Mezzanine Glossary
April 14, 2021
Are you looking for a way to increase storage in your warehouse while staying at your current location and not breaking the bank? A mezzanine may an ideal solution for you. For companies that are quickly outgrowing their facility a mezzanine is a cost-effective answer without incurring the expenses of building a new facility or moving.
If you think buying a mezzanine is the perfect solution for your ever-growing facility let American Surplus Inc. help. Our knowledgeable sales associates will walk you through everything from the quote to installation. That said, we know that shopping for the right mezzanine system can be overwhelming. To help simplify it, here is a glossary of different types of mezzanines and mezzanine accessories. If you still have questions once you review this list, give us a call at (800) 876-3736.
Mezzanine
- An intermediary surface in a structure which is partially open to the double-height ceilinged floor below, or which does not encompass over the entire floorspace of the building.
Pallet Rack Mezzanine
- A pallet rack supported mezzanine is when pallet storage is required beneath and on the borders of the mezzanine structure. This mezzanine creates a walk space on top of the racking to build additional functioning space within a warehouse with high ceilings.
Shelf Supported Mezzanine
- A shelf supported mezzanine are an efficient way to construct an additional workspace level using standard boltless shelving components.
Pallet Rack Mezzanine
Shelf Supported MezzanineMezzanine Floor
- A Mezzanine floor is a middle floor which is built between two main floors or the floor and ceiling of a building.
Mezzanine Catwalks
- Mezzanine catwalks are an inexpensive and effective answer when your staff needs to get from one point to another point without disrupting the workflow on the warehouse floor.
Mezzanine Gates
- A Gates are useful for reducing the risk of potential falls and other accidents that are often associated with mezzanine work platforms.
Mezzanine Stairways
Vertical Lifts
- Are a vertical freight elevators perfect for transferring heavy loads from one level to another without an incline conveyor or elevator.
Mezzanine Rails
- Is used for the support and safety of employees.
Mezzanine CatwalkConceptual & Structural Engineering Drawings for Mezzanines
Free Conceptual CAD Drawings
--Included With Your Quote--
A conceptual CAD drawing can provide you with a general overview of what your mezzanine will look like along with approximate dimensions. See your mezzanine in both 2D and rendered 3D views or even with animated personnel renders if needed!
Learn More
Structural Engineered Stamped Drawings
--Also Available If Needed--
An engineer-stamped drawing can provide detailed information not provided in a standard conceptual drawing such as exact weight capacities, stress tolerances, and more. These detailed drawings are helpful when installing heavy equipment, and a must for pulling permits.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Mezzanines
Q. What is the best way to support my mezzanine?
A. Our team of specialists will be able to assist you in designing the most cost-effective way to support your mezzanine. Common solutions include structures created from a design containing a combination of: Beams, C- Section, Bar Joist, and Girder Joists. With our team of specialists we will be able to provide the best solution for your projects needs.
Q. Can my slab support my mezzanine?
A. We do not evaluate the capabilities of your current slab. However, we are able to provide loading information to an engineer of your choice to help determine whether your slab can support your mezzanine or if new footings are required.
Q. How do I determine the best decking option for me?
A. We offer several decking options for a variety of needs and use cases. Below, we will list a few of our most popular options and some of their benefits.
- Bar Grating: Bar Grating is a strong and reliable decking option which allows air and light to move through. Will your product be rolling on your mezzanine? This is something to consider as bar grating adds more resistance against pallet jacks and carts compared to other options.
- Floor / Diamond Plate: Plating is a very safe and durable decking option that is sure to last. Manufactured from steel formed into a flat plate studded with a diamond tread, it provides a slip-resistant surface that carts and pallet jacks can roll across with ease.
- Resin Deck: Resin Deck comes in a variety of different panel types and finishes which have different capacities, making these a versatile option. The flat surface of this style of decking ensures great ease for rolling product. This type of flooring is laid over a metal B-Deck and is typically the most worthwhile decking application.
Q. What does PSF mean?
A. PSF is an abbreviation for Pounds per Square Foot, and is a measurement of uniform load capacity across your mezzanine. A standard mezzanine will generally support 125 pounds per square foot (PSF), but a variety of different materials can be used to increase the overall PSF limit of your mezzanine, making it more capable of handling heavier loads. Design load is the load in PSF averaged over the entire surface rather than a single heavy area on the structure known as a point load. Knowing the difference is essential when designing a safe mezzanine.
Q. Is there a minimum clear height for my mezzanine?
A. The minimum clear height under a mezzanine is usually at least 7'. This is also the same clear height between the decking of the mezzanine and the ceiling of your warhouse. Items to take into account when determining the clear height include positioning of lighting, sprinklers, and other obstructions in addition to any other items of concern as your jurisdiction evaluates.
Questions our sales team may review with you include:
- What is the structure being used for?
- What will be on top of the structure?
- Will material on the mezzanine be moving regularly or stored long term?
- Is the area dry?
- Will the mezzanine be used for an inplant office?
