideal for places with more height and less width of space. These floorings are preferred when there is a restriction in space however, have the liberty to expand storage vertically.
Features
Increase in vertical storage even if there is restricted space for business. This provides an effective way to enhance the space info making it more spacious and useful.
Applications
These are used in multiple areas such as business, industries, storage as well as housing purposes.
Residential Floors
The idea of a mezzanine floor enchanted its utility to homes and residential spaces. These floors helped in increasing the storage and pleasantly organizing them. Nowadays the mezzanine floors have become so widely used especially in houses helping individuals live a comfortable life even in small spaces. Architects and designers have now started making plans using mezzanine floors to give the home a lavish look in the minimum space available. This flooring not only gives a better home but is also modern and useful. One of the benefits is that they provide greater connectivity between houses or levels of houses.
Features
Apart from being structurally compact and useful, it gives a whole different vibe by maximizing the space and increasing storage options as well as making them modular as per the needs of the individuals.
Applications
Typically houses are the best example. Apart from that, a society where a series of houses are made with the same design is one of the examples.
Type of floor one should consider
Selecting the floor is crucial to avail full benefits of the modular mezzanine floors. While considering the floor, be clear with your requirements, especially factors such as purpose, space available, use, and technicalities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mezzanine
It is crucial to understand your needs before selecting the type of flooring. Factors such as warehouse space, budget, load capacity, purpose, type of material, accessibility, safety, and customization. Below are a few details to give you a rough idea of how to consider your needs before choosing any flooring.
Warehouse Space
The benefit of mezzanine floors is utilizing the space, however, knowing the exact amount of space (total square footage) is required to plan out the space effectively. This type of flooring is best to maximize the space available between your ceiling and the floor. Study the space and understand its requirements of how a mezzanine flooring system can be introduced and accommodated.
If the purpose is storage, shelving or rack mezzanines are preferred.
The requirement is more space, a free-standing mezzanine flooring is the best choice.
Budget
Deciding your budget is necessary when selecting the mezzanine floor for your space. Different mezzanine floors have different pricing based on your requirements. Investing in a mezzanine floor is sure to give you good returns.
Load Capacity
This is crucial to know how many floorings are required for your estimated load bearing. Different types of mezzanine floors offer varying storage capacities. Based on the requirements of your load capacity, selecting an appropriate mezzanine is important for efficient use and maximizing benefits.
Purpose
These mezzanine floors not only serve as additional decoration to the space but also help in increasing the storage to its full capacity and even more. One of the main benefits is it can always be added to its existing structure. Not only warehouses but also houses, offices, and workspaces benefit from this type of flooring.
Type of Material
Depending on the requirement of your workspace materials are selected to best fit your needs and also help you in availing them. Steel gives your sturdiness, whereas wood gives you an aesthetic appeal. Concretes are durable along with steel and are damp-resistant as well as corrosion-free.
Accessibility Options
One of the important considerations is accessibility. These floorings should be accessible to all, whatever their situation might be. Thorough consideration should be taken to make these floors accessible and useful to each and every one.
Safety and Compliance
Ensuring safety is paramount when it comes to modular mezzanine flooring design and construction. Ensuring safety and considering compliance with regulatory standards are essential to protect workers, customers, visitors, and the property itself.
Customization Needs
It provides not only additional flooring but also the best flexibility to customize it based on the individual’s requirements. Be it size, structure, material, or even the accessibility features. These modular mezzanine floors are your go to when concern is of storage or extra space.
Conclusion
Mezzanine floors are used to enhance the space and use it to its maximum benefit. Choosing an appropriate mezzanine is crucial. We have glanced through various types of mezzanine floors and their use through this blog and are accompanied by factors that are necessary to consider before choosing the best type that suits the needs. Think, reflect, and make the most efficient choice for greater benefits and many more such installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1. Which material is most preferred for the mezzanine floor?
ANS. Each type of flooring is important, however, which material is best depends on your requirements. For example, steel flooring is useful when dealing with damp areas or areas that are prone to catching fire easily as it provides resistance to those situations. Concrete also comes with the same qualities and both are durable and sturdy enough to hold more weight. Typically useful for storage and warehouses, spaces where they deal with heavy materials such as machines or robotic applications.
FAQ 2. What is the load capacity of a steel mezzanine versus an aluminum mezzanine?
ANS. The type of design and construction determines the load capacity of the mezzanines. Steel mezzanines can hold up to 300 to 1500 kgs per square meter. Whereas for aluminum the load goes up to 480 kg per square meter. The ideal weight for industrial and storage use is around 250 to 500 kg per square meter. Both the mezzanines are durable enough to bear the weight, depending on personal choice one can decide while considering other requirements.
FAQ 3. How much weight can a mezzanine support?
ANS. Numerous factors such as size, construction, and type of material used help in deciding the weight a mezzanine floor can hold. Industrial mezzanines require a weight of 250 to 500 kg per square meter. Based on the requirement one can opt for required spaces, such as a large floor requiring a larger mezzanine while the type of building and its configurations also play a role in deciding the type and amount of weight a mezzanine floor can bear.
FAQ 4. How do I determine the right mezzanine size and configuration for my facility?
Ans.
- Be clear about your requirements – understand mezzanine floors and their types thoroughly to better understand their advantages and benefits. Be clear with your requirements for functions.
- Study your space – calculate your space, and be aware of your space conditions to make a thorough decision.
- Technical requirements – understand and learn the technical aspects of your mezzanine to avail it to your best benefit and use.