An Introduction To Mezzanine Floors
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must have heard about mezzanine floors, even if you haven’t seen them. You may have come across an address specifying that a place is located on the mezzanine floor of a building or have heard people raving about how mezzanines can help maximize space. If that has you wondering what a mezzanine is, this post is for you.
Considering the widespread popularity of mezzanine floors, chances are that you may have also seen them but not recognized them due to your unfamiliarity with the concept. Read through this blog post, and you will realize how many places you may have seen these space-maximizing flooring systems and how widespread their usage has become.
Let’s talk about all things mezzanine, beginning with the most basic question:
What Is A Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor is a smaller floor built between two main floors of a building or between the floor and ceiling of a single-story space. Even the word ‘mezzanine’ means ‘middle.’ It comes from the Italian word ‘mezzano.’
Unlike standard floors, it only covers a part of the floor space. Another characteristic feature of a mezzanine floor is the low ceiling. This intermediary floor doesn’t have the height of a standard floor.
Depending on their construction and where they are built, mezzanine floors can be accessed via custom-built staircases, elevated walkways, ladders, or alternating tread devices.
What Is The Purpose Of A Mezzanine Floor?
In case you haven’t guessed it already, mezzanine floors are built to utilize the vertical space. They help maximize the space without expanding the area or adding to the building itself and with minimal investment.
The additional space can be used as a work platform, office, or storage area.
What Is A Mezzanine Floor Made With?
Owing to their popularity and increasing usage in a variety of spaces, mezzanine floors are now being constructed using different materials. The most widely used ones include wood, steel, and concrete.
The use of different materials allows people to choose what best suits their needs and budget. Moreover, various industries have different preferred materials. For example, high-strength steel is typically preferred for warehouse mezzanines and industrial mezzanine systems, and concrete is most commonly used for mezzanine floors in residential and office buildings.
What Are The Different Types Of Mezzanine Floors?
Mezzanine floors can be categorised into different types based on their usage, the material they are built with, or their design. The last two are the most commonly used point of reference.
Types Of Mezzanines Based On Construction Materials
Based on their construction materials, the following are some of the most common types of mezzanines:
Bar Grating Mezzanine Floors
These, as the name tells, have floorings made with bar grating using stainless steel or aluminium. Their biggest advantage is that they are slip-resistant and virtually maintenance-free.
Wood Mezzanine Flooring System
Offering a perfect combination of appearance, durability, affordability, and ease of installation, wood mezzanines are a popular choice for building additional storage, retail space, and office area.
Steel Mezzanine Floors
Steel is one of the strongest, safest, and most durable materials and hence, a popular choice for industrial mezzanines, especially for equipment and heavy storage racks.
Concrete Mezzanines
Unlike other types of mezzanines, concrete mezzanines are a permanent addition to a space. They are the strongest of all types of mezzanines and are considered the best option for residential and office buildings. They are also used in industries where volatile (potentially combustible) materials are handled. Concrete mezzanines can bear heavy loads and even support forklift traffic.
Types Of Mezzanines According To Design Type
Freestanding Mezzanines
Contrary to what the name may suggest, these aren’t elevated in the air but supported by structural columns. They are called so because they are not attached to the walls or ceiling of the building and are standing on their own.
Rack-Supported Mezzanine Floors
These are supported by racks or shelving, fully or partially, providing extra storage beneath the mezzanine floor.
Catwalk Mezzanine System
Characterized by suspended walkways from the first or second level of shelving, these mezzanine systems consist of an intermediary space between two floors with extra shelving above it and are prized for providing easy access to all that additional space.
Full Mat Mezzanine Flooring System
It combines a free standing mezzanine floor and catwalk system and is known for its high versatility and adaptability. It’s ideal for bulk storage but is also used for several other purposes.
Multi-Level Mezzanine Floors
These are, as the name suggests, mezzanine floors with multiple levels to offer the maximum possible space. These mezzanine floors are usually accompanied by multi-tier staircases, conveyors, or lifts and more than one loading area to ensure easier access to different levels and shelving they contain.
Modular Mezzanine
A modular mezzanine is one that’s built off-site and is quickly assembled and installed onsite, guaranteeing zero to minimal downtime.
Where Is A Mezzanine Floor Used? Common Applications of Mezzanine Floors
There are no limitations on where mezzanine floors can be used; they can be used in all spaces, quite literally. However, as of now, their most common applications are within the following spaces:
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Distribution centres
- Retail spaces
- Supermarkets
- Offices
- Residential buildings
In Summary
Mezzanine floors are a great way to maximize the available space. They are highly versatile, durable, and offer an affordable option to increase space. A mezzanine floor can be built in almost every space, regardless of its nature and size.
However, the legal requirements for building a mezzanine floor can vary depending on where they are constructed and for what purpose they are intended to be used. Therefore, make sure you know the mezzanine regulations or work with a mezzanine construction company that avoids violating any local laws.
For mezzanine floors in Sydney - or further afield throughout Australia - the team here at Unistor will not only ensure your intermediary floor meets all the legal regulations but also to get the best service. Get in touch with us today to get started.