Having to accommodate a cramped workspace, storage area even employees themselves, is one downside for a successful business.

But if you want to continue growing, you”ll need to expand at some point. The choice of another building isn’t the cheapest and should only be used as a last resort.

Cue the mezzanine which consists of a raised platform supported on steel columns with a decking, railings, and stairs. This quickly provides a floor space almost as big as the existing one with minimal fuss. Since they can be erected indoors or outdoors, they are a popular choice with businesses that are rapidly expanding.

Other advantages of these structures include:

• they can help offset increased rent and avoid the cost of new construction,
• they save on insurance premiums & property taxes,
• they are easy to disassemble and relocate, making them valuable assets,
• they are expandable to meet future growth needs.

But before you install that mezzanine, there are a number of issues to consider.

How do you plan to use it?
If the mezzanine will be located indoors, do you have enough head room to accommodate it? Your ceiling has to be at least 15 feet high. Will you use it as a storage area or for offices? Or will it be a multi-purpose location?

Do you know your floor slab capacity?
To prevent a collapse of the mezzanine in future, carry out a slab, (concrete floor) and soil analysis. Determine, from the result, if the slab, (and the compacted soil underneath) can support the mezzanine or if you’ll require special ‘feet’ to be cast. Note that this will affect the weight bearing load of the structure.

Which column layout to use?
Work with the manufacturer to determine the best column spans and configuration to use for your business. Take into consideration, any existing manufacturing process that will be affected, traffic areas that the structure will cross, and if the mezzanine will be tied to an existing production line? All these will affect the overall design.

What are the mezzanine capacity ratings?
What is going on the decking of the mezzanine? Knowing the weight and bulk will help the engineers design the structure to the right specifications. Mezzanines for light storage have a load capacity of 125 PSF. For heavier storage, the capacity is around 250 PSF.

Which surface and style?
Depending on the final use of the deck, the floor can be covered in high density wood or plywood, which is economical and easy to install. Other options include concrete floors or steel floor plates.

The style of the structure may be the Catwalk where existing shelving uprights provide adequate support for the frame, or a Full Mat. With this, the second level is an open area and is used for bulk storage or as an office space.

Will it be modular or structural mezzanine?
Are you buying a prefabricated mezzanine or a custom-built one? Modular mezzanines are sold in predetermined sizes like 20 ft x 15ft. While they may be cheaper, they rarely fit the existing space like a custom model would.

Choosing a mezzanine over leasing another office space simply makes good business sense. These floors are a versatile, cheap, value-adding asset that you’ll enjoy for many years.

Need help and advice on choosing a mezzanine? Let Monarch Shelving Limited install an easily customisable yet functional mezzanine for your business.