What is a mezzanine floor?

A mezzanine floor (also called a structural mezzanine) is an intermediate floor built between the ground slab and the roof used as a creative solution to increasing either storage space or workspace in warehouses, retail businesses, commercial and industrial facilities alike. 

Mezzanines are usually made of steel, wood or concrete with a combination of main beams, columns, decking, handrails, staircases, pallet gates and roof support. One must understand that it can be designed and constructed when a building is originally built to create more space after a building is built.

Construction of a mezzanine floor is a cost-effective and highly-efficient alternative to relocating a business, adding onto a building, or leasing or purchasing additional workspace or storage capacity.

Benefits of building a mezzanine floor?

Construction of a mezzanine floor is the simplest way to create additional space. It allows you to maximize your existing space and make use of available height in a warehouse or stockroom.

Secondly, considering a mezzanine floor is much more economical than the cost of building extensions or leasing additional workspace or storage space, including the moving costs, higher lease and relocating staff for this purpose. Building a mezzanine floor will not require expensive construction materials which you can also sell later on when you do not need it anymore.

Thirdly, choosing a mezzanine floor as an alternative solution saves a substantial amount of time compared to finding and moving to a new property and also prevents further disruptions to daily business operations. Moreover, the design and installation of a mezzanine floor can be done in a few weeks.

Fourthly, this additional flooring or space increases the value of your building property.  Having a functional mezzanine allows you to sell your building property at a higher selling price. 

Lastly, as mezzanine floors are usually used as an additional workspace and storage solution, it can also be utilized for varied purposes like a rest/lounge area for staff or employees, meeting room, production space or a place for product displays.

The need to engage a structural engineer

The design and construction of a structural mezzanine floor demands a thorough understanding and knowledgeable interpretation of industry codes and regulations. It requires a custom-built approach due to the fact that each building is different and each business owner has specific requirements for their business needs. 

The additional load of an intermediate floor has to be supported by the existing building foundation and the integrity of the existing structure needs to be examined which involves the engagement of an experienced, licensed structural engineer. The structural engineer must have the reputation, experience and overall know-how to get the job done.

Opting for a high quality structural mezzanine flooring is beneficial and worthwhile. As all structural mezzanine flooring should comply with BC building code requirements, the structural engineer needs to verify that the building structure adheres to all building code regulations.  

Moreover, the structural engineer will also need to conduct an inspection once construction of the mezzanine floor is completed to ensure that the structure was built according to the design plan.

Things to consider with your structural engineer

Before building your mezzanine floor, you will need to decide how much extra space you need, how you will access that space and how that mezzanine floor level will affect the use of your other spaces.

Users of the mezzanine floor 

Who will use the mezzanine floor? Will only employees or staff be allowed to use it? Or will it also be open to clients or guests?  This will help you know the design of handrails and safety barriers.

Purpose

For what purpose are you going to use the mezzanine floor? Is it for storage, workspace, show room or lounge area? This is to help the structural engineer in designing the floor in terms of load capacity and flexibility. 

Support Structure

Will the mezzanine be supported by new or existing columns, posts, footings, braces, existing walls or new walls? This will determine how the mezzanine floor should be supported to ensure it’s stability. Fewer columns results in an increase in the load requirements per column. The loading of columns and the slab capacity are of vital importance in the construction of the mezzanine floor.  

Materials to use

What kind of materials are to be used for the construction of the mezzanine floor? The structural engineer should be able to make a recommendation considering the design, client’s requirements, budget for the project and the overall safety of it’s users.

Finishings

Will the mezzanine floor be enclosed with steel, stud walls, timber or left open to allow forklifts to place pallets on it?

Other important considerations

• Access and egress
• Emergency access and egress
• Floor to ceiling height
• Fire protection
• Sound insulation

Your design and build solution

Southeast Gateway Engineering and Construction Corp.’s licensed structural engineer can work with you for the design and installation of your mezzanine floor.  We have the expertise and experience in the design and construction of a mezzanine floor that meets the industry codes and regulations, your business requirements and your building’s structural capabilities.  

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