What Is A Mezzanine?

You may have heard the word mezzanine before, but do you really know what a mezzanine is? A mezzanine is an in-between floor that can be either permanent or temporary, installed in a building between the main floor and the ceiling that is partly open to the main floor. Commonly used in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and many other industrial settings to utilize as much available space as possible. Mezzanines are a great way to increase your available space without having to add new buildings and utilizing your existing land area. Mezzanines have a low ceiling and project out over the main floor, while not completely covering it. As you'll see later, there are different types of mezzanines that can be free standing or supported by a wall or other permanent part of a building.

In many instances, mezzanines are referred to as the floor above the ground floor. Mezzanines can serve as extra office space, storage area, or a work platform. Mezzanines can be installed in multiple locations and formats from a platform outside a building to improve building access or as a second level to a work area.

Types Of Mezzanines

Once you've determined that a mezzanine is right for you, the first consideration you need to make is the load requirement for your application. Although mezzanines share a similar design, the type of materials to construct them vary depending on the amount of weight they will have to support. If you're looking to add additional offices, light storage or any other application that doesn't require a heavy load, aluminum or fiberglass would be a great material choice for your application. However, if your application requires heavy equipment, steel or stainless steel would be the better choice.

The next consideration to think of is what will be underneath the mezzanine. If the space below the mezzanine is already occupied, a Free Standing mezzanine might be a great option because they are supported by columns that are bolted to the floor and take up minimal space. If you need to add offices, a Prefabricated mezzanine might be your best option because they have a quick and easy installation process.

Free Standing Mezzanine

Free standing mezzanines, or equipment platforms, are not connected to the main structure of the building but are supported using columns that are bolted to the floor, allowing the mezzanine to be easily moved or reconfigured if needed. This also allows the option of expansion to the mezzanine if additional area is needed in the future. Free standing mezzanines are constructed using a racking system to create a work platform capable of holding heavy equipment. They essentially double the available work area because the space under the mezzanine can continue to be used.

Shelving And Rack Supported Mezzanine

Rack supported mezzanines are lighter and offer the option of a catwalk with a storage area. They are a cost effective method of providing extra storage space. Rack supported mezzanines are supported by rack uprights instead of structural legs. The framing of the mezzanine, joints and stringers, bolt to columns to create the decking. The connection to the columns makes the decking more stable and firmly anchored. Racks and shelves are close together to support the structure. One use for rack supported mezzanine flooring is extra shelving or storage of parts, machinery, and other materials. The exceptional strength of rack supported mezzanine flooring provides an opportunity for the use of pallet racks and pallet storage. 

Catwalk

Catwalk mezzanines are used to increase the capacity of tall shelves or racks. The upper area of a rack is accessible from catwalks that extend from the floor of the mezzanine. Existing shelving provides support for the mezzanine frame. Support columns can be added to offer additional support between the shelves. Catwalk mezzanines are a variety of shelving and rack supported mezzanines. Catwalks are an efficient and economical method for dealing with the need for increased access.

Full Mat Mezzanine

Full mat mezzanines are another variety of shelves and rack supported mezzanines. They combine the features of free standing and catwalk designs and are supported by shelving or rack uprights. As can be seen in the diagram, the area above the shelving is open and can be used for bulk storage, office space, or an employee cafeteria. They can be installed over existing shelving or rack uprights. 

Building Column Mezzanine

Building column mezzanines are connected to the building structure and are designed to store and support heavier loads. Blended varieties are partly supported by the columns and partly by the structure of the building. For this type of mezzanine to be installed, the structure of the building must be capable of supporting heavy loads. It can be attached to a wall with the remainder of it attached to the columns.

Prefabricated Mezzanine

Prefabricated, or modular, mezzanines come ready for use and are handy for quickly adding extra space. They are free standing and delivered ready to install to fit seamlessly into a work space. Prefabricated mezzanines are engineered for easy assembly and can be reconfigured when circumstances change.

Common uses for prefabricated mezzanines include storage, offices, towers, and equipment platforms. Their easy installation increases floor pace quickly and economically. They are less expensive than constructed mezzanines and take less time and labor to set up. As with custom designed mezzanines, prefabricated mezzanines come in assorted heights, number of platforms, weight capacities, and beam and column configurations.