A mezzanine floor is the perfect solution when having a storage crisis. Some things are better off on another floor to keep the safety and peace of the workplace, like heavy boxes waiting to be dispatched. But what if conventional flooring is not an option? That’s where mezzanine flooring comes in.
But before we choose the right mezzanine floor design for you, it’s important to know what it actually is.
In this article, we’ll give you the breakdown of mezzanine floors, including:
- What is a mezzanine floor?
- The benefits of a mezzanine floor
- An insight into mezzanine floor design
- What mezzanine floor materials exist
- A quick guide to mezzanine floor installation
- The mezzanine floor building regulations
- What the mezzanine floor weight limitations are
- The mezzanine floor cost on average
The 2024 Guide to Mezzanine Floors
What Is a Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent type of flooring, almost like a balcony, that has a fast design, manufacturing, and installation process. Unlike a built-in second floor, mezzanine floors can be easily relocated, extended, modified, or removed if you no longer like its placement or find it useful.
They are typically placed in industrial properties, like warehouses, as a storage unit for heavy loads, but are also found in modern offices and homes too. If it’s not possible to install a permanent second floor or you want to optimise your space, a mezzanine floor is an affordable alternative.
Benefits of a Mezzanine Floor
There are many benefits of a mezzanine floor that more conventional options don’t give you. For example:
- No space will go unused as the space underneath can also be utilised
- It gives you an extra meeting or workspace area
- You are supplied with tons more storage space
- Mezzanine floors are cost-effective as you are saving on a permanent floor
- It has an extremely quick installation and removal process
- They are easily relocated, modified, and extended when necessary
- They allow you to grow your business
- Your organisation will be heavily improved
- You will have improved operational efficiency
- It can add value to your property
Mezzanine Floor Design
Most mezzanine floor designs vary depending on what you need. Certain designs permit the use of the space underneath, while others need additional structural support for heavy loads or direct placement between the floor and ceiling. And if you don’t have much space, this can be a real issue when choosing a design.
Mezzanine Floor Materials
Mezzanine floors are typically non-slip and made from:
- Aluminium
- Concrete
- Fibreglass
- Steel
- Wood
Mezzanine floors are available in a variety of colours and materials that best suit your brand identity. You can safely paint on them if you decide you don’t like the colour, whereas changing the material is a little more difficult.
Mezzanine Floor Installation
Many mezzanine floor installations should only take a few hours depending on the scale. However, the process from the order date to the delivery could take several months unless you have invested in a turnkey project.
The construction of a typical mezzanine floor design is:
- Base: the base plants are bolted into the floor to ensure the mezzanine floor has a strong foundation.
- Support columns: the columns will be placed on the corners of the structure to hold up the floor.
- Primary beams: these are additional beams along the structure that support heavy loads.
- Secondary beams: these beams are added underneath and around the structure if the mezzanine floor requires more support from large loads.
- Floor: the floor is now ready to be added to the main structure.
- Stairs: anti-slip stairs will complete the mezzanine floor if a platform lift is not required.
- Platform lift: this will be installed if heavy and large loads are being stored. Platform lifts come in a variety of sizes and types.
- Accessories: if safety is a concern, pallet gates and fences provide more protection for your employees when offloading. Lights and other electrical systems can be installed underneath the mezzanine floor if that space is utilised.
Mezzanine Floor Building Regulations
Mezzanine floor building regulations strictly dictate weight and size restrictions, leaving no room for compromise. There are actually a multitude of regulations supporting the safe installation and use of these structures.
These are the general mezzanine floor building regulations:
- You may require both planning and building permission
- Only a single-storey mezzanine floor is to be built
- The structure will not exceed 50% of the whole floor area
- It does not exceed 20m in length or width
- It holds fewer than three employees and no members of the public
- There is a safe way to escape in the event of a fire or other scenario
- The space underneath the floor may require one-hour fire protection
You should consult these particular acts for more information:
- BS EN 1993: European standard for steelwork in buildings
- BS5950 and BS449: older British versions of above
- BS EN 1991: European standard for actions on structures
- BS 6399: older version of above
- The Building Regulations 2010: general safety guidelines
Mezzanine Floor Weight Limitations
You may also need to consider disabled access and weight limitations. Mezzanine floors can generally hold between 360 kg and 4,000 kg per square metre. However, the weight capacity cannot be specified in a single option as it has multiple factors, including:
- What your mezzanine floor is being used for
- The height and size of your mezzanine floor
- Whether it requires structural or access support
- The type of load (dead, live, universal, or point loads)
- The building’s floor material and level
You should refer to the British Standard BS 6399 for recommended weight load guidance.
Mezzanine Floor Cost
Providing a specific cost for mezzanine flooring proves challenging due to the many available types and sizes. The average cost for a domestic mezzanine floor sized 23m2 is £9,500. Whereas, an industrial or commercial mezzanine floor costs between £4,850 for 25m2 and £15,100 for 200m2.
On average, it will cost £100 per square metre, but this ultimately depends on the company you are purchasing from and whether or not it’s a turnkey project.
Bespoke Mezzanine Floors at MPC Systems
With this guide, you are ready to take on mezzanine floors. Visit our dedicated mezzanine floors page to learn more about the benefits of this alternative flooring. Alternatively, look at our past work to envision your own mezzanine floor.
Boost workplace efficiency with our bespoke mezzanine floor designs and fast-turnaround installation. At MPC Systems, we conform with industry standards to ensure the safety of your employees and clients.
For more information about your potential project, get in touch with us via call or contact form.