A mezzanine floor is a raised floor or platform in between an establishment’s floor and ceiling. It provides additional floor space without needing to create a whole new floor altogether. Its philosophy somewhat leans towards a semi-floor concept.
Mezzanine floors are typically considered when the available space has been occupied or consumed sufficiently and additional area or storage is needed. This benefit is why mezzanine floors are famous in retail or industrial establishments because they solve overcrowding.
Furthermore, because mezzanine floors are such great space boosters, many homeowners also consider this type of floor addition as it maximizes vertical space and doesn’t sacrifice general room area.
Common materials for mezzanine floors are steel, wood, concrete, and composite board, while some have experimented with fiberglass. However, here we will be looking at three of the most common, best, and trusted materials: steel, composite boards, and wood.
Steel
Steel and stainless steel are common choices in constructing mezzanine floors. Steel is a strong material that is often used in industrial settings where the mezzanine floor is made for the purpose of storage and deck.
Steel can be galvanized, shaped and formed to the owner’s specifications and can be painted or powder coated depending on your preference, but the downside to this sort of material is its cost.
So, as a tradeoff to the advantages of tested strength and customizability, you will be paying a lot more than other options. If you are looking for that modern industrial aesthetic for your mezzanine floor, then this is the material for you!
Composite Board
Aside from steel, one of the usual materials in constructing mezzanine floors is a composite board. Despite what the name suggests, the composite board is actually a relatively sturdy material. Of course, you will not be building the entire floor with the board but will instead be used as a layer sheet to the steel beam structure of the floor.
It is recommended that a 38mm composite type of board be used for this construction which estimates around a 500kg capacity for the load it can carry. It is a more limiting material when it comes to handling capacity but more economical overall, especially if the mezzanine is for a domestic setting.
Wood
Another popular option is a wooden mezzanine floor. Most commonly used in homes, offices, and retail settings, wooden mezzanine floors can enhance the look of any space with its elegance while maintaining strength, especially when considering foot traffic.
Despite being low maintenance, you still have to ensure that the hardwood of your choice is treated to avoid any inconvenience and provide you with much-needed peace of mind.
Conclusion
Mezzanine floors will help add space to a place that tends to shrink over time as we add personal properties to our area. Of course, the most important things you need to consider when choosing a material are budget, purpose, and aesthetics. But regardless of what material you choose, the benefits of economic construction and maximization of space will always be there.