Should Your Business Invest in a Modular or Permanent Mezzanine Floor?

As businesses grow, space becomes a precious commodity. It makes sense then, that companies look for ways to maximise the use of their existing space, and a mezzanine floor is the ideal solution. But when it comes to choosing between a durable, permanent solution and the long-term flexibility of a modular system, the answer isn't as straightforward.

This article looks at the key differences between these space-saving structures and the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. By assessing what factors to consider before making your investment, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about what's best for your business.

What Is a Modular Mezzanine Floor?

Unlike permanent structures, modular mezzanine floors are free-standing and can be removed or repositioned if required. They can be utilised in an existing space for a range of purposes, from offering additional office space to creating a dedicated space for storage or production.

The advantages of modular mezzanine floors are that they increase usable space, they cause minimal disruption to a business's premises, they are cost effective yet boost property value, they are flexible enough to grow or move with your business, and that they can be used for a variety of purposes, from light storage through to heavy-duty machinery.

What Is a Permanent Mezzanine Floor?

Just like a modular mezzanine floor, a permanent mezzanine makes the most of the unused vertical space in existing premises. A fixed mezzanine is designed to be a permanent structure, meaning it cannot be moved or removed like a free-standing mezzanine floor.

Permanent mezzanine floors don't normally span the entire building, but they are constructed to be a part of the building's structure. They are often used in industrial spaces for heavy load storage or manufacturing.

Key Differences at a Glance

Pros and Cons of Modular Mezzanine Floors

Modular mezzanines are a strategic investment because they can be reconfigured or expanded upon as the business grows. Let's look at some of the other important features of modular mezzanines.

• Modular designs allow businesses to increase usable space without the need for extensive renovations that change the building's footprint with additional square footage.
• They can be sold or redeployed elsewhere if they are no longer required in the current space.
• Modular mezzanines are prefabricated to specific requirements. Therefore, their installation can occur with minimal downtime.
• They can be constructed with features like pallet storage or shelving to suit the needs of your specific business.
• Their uses are versatile. From retail displays, meeting rooms and office use, to extra storage, manufacturing, or production facilities in industrial settings.
• They offer high-cost efficiency and ROI by increasing usable floor area without structural changes.
• Modular structures are still required to meet all relevant building codes and fire safety requirements.
• Floor space requirements may limit the design of a mezzanine system that can handle heavy-duty loads.
• Some buildings may not support the additional load required for a mezzanine floor.

Pros and Cons of Permanent Mezzanine Floors

Mezzanines offer growing businesses an easy solution to smoother operations and more space. But let's look at whether the long-term benefits make a permanent mezzanine level worth the investment.

• The primary benefit of a permanent mezzanine floor is that although a significant investment of time and money is required for their construction and installation, they can support high-load requirements.
• A mezzanine solution maximises space that would otherwise go unused.
• They can suit a variety of uses, from increasing office space to providing additional storage or production areas.
• Permanent mezzanines can boost property value.
• Their installation can limit the usable area on the ground floor.
• They require a significant amount of planning and have greater engineering requirements than modular designs because they are tied to the building's structure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When choosing between a modular and permanent mezzanine floor, it's crucial to assess load requirements, operational needs, budget, and long-term plans.

A permanent mezzanine requires significant structural changes, so if you lease your building, it's probably not the right option for your business. In comparison, a modular mezzanine floor is easily reconfigured, removed, or added to should you experience business growth or move premises.

A modular mezzanine floor is also more cost-effective, so if your business is facing budget constraints, a permanent structure may not be the most suitable space management solution.

The best way to assess whether or not a permanent solution is the right way to go is to contact a mezzanine specialist who can help you match your business requirements to the right type of structure.

Final Recommendation: Which Is Right for Your Business?

If your business needs additional space, a mezzanine is most certainly a fantastic solution. Whether you choose to invest in a permanent structure or opt for the flexibility of a modular system depends on your requirements in the short and long term.

Advanced Warehouse Structures has designed, fabricated, and installed thousands of mezzanines tailored to suit the specific requirements of our customers. Whether you need a light, medium, or heavy-duty warehouse solution, we use high-quality Australian steel in our Australian factories to provide space-saving solutions quickly and efficiently.

To speak to a mezzanine specialist about how we can help your business reach new heights, contact AWS today on 1300 955 825.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of a mezzanine floor?

Mezzanine floors can present some challenges, including reduced ceiling heights, which can affect lighting and workflow on the ground floor. However, any interruption of productivity by supporting posts can be overcome with the help of specialist mezzanine designers like those at AWS.

Does a mezzanine add value?

Mezzanines can increase both the rental potential and overall value of a property by increasing available space without expanding the building's footprint.

What is the best flooring for a mezzanine?

The best flooring for a mezzanine depends on how the floor space will be used. AWS can customise a mezzanine floor to suit your requirements, with steel and timber being the two most popular choices.

Do you need planning permission for a mezzanine floor?

In most cases, you will need planning permission for a mezzanine floor. We've written extensively about planning requirements here.