Structural Components

Mezzanine floors have four major structural components, columns, beams, joists and decking. Typically columns are upright posts made of boxed section steel, however, more heavily loaded and multi-tiered floors may benefit from a universal column section design. The standard column design has a squared base plate to spread the floor point loading and a cap plate to support the floor's beams. Columns may also be supported with sway bracing to improve the structures rigidity. Beams are 'I' section steel members that run across the top of the columns sitting on the cap plates. They can be any length and are securely bolted to the columns. Joists run at right angles to the beams and support the decking surface of the floor. Joists vary in length and rating depending on the use of the floor. They will sit on top of the beams or can be located between the beam webs to reduce the floor's depth.

I recommend: Visit Redifloor for more information on single-tier or multi-tier floors

Flooring

The decking or floor surface can be either chipboard, open steel grid or solid steel. For particle board applications Redifloor use a 38mm thick, tongued and grooved, high-density chipboard, which comes plain or coated in a number of hard wearing finishes including natural, grey, 'flek' or lacquered.

I recommend: Redifloor's range of flooring

Access For Goods

Access to the platform for goods or product will require some form of lifting device. This may be a conveyor, a goods lift or a forklift truck. In the case of the forklift truck an access gate in the handrail will be required. Called pallet gates these devices ensure that no one can fall though the gate when it is being used to load or unload pallets. Bridges, walkways and cat ladders can be added to your mezzanine to improve access or add functionality. Bridges are popular for navigating conveyor systems, walkways can connect two mezzanine floors within a single building. Cladding can be added to the steelwork to provide fire protection or improve appearance. Up to one hour fire protection is a typical requirement, when deemed necessary.

I recommend: Range of accessories for mezzanine floors.

Handrails and stairways

Choose from round, square, solid, tubular, stainless steel, chromium plated or galvanized handrail, depending on your preference or application. You will also require a kick plate around the platform perimeter as an additional safety precaution. Access to the platform for people will generally require a stairway, which will be constructed from steel and conform to the building and fire regulations. Redifloor have two standard widths, with non-slip treads and integral handrail.

I recommend: Here are Redifloor's options of stairways for their mezzanine floors.