What is a mezzanine?
A mezzanine is a free-standing steel structure that creates an additional level inside an existing building. It stands on its own columns, does not rely on the building walls and can later be extended, relocated or dismantled. It can be used for storage, order picking, workspace or offices.
When does a mezzanine pay off?
A mezzanine is a good investment when several conditions are met at the same time:
- The hall is tall but the floor area is small. If there are several metres of unused space above your goods, a mezzanine turns that height into new usable floor area.
- Extending the building is expensive or impossible. Construction, permits and moving take time and money; a mezzanine is installed inside the existing building.
- The use suits a second level. Lighter goods, spare parts, e-commerce picking, packing or offices go upstairs, while heavier loads and forklifts stay on the ground floor.
- You are planning to grow. The structure can be extended or moved if the business relocates.
What should you check before deciding?
Clear height
There must be enough height both below and above the mezzanine for people and equipment to move freely. Measure to the lowest point of the ceiling, beams, lighting or services, not to the roof ridge.
Floor capacity
The mezzanine load is transferred through the columns to the floor slab, concentrated on small areas. You therefore need to know the thickness and quality of the slab. Where necessary, larger base plates are used or the column grid is adjusted.
Use and loading
The floor capacity of the mezzanine is set according to its use: shelving with small items, pallets or a workspace for people each have different requirements. The use also determines the decking, lighting and access.
Regulations and fire safety
Depending on the country, use and area, a mezzanine may be subject to rules on escape routes, fire protection and sprinklers. Check local regulations and building conditions before ordering, and we will adapt the design to those requirements.
What equipment comes with a mezzanine?
- Staircases, on one or more sides
- Handrails with knee rails and kick plates
- Pallet gates that protect staff while goods are lifted to the level
- Decking: chipboard, steel plate or grating, depending on use
- Shelving or racking on and below the mezzanine
What are the alternatives?
Sometimes taller pallet racking, narrower aisles or a rack-supported multi-tier shelving system with walkways is the better answer. If the hall is low or the floor cannot take additional load, a mezzanine is not the right choice. That is why we look at the space and the goods first, and only then propose a system.
How does EL-FAM approach it?
EL-FAM surveys the space, checks the height and floor, designs and manufactures the structure in our own plant, and installs it with stairs, handrails and pallet gates. Send us your hall dimensions, clear height and the planned use of the mezzanine, and we will propose a solution.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mezzanine put load on the building walls?
No. A free-standing mezzanine stands on its own columns and transfers its load to the floor, not to the walls or roof structure.
Can a mezzanine be relocated later?
Yes. The bolted steel structure can be dismantled and reinstalled at a new site or extended with additional bays.
How are goods lifted onto a mezzanine?
Most often by forklift through a pallet gate; for lighter goods, goods lifts or conveyors are also used.
Do I need a permit for a mezzanine?
It depends on the country, the use and the floor area. Check local building and fire safety regulations before ordering.
