Running out of space? It’s a good thing you’re not running out of options.
A warehouse owner in Poole had a problem. Stock levels had doubled, space was limited, and moving premises wasn’t an affordable option. So, they looked up and built a mezzanine.
They’re not alone. In the UK, many businesses see mezzanine floor construction as a clever and affordable way to grow their space without relocating. Managing a busy warehouse, expanding an office, or reconfiguring a retail unit? Building upwards can save time and money compared to a traditional extension.
Still, many decision-makers hold back because they’re unsure what the process involves. They’re uncertain what permissions are needed or how much it will cost. This article answers all of that. You’ll learn what mezzanine floors are, how they’re built, when regulations apply, and how to get it done right, simply and confidently.
What Is Mezzanine Floor Construction & Why Use It?
A mezzanine floor is a free-standing intermediate structure built between the main floors of a building. These platforms maximise vertical space. They give companies a flexible and non-disruptive way to deal with limited square footage. Best of all, they don’t need major changes to the current structure.
From showrooms and production areas to offices and storage zones, mezzanine floors are a common sight across the UK. They are great for warehouses and industrial units, which often underutilise their ceiling height. For example, warehouse mezzanine floors let you increase capacity. You can do this without taking up more space or affecting your business flow.
How the Mezzanine Floor Construction Process Works
1. Site Survey & Consultation
Every project begins with a detailed site survey. During this visit, engineers will examine your space, structural capacity, and how you plan to use it. This might include storage, expanding an office, or setting up a retail display area. It’s also a chance to learn about access points, workflows, and any limits that might affect the design.
2. Design & Planning
Following the survey, you’ll receive tailored CAD designs that show how the mezzanine will integrate with your current layout. This stage includes fire safety planning, access strategy, and load calculations. These steps make sure the floor meets British Standards for safety and performance. Approved Inspectors may also be consulted here to support compliance with building regulations.
3. Manufacturing & Customisation
Once approved, your mezzanine is manufactured to the specifications. This usually takes two to four weeks, depending on the complexity. We make components like decking, staircases, handrails, and pallet gates to fit your needs. This works for both light-duty office access and heavy industrial use.
4. Installation & Final Checks
Installation is often completed in under a week. During the work, your site will be safely blocked off, so most business activities can continue with little disruption. For a more detailed timeline, you can explore our guide on how long mezzanine installation takes. Final inspections happen after the build. This checks that the structure meets health, safety, and fire standards before handover.
What UK Regulations Apply to Mezzanine Floors?
You don’t usually need planning permission for internal mezzanine floors. This is especially true if they don’t change the building’s exterior. However, you may need permission to work on listed buildings, in conservation areas, or for significant changes in use. You should always check with your local planning authority to confirm.
However, compliance with the UK Building Regulations 2010 is mandatory. This applies to almost all commercial mezzanine installations.
Key parts of the UK Building Regulations 2010 include:
- Part B – Fire Safety: Covers fire resistance, escape routes, alarms, and compartmentation.
- Part K – Protection from falling, collision and impact: This applies to stairs, balustrades, and edge protection.
- Part L – Conservation of fuel and power: This may apply if the mezzanine affects lighting, insulation, or HVAC systems.
You can view the complete regulations and updates at GOV.UK’s Building Regulations guidance.
At First Floors, we handle compliance for you. We work with Approved Inspectors to ensure all design and safety standards are met before and after installation.
How Much Does Mezzanine Floor Construction Cost in the UK?
The average cost to build a mezzanine floor in the UK ranges from £75 to £150 per square metre, depending on its intended use and structural needs. That figure can go up to over £200 per sqm for projects needing high load capacity, fire-rated materials, or custom features.
Costs are influenced by:
- Size and height of the mezzanine
- Usage (e.g. office, retail, or industrial storage)
- Number and type of staircases, balustrades, and pallet gates
- Fire protection and load-bearing requirements
- Site accessibility and installation complexity
For context, commercial property rents in England rose by 6.1% in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Mezzanine floors add usable space without raising your rent. So, when you compare this to a one-off investment in a mezzanine, it’s clear why they provide excellent long-term value.
Many businesses recover costs within 1–3 years through improved efficiency or delayed relocation. If you’re considering a complete interior upgrade, you can also get office fit-out services when installing your mezzanine. This way, you’ll have better coordination and control over costs.
The Overhead Advantage
Smarter space starts with smarter planning.
Looking into mezzanine floor construction goes beyond just saving space. It’s about realising the full potential of the building you already have. If you want to add storage to a warehouse, create new office spaces, or improve a retail area, a custom mezzanine can help. It allows you to expand without the cost and hassle of moving.
At First Floors, we’ve been helping UK businesses optimise their premises for over 30 years. Our complete service includes consultation, CAD design, manufacturing, installation, and aftercare. As accredited providers, we offer reliable, cost-effective solutions. You can trust us to keep disruptions to a minimum. So, are you ready to reclaim your overhead space?
Call 01789 764172 or request your free site survey today.