Do I need a Mezzanine floor in my warehouse?

“Do I really need a mezzanine floor?” is a question we get when discussing warehouse layout and requirements with clients. When you are planning out your racking and shelving for your warehouse, you should always consider adding a mezzanine floor at this critical point. Here are some questions to ask yourself during your planning phase to help you decide if you need a mezzanine floor or not.

Do I need more floor space?

Pallets, boxes and crates take up a lot of space! And as your business grows, more space is always helpful. Adding more square meterage upfront can save you the hassle of needing to add more racking or even moving to bigger premises. Adding a mezzanine floor during the initial phases can help you take advantage of the height of your warehouse or factory by adding more floor space upfront.

Do I have a high roof clearance?

Adding floor to ceiling racking is an obvious way to utilise the full volume of your storage space. But the higher up you go, the more difficult and dangerous your packing becomes. By adding a second storey to your space, your racking will not become very high, making it easier and safer to pack and unpack.

Do I need office space in my warehouse?

Mezzanine floors can create an excellent office space. Where the ground floor is used for heavy duty packing and forklifts, the mezzanine can then be used for offices or lighter duty storage. Having a birds eye view of the floor below can also be hugely beneficial for your warehouse managers and logistics team to quickly see what is happening.

How long do I plan on using this same warehouse?

Getting your floor plan right and functional will allow you to settle into and keep the same warehouse for a longer period of time. This increases the overall cost effectiveness of your space. Reconfiguring your racking or even moving entirely can be very costly. Unless you are just using your warehouse as a stepping stone or never plan on expanding your business, you want to make sure your space will last you for as long as possible.

How much would it cost to add a mezzanine at a later date?

If you don’t think you need a mezzanine now, it is worth looking at the cost implications of adding a mezzanine floor at a later date. Unless you factor in space for steps and the structure into your racking layout, you could incur costs reconfigure your racking entirely to add a mezzanine at a later date. It’s very helpful to look at these costs upfront to help decide if you need a mezzanine floor or not.

Mezzanine floors can be a safe and efficient way to increase your warehouse space. But only if they are designed, installed, and maintained correctly. Planning the optimal space and flow of your storage space is key to creating a floor plan that works for you today and as your business grows in the future. You can read some of the benefits of mezzanine floors here. Our team of Dura Racking experts can help you make the most of your space. Contact us today to setup a site visit and get a free quotation.