MEZZANINE FLOORS SYDNEY: Mezzanine Engineering has been building mezzanine floors throughout greater Sydney since 1986 so we know a thing or two about them. In fact, we're one of the most experienced manufacturers of mezzanine floors in Australia.    

Mezzanine floors are sometimes called Raised Storage Areas, and can be either structural steel or supported on pallet racking. Structural steel floors are for more heavy duty storage needs and can take loads of up to 8 kpa. A structural floor can also span distances of up to 12 metres without column support, which can be important in some warehouses, particularly where there is a lot of forklift movements. Pallet rack supported floors are ideal if loads are not too great and can be a more cost effective solution. 

MEZZANINE FLOOR ARTICLE

Mezzanine floors are an economical way to increase space within an existing structure. A mezzanine creates a new floor between an existing floor and the roof, according to Nick Hardy in his Ezine article on mezzanine floors.

Headroom

When building a mezzanine floor, it needs to comply with building regulations for proper headroom for both the mezzanine and the space below. According to Nick Hardy, mezzanine floor regulations require a minimum height between the ground floor and the ceiling. This distance ensures that both the space between the ground and the ceiling created by the mezzanine, and the mezzanine floor and the ceiling above, offer adequate headroom. 

Weight Load
Not all mezzanines are, or need to be, created the same. Some are only for storage, while others increase office space. Varying uses demand different weight load considerations. Nick Hardy and the General Guide both suggest that the average mezzanine needs to support 300 - 500 kg/m2. Mezzanines intended for lighter duty, such as offices and those without dividing walls between rooms, can offer a lighter load capacity. Your supplier will assess your weight load needs when drawing your plans. 

Fire Safety
When building your mezzanine, you may need to comply with fire regulations. The most basic thing to consider is the distance between your mezzanine floor and the ceiling, and once again your supplier will include building code requirements in your design.

Handrails
Another safety regulation to consider when constructing a mezzanine floor is railing construction. The guide suggests that a handrail, a mid-height knee rail, and a kick board are generally minimum requirements.

Connections to concrete floor and concrete walls
Not all concrete floors and walls are suitable for mezzanine connections. It's important that concrete is inspected prior to construction to ensure the mezzanine can be attached to the walls and that the columns can be fixed to a suitable floor that will take the weight. In some cases a special footing may be required.