How a Mezzanine Floor Adds Space Without Moving Premises
Make use of your building height with a steel mezzanine for storage, offices or production.
Quick answer
A mezzanine floor is a raised steel platform built inside an existing building, using unused height to create extra floor space for storage, offices or production. Before building one, check the clear height, the load it must carry, whether the existing floor can support the columns, fire safety and escape routes, and the approvals required.
Key takeaways
- A mezzanine turns unused height into usable floor area.
- It is usually faster and cheaper than moving or building new.
- Clear height, floor loading and fire safety must be checked first.
- Steel mezzanines can often be modified or relocated later.
What is a mezzanine floor?
A mezzanine floor is an intermediate level built between the main floor and the roof of a building. Steel mezzanines are made of columns, beams and a deck, and are usually free-standing, so they do not rely on the building’s walls for support.
Common uses for a mezzanine floor
- Storage: light goods, spare parts and archives above the main floor.
- Offices: supervisor or administration offices overlooking production.
- Production and packing: extra working area without extending the building.
- Retail and showrooms: additional display or customer space in shops.
What to check before you build
- Clear height: there must be enough headroom both under and above the mezzanine for people, equipment and lighting.
- Loading: decide what the floor will carry (people, racking, machinery) so the steel and deck are designed for it.
- Existing floor slab: mezzanine columns put concentrated loads on the ground slab, which may need checking or new footings.
- Fire safety and escape: staircases, escape routes and fire protection must meet the requirements for your building.
- Approvals: a mezzanine can add floor area, so check with a qualified professional which approvals apply.
Mezzanine deck and access options
The floor deck can be steel checker plate, boards fixed onto steel joists, or a concrete slab on metal decking, depending on load and use. Access is usually by a steel staircase with handrails, and storage mezzanines often include a pallet gate for safe loading by forklift.
Mezzanine vs moving to a bigger building
Moving premises means new rental or purchase costs, fit-out, downtime and relocating staff. A mezzanine keeps your operation where it is and is often installed in a short time. If you need more space than a mezzanine can provide, a factory extension may be the next option.
Frequently asked questions
You need enough clear height for people and equipment to work comfortably both below and above the mezzanine. A site survey will confirm whether your building has enough height and where the floor level should be.
Often, yes, because steel mezzanines are usually free-standing. You will need the owner’s permission and any approvals required for the added floor area.
It may, because it can add floor area and affects fire safety and escape routes. Check with a qualified professional and the local authority before construction.
Bolted steel mezzanines can often be dismantled, modified or relocated, which makes them a flexible option if your needs change.
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