Real estate

Mezzanine Floors Ultimate Guide 2023

Written By Urban Real Estate Center
Last Updated: Dec 06, 2022 •

Mezzanine floors can be found in nearly every commercial building and help increase space efficiency. If you are considering adding these floors to your building or renovating an existing space, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the available options. This blog post will give you the ultimate guide to mezzanine floors and also talk about some of the benefits of each. Let's get started!

 

What is a mezzanine?

A mezzanine is a raised mezzanine platform that creates additional space in an industrial mezzanine setting. Mezzanines can be constructed from wood, steel, or concrete and are often used in warehouses and factories. Mezzanines can be freestanding or attached to the existing structure of a building. A mezzanine system typically consists of a deck, stairway, and railing.

The word "mezzanine" comes from the Italian word for "middle" or "in between." Mezzanines are often used to create an upper level in a warehouse or factory inaccessible by lift trucks or other machinery. This allows for the storage of materials on the upper level without taking up valuable floor space on the lower level.

An effective mezzanine floor plan can double or even triple your available floor space. By adding an intermediate floor between the ceiling and the floor, you can make better use of the height in your building. A mezzanine can be a great way to add extra space to your home or office without moving to a more prominent location, and it can also be used to create another level in a multi-story building.

 

Where can a Mezzanine Floor be Used?

Mezzanine floors are a great way to add extra space to your home without having to move house. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

  • An extra bedroom: Mezzanine floors can be the perfect solution if you need a spare bedroom but don't have the space for a traditional extension.
  • A home office: If you work from home, a mezzanine floor can provide you with the perfect place to set up your office, away from the distractions of everyday life.
  • A games room: If you have kids, a mezzanine floor makes the perfect games room – they can let off steam without disturbing the rest of the house.
  • A hobby room: Are you a keen crafter? Or do you have a passion for painting or pottery? A mezzanine floor is a perfect place to set up your hobby room.
  • A playroom: A mezzanine floor is an ideal place for a playroom, especially if you have young children. The fact that it s out of sight means that the room is completely safe.
  • A home cinema: If you're a movie buff or if you like to watch sports, then a mezzanine floor is the perfect place for your home cinema. 

 

Key Components of a Mezzanine Floor

A mezzanine floor can be a great way to add extra space and storage to your home. But before you start planning your Mezzanine, it's important to understand the key components that make up these floors.

The primary beams of a mezzanine floor are the support beams that run parallel to the walls. These beams typically have column supports at each end, and they're what help to bear the weight of the joists and decking.

The joists are the horizontal boards that run perpendicular to the primary beams, and they're spaced evenly apart and help support the decking.

The columns are vertical supports placed at each end of the primary beams, and they help to bear the weight of the floor and provide stability.

Most mezzanine floors are made from a combination of these four components, and the decking is the final component, simply the flooring that sits atop all these other pieces. 

 

What are The Benefits of a Mezzanine Floor?

A mezzanine floor can offer many benefits for a business, including additional space and improved storage options. There are several things to consider when deciding if a mezzanine floor is right for your business, including the type of business you have, the available space, and your budget.

A mezzanine floor could be a great option if you want to expand your business without moving to a new location. Mezzanines can be built to suit the specific needs of your business and can be customized to match the existing decor in your office or workspace. Here are some benefits of a Mezzanine Floor:

 

1. Double or Triple your Usable Space

As any business owner knows, one of the key elements to success is the effective utilization of the mezzanine space. A mezzanine floor can help business owners achieve this by essentially doubling or tripling their usable space.

Extra storage space in a building is always a valuable asset for any business. A mezzanine floor can provide this much-needed extra storage space without taking up valuable floor space.

Another benefit of a mezzanine floor is the ability to create additional floor space. This additional floor space can be used for various purposes, such as office space, retail space, or warehouse space.

 

2. Cheaper and Easier than Renting Additional Premises

Adding a mezzanine floor to an existing building can provide numerous benefits for businesses, including the creation of additional space at a fraction of the cost of renting new premises.

A mezzanine floor is a raised platform, usually constructed from steel, that sits within the existing ground floor footprint. This creates an additional level within the building without the need for expensive and disruptive extension work.

The extra space a mezzanine floor provides can be used for various purposes, such as storage, office, or retail. The mezzanine level can also be accessed via stairs or lifts, making it easily accessible for staff and customers.

 

3. Flexible for Production, Storage, or Office use

A mezzanine floor offers many benefits for those who need an additional floor in their facility. Whether it's for production, storage, or office use, a mezzanine floor can be adapted to fit your needs. Production floors often need extra space for inventory or equipment, and a mezzanine floor can provide that extra space without taking up valuable ground-level space.

Storage of inventory can also be a challenge for production facilities. Mezzanine floors offer a great solution by providing additional storage space without disrupting the production flow. Office space is another area where mezzanine floors can be beneficial. Adding an additional floor can double the office space in your facility without taking up valuable ground-level space.

 

4. Robot-Ready and Perfect for Conveyor Systems

A mezzanine floor is a perfect solution for improving workflow and efficiency in their business. Installing a mezzanine floor allows you to double or triple your available space without going through the hassle and expense of building an addition to your existing facility.

Mezzanine floors are also a great way to comply with building code requirements for sprinklered buildings. By installing a mezzanine floor, you can create an additional protected area that can be used for storage or other purposes.

 

5. Options for Robust Industrial or Stylish Retail Use

Industrial mezzanines are becoming increasingly popular in industrial settings as many industrial and commercial businesses are looking for ways to expand their operations. In industrial plants and warehouses, mezzanines can be used for various purposes, including storage, office space, manufacturing, and more. Installing a mezzanine floor in an industrial or commercial setting has many benefits.

Mezzanines can provide an extra level of safety by keeping workers and equipment away from ground-level hazards. They can also help increase productivity by providing more work areas or storage space. Additionally, mezzanines can add value to your property by increasing the amount of leasable space. If you are considering adding a mezzanine floor to your business, there are a few things to keep in mind.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the Mezzanine?

A steel mezzanine is a type of mezzanine floor that is made out of steel. It is usually used in industrial settings, such as warehouses and factories. The word "mezzanine" comes from the Italian word for "middle." A mezzanine is a platform built in the middle of a room or between two floors. 

 

Mezzanines can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage, office space, or even living quarters. There are many different mezzanines, but they all serve the same basic purpose: to create additional space.

 

Does a mezzanine require two exits?

A mezzanine is a great way to add extra storage or use space in your facility that might otherwise go unused. But does a mezzanine require two exits? The answer is it depends on how you plan to use the Mezzanine. If you plan to use it for storage, the answer is no; you do not need two exits.

 

However, if you plan to use the Mezzanine for office space or as a gathering place, then the answer is yes, you will need two exits. The International Building Code (IBC) requires two exits for any occupied space, and that includes a mezzanine. Fortunately, if you need two exits but only have space for one, there are a variety of options for modular mezzanines that can be adapted to your needs.

 

And if you're working with a tight budget, there are also a variety of rack-mounted and grating-style mezzanines that can meet your needs without breaking the bank. So whatever your plans for using a mezzanine, make sure you consider all your options before making a decision.

 

Does a mezzanine need planning permission?

If you are considering adding a mezzanine to your facility, you may wonder if you need planning permission. The answer depends on several factors, including the use of the Mezzanine, the material handling requirements, and the manufacturing process.

 

There are usually no planning permission requirements if the Mezzanine is used for storage or office space. However, some restrictions may exist if the Mezzanine is used for manufacturing or assembly purposes.

 

The type of material handling equipment that will be used on the Mezzanine can also affect the need for planning permission. Special permissions may be required if Forklifts or other powered vehicles will be used on the Mezzanine. Finally, the manufacturing process itself can impact the need for planning permission.

 

Conclusion

Mezzanine floors can be a great way to increase the amount of usable space in your building. They are perfect for businesses that need more storage or want to create an additional work area. We've put together this ultimate guide to mezzanine floors to help you learn everything you need to know before making a purchase. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help you find the perfect mezzanine floor for your business! Thanks for reading, and we hope this article was helpful.

Urban Real Estate Center

Looking for ways to increase your business space without breaking the bank? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Mezzanine Floors for some great ideas!