The concept

To understand the idea of a mezzanine floor it is helpful to trace the origin of the word. It comes from the Italian mezzanine, meaning ‘in between’. The mezzanine is a floor that is in between the ground floor and the ceiling, which makes perfect sense. A mezzanine floor is constructed to extend outwards from the wall and can cover well over half of the ground floor level. It essentially makes use of free air space within an existing building and as such represents an efficient and intelligent use of space that saves money, time and disruption compared to other expansion options. By installing a mezzanine floor you are essentially transforming inactive space into a useable area. Provided a building has sufficiently high ceilings there are very few barriers to the successful installation of a mezzanine floor and as such they are commonly utilised in warehouses, manufacturing buildings, offices and retail units alike.

The benefits of mezzanine floors

There are so many benefits of choosing a mezzanine floor whether involving increase efficiency of use of space, expand your work area and promote safe working practices, so let’s take a closer look at some of the key advantages a mezzanine floor holds over other options.

Increase efficiency & workplace ambience

Mezzanine floors are a great way to ensure that distinct work practices can be segregated, increasing efficiency as well as safety. You might add a mezzanine in a warehouse to add quiet office space away from the hubbub of the operations below, or for more efficient storage space. Plan it well and a mezzanine floor will leave you with a far more efficient space conducive to better work practice and boosted morale.

Social distancing is easier with a mezzanine

However you choose to adapt your mezzanine floor to your business’s advantage the extra useable space will be invaluable in enabling you to maintain social distancing measures without reducing the number of staff dramatically. Warehouses and factories have had to cut staff numbers and this has led to slowdowns in picking and fulfilment. By maximising the useable space in these kinds of buildings businesses will be able to accommodate more workers and boost efficiency.

Common uses of mezzanine floors

Storage

The worst problems for most operational hubs are caused by cramped space. The need for storage space for many has never been greater, with increased demand for online ordering leading to the need to keep larger inventories and have more space for fulfilment. Keeping things segregated is vital too, ensuring the areas for goods coming in and going out are kept separate.

Production

As demand increases so does the need for more manufacturing space. However sometimes such increased demand is temporary, or at least the long term trend is unclear. A mezzanine floor is an ideal solution for such cases.

Sorting areas

Having a distinct sorting area for picking and packing is vital for many businesses and a mezzanine floor can provide this, or free up space on the ground floor for picking.

In addition, mezzanines can also be used for office space and rest and relaxation areas for staff. With mezzanine floors the possibilities are endless.