Mezzanines are an ingenious way to maximize square footage and create a “double-decker” layout within large commercial or industrial spaces. When planned strategically, mezzanines can vastly amplify your usable floor space. But choosing the right design and mezzanine system for your facility takes careful consideration. Follow these tips to identify and implement the perfect mezzanine solutions like the ones offered by AW Structures.
Evaluate Your Space
First, thoroughly assess the dimensions, ceiling height, primary activities, and infrastructure of the area. Determine where a mezzanine could be situated without interfering with key workflows. Also identify any overhead pipes, beams or other obstructions that could impact placement and clearance. Your contractor will help determine viability.
Define Usage Purpose
Envision how the mezzanine space will be utilized – storage, additional workstations, employee break area, etc. The intended functions dictate optimal size, layout, flooring, accessibility, and features needed. Providing detailed functional requirements to vendors ensures they recommend a properly tailored mezzanine system.
Consider Weight Bearing Loads
Mezzanine floors must be engineered to hold substantial weight safely. Specify the expected live and dead loads based on factors like shelving, number of occupants, and equipment housed on the platform. This determines specifications for components like beams, columns, and flooring so the structure has sufficient load capacity and sway resistance.
Select Appropriate Materials
Mezzanines can be constructed using materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass for different strengths, durability, fire resistance and cost. Assess environmental conditions and maintenance needs. For example, stainless steel offers the greatest corrosion resistance in humid environments. Get guidance choosing economical materials suitable for your use case.
Code Compliance Is Critical
Building codes dictate minimum requirements for elements like height, spacing, guardrails, and sprinklers. Ensure your provider adheres to all relevant codes to avoid fail inspection and rework delays. Don’t cut corners here – non-compliance risks safety and prevents obtaining an occupancy permit. A reputable company handles permits.
Plan Stairs and Access Points
Determine where stairs, ladders, or lifts granting access to the mezzanine will be situated to enable usage best while preserving open floor space below. Keep ingress/egress points near the end-use zones on the mezzanine. Coordinate any needed floor openings with your contractor early on.
Electrical and HVAC Needs
Factor in the mezzanine’s electrical and HVAC requirements based on activities conducted. Adequate power supply and climate control are musts for occupied mezzanines.
Outlets, lighting, and ductwork costs add up quickly. Scale needs realistically to avoid overbuilding – you can always expand later if needed.
Finishes and Aesthetics
While functionality comes first, also consider finishes like enclosed versus open railing, floor grating style, lighting fixtures, and color scheme. Finishing touches lend the mezzanine visual harmony with the existing space. Just keep the budget in mind.
Price Compare Multiple Vendors
Solicit bids from several reputable mezzanine companies. Give each the same specifications and compare costs, timelines, and construction approaches. This surfaces the best value proposition. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid – weigh factors like quality and service.
Plan for Future Flexibility
Consider how your business space and needs might evolve. Select a mezzanine designed for reconfiguration or expansion to adapt with you. Modular systems assembled with bolts allow changing layouts. Optimize for flexibility so the mezzanine accomodates future facility needs.
Customize Your Mezzanine for Workplace
Success Strategically planning for a new mezzanine installation allows maximizing usable square footage in your commercial facility. Keep these tips in mind while working with contractors to turn your mezzanine vision into reality.
Conclusion
Careful attention to detail and construction requirements result in a custom mezzanine engineered to boost productivity, storage, or comfort for years to come.
