Maximising the available space in your building is crucial for efficiency, whether you’re running a warehouse, a retail store or an office. Mezzanine floors offer a practical and cost-effective solution to increase usable space without the expense and disruption of relocating or extending your property. However, choosing the right mezzanine for your building requires careful consideration of several factors, including your space requirements, load-bearing needs and compliance with safety regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision. From discussing different mezzanine types to understanding your business’ unique requirements, this article will help you find the perfect mezzanine to suit your needs.
What is a Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent, modular structure made of composite materials that can be customised to suit specific dimensions. They are typically used to create an extra floor in buildings where space is utilised vertically. Their versatility and ability to be removed and altered makes a mezzanine floor a staple in modern warehouses and retail stores.
Installing a mezzanine floor allows businesses to create extra space for storage, offices or operational space by building upwards instead of outwards.
What Types of Mezzanine Floor are there?
Choosing the right type of mezzanine floor depends on your specific needs and the function of your space. Each type offers unique benefits tailored to different environments and industries.
Storage Mezzanines:
Storage mezzanines allow you to manipulate your existing space to create more storage opportunities. Due to a mezzanine floor’s flexibility and adaptability, they offer more advantages than permanent storage structures.
By organising your space using MPC System’s bespoke storage mezzanines, you can effectively improve your business operations. Whether you wish to use the space for pallets, products, tools or documents, a mezzanine floor gives you that possibility.
Office Mezzanines:
Office mezzanines may seem like an unusual choice, however if you operate in an open-plan space, utilising the vertical space may be the answer. You can take advantage of your high ceilings with a mezzanine floor that can renovate your floorplan. The versatility and ease of installation makes a mezzanine floor a low-risk choice whilst you find a larger office space.
Retail Mezzanines:
Installing mezzanine floors in your retail store can help create more space for display purposes, showrooms or fitting rooms. The quick installation allows for your retail space to expand with minimum disruption and downtime. The heavy load capacities make mezzanines suitable for high foot traffic environments where demand is high.
Commercial and Warehouse Mezzanines:
Due to the strength of mezzanine flooring, they are often found in commercial and industrial warehouses. Their high weight bearing properties make them perfect for accommodating large equipment and machinery.
By making the most of vertical space, mezzanine floors transform warehouses into more efficient and organised workspaces without the need for costly renovations or extra rental space.
Understanding Your Building’s Requirements:
At MPC Systems, we understand that each project is unique and no two requirements are the same. This is why you will be assigned a project manager who will oversee the entire operation from the initial design to the final commissioning.
In order to fully understand your vision, there are a few conditions that must be considered beforehand.
Weight Bearing and Load Capacity
Mezzanine flooring can usually hold between 360kg and 4000kg per square metre. This means that you will need to assess the purpose of your mezzanine floor and what weight it will be supporting. The higher weight bearing floors will incur higher costs but allow you to have more flexibility with its purpose.
Floorplan and Space
Due to the building regulations, you may find yourself needing to adjust your project. Our team at MPC Systems complete a full site audit, ensuring that your building is suitable for mezzanine flooring before beginning work. Your designated project manager will assess your floorplan and space requirements and provide a detailed report of the process.
Building Regulations and Standards
Before your project begins, the building regulations and standards will have to be assessed. This is vital to adhere to the legal requirements and ensure that your mezzanine floor is both safe and secure. The general regulations for mezzanine floors include:
- Planning permission
- Size restrictions
- Fire rating standards
- Evacuation routes
Understanding Your Business’ Requirements
Not only do we recognise that each building has different requirements, we also understand that your business’ requirements are equally as important.
Customisation and Design Features
Mezzanine flooring is available with many customisable design features. Whether you are looking for a standardised mezzanine or a bespoke package, we are able to turn your vision into a reality.
All of our mezzanine flooring is able to include:
- Staircases
- Handrails
- Pallet Gates
- Platforms
- Partitions
We ensure all additional features comply with the required regulations and fire safety requirements.
Budget Considerations
The cost of a mezzanine floor varies from project to project. The pricing can depend on numerous factors including load capacity, accessories and more. This is why your project manager will discuss the options with you to create a project that is suited to your budget.
Choosing the Right Mezzanine Floor Supplier
Here at MPC Systems, we have been supplying and installing mezzanine floors in Birmingham and the rest of the UK for over 40 years. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals have completed projects large and small. Whether you are looking for a small-scale installation or a full mezzanine renovation, MPC Systems are here to help you utilise your space.
Not only do we complete mezzanine installations across the country, we also specialise in office partitioning, suspended ceilings and industrial partitions.
For more information or to discuss a future project, get in touch with our friendly team or fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you.