You might have decided that a mezzanine floor is the way to expand your business, gaining the additional space you need without the hassle of moving premises. Now, you need to decide on the materials used to construct the space. This includes structural materials, flooring materials and any additional and final touches, such as staircases and handrails.
Choosing the right materials for your mezzanine floor is important as it will determine the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the space. You will need this space to serve your business, so it needs to be able to deliver that. However, you don’t want to compromise style, especially if you are a client-facing business.
At First Floors, we have over 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing mezzanine floors across a range of industries, from retail to offices to warehouses and garages. During our time in the industry, we have gained unparalleled knowledge and seen how different combinations of materials work together to create unique and functional spaces.
In this blog, we discuss the material options for the mezzanine floor for each aspect of your new space.
Structural Materials for Mezzanine Floors
Of course, you need the structural material for your mezzanine floor to be strong and durable, so this narrows the available materials down a little. However, most of your typical construction materials are an option.
Steel Frames
One of the most common types of structural frames is steel.
This is because the metal is strong and durable, meaning it is able to support heavy loads and allows you to get on with your business operations without worrying about how heavy the machinery, equipment and weight load is on the frame.
On top of their functional benefits, steel frames can be visually appealing. They create a modern and sleek aesthetic, making them suitable for a client-facing space.
Steel is also easy to work with, so manufacturing a bespoke steel mezzanine floor frame that will fit your space will be feasible.
Aluminium Frames
Another possible material for your mezzanine floor frame is aluminium.
This metal is a lightweight alternative to steel. It is corrosion-resistant, meaning it won’t rust either.
If you are considering aluminium over steel, it is worth noting that this metal, because it is lighter, has a lower load-bearing capacity. Therefore, it is better suited for lighter applications, such as within a retail space or in an office.
Timber Frames
The final frame material that you could choose from is timber.
This material adds a natural and warm aesthetic. The style it brings to the space makes it popular for retail and office spaces that want to enhance their visual appearance.
Similar to aluminium, timber isn’t as strong as steel. Therefore, it is often used where the load-bearing is lighter.
Flooring Materials
Flooring materials on your mezzanine floor will make a big impact on the function of your additional space. This is why it is important to consider your options and choose carefully.
Particle Board
Also known as chipboard, this is a cost-effective option and is easy to install. It isn’t the strongest option on the market, so it is more suitable for light to moderate foot traffic, such as in an office or storage space.
Plywood
Another flooring option is plywood.
This material is a strong and durable option, making it suitable for many applications. Its layered construction offers additional strength and stability, allowing it to be used on commercial and industrial mezzanine floors where heavy machinery is likely to be used.
Steel Grating
More often used within industrial settings, steel grating is a strong flooring material option.
The open-grid design allows light and air to pass through, making it ideal for environments requiring ventilation and visibility.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is the strongest material available.
While it is slightly more expensive and time-consuming to install, the strength and durability of the material are unparalleled. Similar to steel grating, this material is used more in industrial settings, such as warehouses, as it will be able to withstand heavy load-bearing without a problem.
Resin Flooring
A more aesthetically pleasing flooring would be resin flooring.
This is an easy-to-clean, hygienic option, making it popular for places where sanitation is critical, such as food and beverage production, hospitality or pharmaceutical companies.
Additional Components and Finishes
A mezzanine floor isn’t complete without these finishing touches, and each additional component needs to be thought through to create a cohesive look while also providing the function needed.
Handrails and Balustrades
Safety is paramount wherever you are adding a mezzanine floor, so you need to add handrails and balustrades.
Glass is often used for balustrades, particularly in customer-facing spaces such as shops or offices.
Handrails are often made from steel or timber, depending on the style you are creating.
Staircases and Access Points
Of course, you will need to be able to get up to your new space, either using a staircase or an alternative access point.
These are often crafted from steel, wood, or a combination of materials, providing functionality and adding to the overall aesthetics of the space.
Choosing the right material for this is important as it can help you seamlessly blend your existing space with the new one.
Finishing Options
Final finishing options can make all the difference, so take five minutes to consider them when designing and choosing the mezzanine floor materials.
Think about adding carpet or anti-slip flooring to add comfort and style to the space.
Work With Our Mezzanine Floor Experts
There we have it. For each aspect of your mezzanine floor, there are several materials to choose from, each with its own characteristics.
From thinking about the strength and durability of steel, aluminium and timber structure frames to plywood, particle board, concrete or resin flooring and additional features such as staircases, there is a lot to think about.
However, using a combination of these materials will create a unique mezzanine floor that meets your specific business needs, enabling you to grow and continue operations without worrying about space.
At First Floors, our team offers a completely bespoke service, meaning we will deliver a solution that truly meets your needs. We will work with you to design the mezzanine floor to your specifications, talking you through the material options and providing guidance and advice on each choice.
We manufacture our own floors at our warehouse in the Midlands, ensuring quality production for every project, so you can rest assured you are getting the best from us.
Finally, our installation team will work efficiently and smoothly to fit the floor in your space. While we will work to minimise disruption, we can’t always promise it won’t impact some of your work.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and talk through your mezzanine floor material options. Call us on 01789 764172 or complete our online contact form with your query, and we will get in touch.
