Types of Mezzanines: Which is Best for Your Warehouse?

Adding a mezzanine to your facility can feel like a big undertaking. With all the considerations between the different types of mezzanines, flooring, construction and accessories, you and your team will have to take a full assessment of your operational needs and warehouse layout. 

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through some mezzanine basics and get you on the right path toward finding the right type of mezzanine for your business.

Plenty of Choices: The Different Types of Mezzanines

Mezzanines are cost-effective storage solutions. In warehouses with more vertical room than floor space, mezzanines can essentially double the storage capacity by building up rather than out. Compared to expanding your existing space, the cost of building a mezzanine can be much more tolerable — especially considering the rising costs of new materials.

If you’re looking to add a mezzanine to your facility, the first thing you’ll want to explore is the different types of mezzanines available. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mezzanine types you’ll find on the market today.

Free-Standing Mezzanines

If you’re hoping to add an extra layer of usable floor space to your facility, you may need to install a free-standing mezzanine. These mezzanines don’t rely on existing structural components like shelving or racking for stability. Rather, they use structural columns installed with the deck itself.

Free-standing mezzanines are perfect for storage situations in which space is at a premium. Because columns bolt securely to the floor, these structures can stand up under quite a lot of weight and wear. Free-standing mezzanines are perfect for many facility layouts, but if you need unusual configurations or specific loading requirements, other mezzanine types may be more appropriate.

Catwalk Mezzanines

Some mezzanines work with existing shelving systems for support. Catwalk mezzanines accomplish this not by placing a deck on top of the shelving but by building within the shelving. 

The shelving on the second floor of the structure creates the catwalk pathways between the existing rows of shelves. In catwalk mezzanine installations, both levels of shelving have identical configurations. 

We Carry a Wide Variety of High-Quality Used Mezzanines

Our qualified storage and handling equipment experts can also help with other aspects of mezzanine installation, such as facility design and layout.CONTACT US

Shelving-Supported and Rack-Supported Mezzanines

Shelving-supported mezzanines and rack-supported mezzanines are another popular option. In these configurations, also known as deck-over shelving, the existing shelving or racks underneath the deck offer the structural support for the mezzanine. This means you won’t need to install specific structural columns for the mezzanine itself.

Shelving-supported and rack-supported mezzanine systems can offer a lot to facilities with already densely packed storage. They help maximize storage space by providing shelving or racking underneath and additional space on top.

Other Mezzanine Considerations

Mezzanine type is just one factor you’ll need to consider when planning your installation. Factors like the different types of mezzanine floors and other items like mezzanine accessories will also need your attention.

Types of Mezzanine Floors

When it comes to mezzanine decking, you’ve got quite a few options. To choose, you’ll want to consider what kind of wear and tear you expect your system to endure during the deck’s lifetime. 

Here are a few of the most common types of mezzanine floors:

• Wood decking. Options like plywood are great for high-traffic areas, while composite materials utilizing wood fiber offer a step up in terms of strength and usability.
• Bar grating. If you’re looking for strength, welded grid bar grating is a perfect choice. Additionally, the open design allows for light and air to move through to upper levels.
• Concrete. If you’re looking for maximum durability, concrete decking holds up against heavy loads quite well. Also, for environments that call for frequent washdowns, concrete is a common choice.
• Steel. Corrugated 20-gauge steel is by far the most popular choice for a mezzanine deck. Steel floor plate is another option you might consider if heavy loads and fire safety are a concern.

Mezzanine Accessories

Now that we’ve got our decking picked out, the next thing you’ll want to consider is your mezzanine’s accessories. The deck is often the main concern, but don’t forget about additional features like handrails, stairways and gate systems.

These features can add quite a bit of value and usability to your mezzanine. So, take your time and consider how you’ll use your mezzanine during daily operations. Other practical factors you may want include under-deck lighting and fire suppression systems.

Why You Should Always Consider Buying Used

Compared to facility expansion, mezzanines offer a much more cost-effective solution for environments where you’ve already squeezed as much as you can out of your floor space. Even so, the cost of building a mezzanine can add up. That’s why buying used mezzanines offers the best of both worlds in terms of price and reliability.

The trick is finding a quality used equipment supplier. You don’t want to get stuck with a poor piece of equipment, so don’t scrape through second-hand sites hoping to strike gold. Pair up with a company you can trust, and you’ll never leave disappointed. 

At East Coast Storage Equipment, we specialize in used inventory. But for us, it’s not just about selling quality used equipment; it’s also about offering the kind of customer service you’d expect if you purchased new. That’s why we offer a robust list of services to take your mezzanine plans from blueprint to reality. 

Moreover, our qualified team of storage experts ensures that every piece of equipment that comes out of the facility is top-quality and ready for years of reliable service.

East Coast Storage Equipment: Your Source for Quality Used Mezzanines

If you plan to install a mezzanine, give us a call. Not only do we offer a wide range of used mezzanines, but we can also walk you through the different types of mezzanines to ensure you’ve got the right equipment for your facility. 

Our support doesn’t stop at planning, though. When we’ve found your perfect mezzanine, we can get boots on the ground and take care of equipment installation. Our team of engineers and installers has the experience necessary to tackle even the most complex custom jobs. If you’re interested in teaming up with a trusted name in storage equipment, contact us today.