Mezzanine floors are a quick and easy solution to the problem that many businesses face when they run out of space in a warehouse. They are also a relatively low cost choice and sometimes the only answer when space for outward expansion is limited. There are specialist companies across the country who fit mezzanine floors and most of them will take on any planning issues to make the process even easier.
Top 10 Features of Mezzanine Floors:
1. Mezzanine floors are strong
Some people assume that because mezzanine floors are put up quickly they are flimsy. This is far from the case and anyway, each floor is designed with its final use in mind, so will always be safe.
2. Mezzanine floors can span a building
The accepted view of mezzanine floors is that they are a ‘gallery’ around the perimeter of a building or else along one edge. Mezzanine floors can actually create an entirely new level, with staircase or lift access.
3. Mezzanine floors are not just for storage
Many people who have one fitted use the extra space for offices very often – this is particularly handy when members of the public access the ground floor. It is generally preferable for stair-climbing for non-staff members to be kept to a minimum for health and safety reasons.
4. Individual designs are simple
The great thing about having this kind of extra storage added to a warehouse is that it can be totally bespoke. There is no need to compromise by having a standard layout because the modular design means it can be tailored to the space and the potential use.
5. Added units are easy to add
If the business grows still more, it is easy to extend the mezzanine further, giving more space. This means that there is no need to spend more money than the business can afford just to look ahead.
6. More space in less time
Mezzanine floors can be erected very much more quickly than almost any other kind of other storage solution and to be able to gain another 100% of any warehouse space in a matter of weeks is an important consideration.
7. Costs are minimized
Mezzanine floors can be a major outlay if they have a large area, but are still nothing like as expensive as moving or extending at ground floor level would be. Also, a business which cannot grow through lack of space may end up failing, the biggest cost of all.
8. Very little downtime
Erecting a mezzanine floor in many circumstances can be completed while much of the rest of the warehouse is still in use. For a large concern this is a very important consideration, because downtime costs money and businesses in a competitive market cannot always afford to be offline for deliveries for any time at all.
9. Few planning restrictions
Planning restrictions are likely to be minimal and will involve safety issues such as loading restrictions and fire exits. Most companies which erect this type of floor will deal with any planning applications and of course will ensure that safety is maintained at all times.
10. Mezzanine floors are a good investment
For a business planning to move in several years time, this kind of extension to floor space is a good investment, because most industrial units are sold by the square meter. Because there is a large degree of flexibility built in, a warehouse with an extra floor can be put to more uses than one in which there is no provision for offices or other options.
John Hinds writes for Lojix. His interests include blogging, reading, playing tennis, listening to music and traveling.
