Mezzanine floors are like chameleons in that they can adapt to any business space. Their versatility, affordability and quick installation times make them the perfect solution for businesses looking to optimise their existing space without having to expand into bigger premises. North West-based mezzanine experts, Doity Engineering, explain the process they undertake when designing and installing a new mezzanine floor for their clients in the UK.
- What’s the Purpose of your Mezzanine Floor?
The first step in designing a mezzanine floor is to determine its purpose. This helps to establish certain fundamentals of the design which ensure the build is completely safe and fit for purpose. Here are a few common applications:
- Storage: Mezzanines are a saviour for businesses dealing with bulky items or holding a lot of stock. They create extra room without a costly expansion.
- Office Space: Want an on-site presence for administration? A mezzanine can provide that extra office space you need, right on the factory floor.
- Manufacturing: Expanding production capacity without moving to a bigger unit is a dream come true for some businesses. Mezzanine floors can create extra floor space for new machinery and workflows.
- Showroom: For businesses with great products but limited space, mezzanines make fantastic showrooms. Common examples include window and door manufacturers.
- Choosing the Right Flooring and Walls
Once we know how the mezzanine will be used, we think about the most suitable flooring and wall options for the mezzanine installation. The three most common flooring options are:
- Particle Board Decking: It’s cost-effective, easy to install and suitable for lighter applications, but it’s not the most durable option.
- Steel Plates: If strength is a priority, steel plates are the way to go. They can handle heavy loads but come at a higher cost.
- Open Steel: Ideal for mezzanines that require ventilation and durability, open steel is a cost-effective option for industrial and commercial settings.
In terms of wall choice, the most common option is a handrail with mid-section knee rails and kickboards for maximum safety. In some cases, a business may wish to have a closed-off space with solid walls instead, such as showroom mezzanines or offices. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget, and professionals like Doity can guide you to the best fit.
- Providing the Correct Access
The next step to consider is how both people and machinery will access the mezzanine. Here are some common options:
- Stairs: Reliable and versatile, stairs offer a safe and easy way to access your mezzanine.
- Ladders: For smaller spaces or infrequent access, ladders are a simple and cost-effective choice.
- Vertical Lifts: When moving goods or people between levels, vertical lifts are a good solution. They can handle heavy loads and high-speed operations. They’re also necessary when providing access for the general public or employees in shops, showrooms and offices.
- Pallet Gates: Essential for safety, pallet gates prevent falls when loading and unloading goods. They’re required by regulations in some environments.
Just like with flooring, your choice of access depends on your mezzanine’s intended use and the available space. Trust Doity’s experts to help you make the right choice.
- Building Regs and Safety
A key consideration throughout the entire process is safety. Mezzanines rarely require planning permission, but must always comply with building regulations. This means the design must conform to:
- Structural safety standards, including floor loading requirements (BS6399)
- Fire Safety
- Accessibility
- Installation
Once the design has been signed off, it’s time to install the mezzanine. Unlike traditional installation methods which use nuts and bolts, at Doity we install mezzanines using our unique Revlok design. Revlok Mezzanine floors are manufactured from cold-rolled steel beams and are a modular structure, which means they’re much easier and quicker to install. The average installation time of a Revlok is around 50% quicker than traditional methods. Revlok Mezzanine floors are the only LABC-certified modular mezzanine floor in the UK, so you can only receive approved modular mezzanine floors from us here at Doity Engineering Ltd.
Doity – Your Mezzanine Solution in the UK
If you’re a UK business in need of a mezzanine floor, make Doity your first choice. With our innovative Revlok design, five-star service and decades of expertise, we offer comprehensive services from design through to installation and even maintenance. We pride ourselves in ensuring you get a high-quality mezzanine floor tailored to your business’s unique needs. Read our case studies to hear from some of our satisfied clients.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts at Doity today to discuss your mezzanine floor project. Unlock the potential of your space with us.
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