The Complete Guide to Mezzanine Floors

Running out of space but dreading the thought of relocating? You’re not alone. Most growing businesses face this exact dilemma.

At Equip Storage Systems, we’ve spent over 30 years helping companies across the UK unlock the hidden potential above their heads. Our mezzanine floors transform that wasted vertical space into valuable floor area that costs significantly less than moving premises or building extensions.

We don’t just sell platforms – we design, manufacture, and install complete solutions that fit your specific needs. Whether you’re storing inventory, expanding retail space, or creating new office areas, our team handles everything from initial design to final installation.

What Is a Mezzanine Floor?

Ever walked into a building and noticed an intermediate level that doesn’t quite reach across the entire floor? That’s a mezzanine floor.

These free-standing structures, typically made from steel, create an additional usable level between your existing floor and ceiling. They’re sometimes called raised storage floors, platforms, or industrial flooring – but whatever the name, they all serve the same purpose: maximising your vertical space.

Every mezzanine we create at Equip goes through a thorough design process. We survey your site, prepare detailed plans for your approval, and use only top-quality materials. This attention to detail ensures your mezzanine won’t just meet your immediate needs – it’ll provide trouble-free service for years to come.

When Is a Mezzanine Floor Needed?

There are four key scenarios where a mezzanine becomes the obvious solution:

1. When Space Is at a Premium – You need more room but can’t afford the disruption of relocating. A mezzanine gives you that extra space at a fraction of the cost of moving.
2. For Retail Expansion – Your sales are growing but your floor space isn’t. A retail mezzanine creates additional display areas without the expense of moving to larger premises.
3. For Warehouse Optimisation – Your storage needs have outgrown your building footprint. A mezzanine can effectively double your available storage capacity overnight.
4. For Creating Office Space – You need workspace for staff but don’t want to sacrifice valuable floor area. A mezzanine transforms unused vertical space into productive office environments.

Benefits of Installing a Mezzanine Floor

Wondering if a mezzanine is worth the investment? Consider these advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness – Why pay for new premises when you can better utilise what you already have? Mezzanines make financial sense, often paying for themselves through avoided relocation costs alone.
• Durability and Strength – These aren’t flimsy temporary structures. Our steel mezzanines are built to last, handling heavy loads with ease in industrial and commercial settings.
• Versatility – As your business evolves, so can your mezzanine. These structures can be reconfigured, relocated, or expanded to match your changing needs.
• Minimal Disruption – Unlike major construction projects, mezzanines can often be installed in just days. Your business keeps running while we work.
• Retail Advantages – Beyond simple space expansion, retail mezzanines create natural flow patterns that guide customers through your store. A well-placed staircase becomes both functional and a powerful display opportunity.

How to Know If You Can Fit a Mezzanine Floor

Not sure if your building can accommodate a mezzanine? There are several factors you should consider to ensure it is a suitable location.

Firstly, and most importantly, ceiling height is a big deal. UK Building Regulations require at least 8ft clearance both under the mezzanine and between the mezzanine and ceiling. If you’re standing in your space looking up and thinking “that’s a lot of unused height,” you’re probably a good candidate.

You also need to consider the structure of your building. It needs to be able to accommodate the additional structure without any risks in terms of safety. Don’t worry about figuring this out yourself – our team conducts thorough assessments to ensure safety.

Mezzanines come with added extras, and these need to be considered before installation. We’ll need to plan for staircases, accessibility, and emergency exits – all crucial for both functionality and compliance.

And finally, consider how you will be using your mezzanine floor, as this has a big effect on design. Storage requires different specifications than office space or retail areas for example. 

Types of Mezzanine Floors

Industrial Mezzanine Floors

Need serious strength for heavy storage or equipment? Industrial mezzanines are built tough, with durability as the priority. They’re not pretty, but they get the job done when you need reliable performance in demanding environments.

Retail Mezzanine Floors

Want to create a shopping experience that stands out? Retail mezzanines do more than just add floor space – they create distinct shopping zones and visual interest that can transform your store’s atmosphere.

Our retail mezzanines offer endless design possibilities. From the style of handrails to the finish of the flooring, we help you create a cohesive look that enhances your brand experience rather than just adding square footage.

Office Mezzanine Floors

Need professional workspace without sacrificing ground floor operations? Office mezzanines create quiet, separate environments above the hustle of your main floor. With office partitioning, suspended ceilings, and appropriate finishes, these spaces feel like purpose-built offices rather than afterthoughts.

Storage Mezzanine Floors

Drowning in inventory with nowhere to put it? Storage mezzanines maximise capacity with platforms specifically designed for efficient inventory management and archiving. They’re the quickest way to double your storage capacity without doubling your footprint.

Key Components of a Mezzanine Floor

Decking Options

The surface you walk on matters. We offer everything from standard 38mm particle board to steel plate (smooth or patterned), steel mesh, or even concrete when you need exceptional rigidity. The right deck depends on your specific use case – we’ll help you choose.

Handrailing

Safety never looks bad. Our handrails range from utilitarian industrial models to sleek retail designs with glass or stainless steel finishes. We can match existing aesthetics or create custom designs that complement your brand.

Staircases

Access shouldn’t be an afterthought. Our standard 900mm staircases meet Building Regulations, but we also create showpiece staircases for retail environments or wider options for disabled access compliance. The right staircase enhances both function and appearance.

Fire Protection

Meeting regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. If your mezzanine exceeds certain size thresholds or will house office, retail, or permanent staff areas, you’ll need fire protection. We handle this with suspended ceilings and column casings available in finishes that complement your space.

The Mezzanine Floor Installation Process

Wondering what to expect? Here’s our proven process:

1. Initial Free Site Survey We start by understanding your space and needs, measuring and assessing without obligation.
2. Detailed Plans and Structural Calculations Using the latest CAD technology, we create precise plans that show exactly what you’ll get.
3. Building Regulations/Landlords Approvals Leave the paperwork to us – we obtain all necessary permissions on your behalf.
4. Prefabrication of All Components Everything is manufactured to exacting standards before arriving at your site.
5. Expert Installation Our trained teams work efficiently to minimise disruption to your operations.

We’ll also collaborate with you on timing and phasing to reduce impact on your business. The goal isn’t just to install a mezzanine – it’s to solve your space problem with minimal headaches.

Why Choose Equip Storage Systems

You have options when it comes to mezzanine providers. Here’s why companies have trusted us for three decades:

Our approach combines thorough planning with quality execution. Every mezzanine starts with a comprehensive site survey and detailed plans that you approve before we manufacture anything. This ensures the final installation perfectly suits your requirements.

We don’t just drop a structure in your building and leave. Our team guides you through every step, from initial concepts to regulatory approvals to final installation. We handle the complexities of building regulations and landlord consents, making the entire process remarkably straightforward for you.

If you would like to know more, or have a project you would like to discuss, contact Equip Storage Systems today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by a mezzanine floor?

Feeling confused by the architectural jargon? A mezzanine floor is simply an intermediate level installed between your existing floor and ceiling. It’s a free-standing structure (typically made from steel) that creates additional usable space without permanent structural changes to your building.

Think of it as an inserted floor that doesn’t extend across your entire building footprint. Unlike traditional building extensions, mezzanines utilise your existing vertical space – that empty air above your head that you’re already paying for in heating and rent. They’re particularly popular in warehouses, retail environments, and industrial settings where maximising space efficiency directly impacts the bottom line.

Do you need planning permission for a mezzanine floor?

Dreading the bureaucratic maze of planning applications? Here’s some good news: generally, you don’t need planning permission to install a mezzanine floor since it’s considered an internal alteration rather than an extension or change of use.

However, you will need Building Regulations approval to ensure the structure meets safety standards. If you’re leasing your premises, you’ll also likely need landlord consent. Specific requirements kick in if your mezzanine will cover more than 50% of your building’s floor area, exceeds 20 metres in either direction, or will house permanent staff. In these cases, fire protection becomes mandatory.

Don’t worry about navigating these requirements alone – at Equip Storage Systems, we handle all necessary approvals on your behalf as part of our comprehensive service.

Does a mezzanine add value?

Wondering if this investment will pay off beyond just solving your immediate space crunch? In most cases, yes – a mezzanine floor adds substantial value to your property or business.

For property owners, a well-designed mezzanine increases the usable floor area without the cost of extending the building footprint, potentially increasing property value. For business owners, the value comes from maximising operational efficiency in your existing space. When you consider that the alternative might be relocating (with all the associated disruption and expense), a mezzanine often delivers exceptional ROI.

Retail businesses particularly benefit as mezzanines create distinctive shopping environments that can increase dwell time and sales. For warehouses, the value comes from dramatically increased storage capacity without increased rent. The key is quality installation that complements your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

How long does it take to install a mezzanine?

Concerned about disruption to your operations? The installation timeframe varies depending on the size and complexity of your mezzanine project, but most installations complete much faster than you might expect.

A standard industrial mezzanine of average size (approximately 100-200 square meters) typically takes just 1-2 weeks from start to finish. More complex retail mezzanines with special finishes and features might extend to 3-4 weeks. The process includes the initial framework installation, decking, staircases, handrails, and any additional features like fire protection.

We understand that time is money, which is why we prefabricate components off-site before arrival. This significantly reduces on-site installation time and minimises disruption to your business. Many of our clients maintain operations during installation, with our teams working around your schedule when possible.

Is a mezzanine floor safe?

Safety concerns keeping you awake at night? When properly designed and installed by professionals, mezzanine floors are extremely safe structures.

All Equip Storage Systems mezzanines are engineered to meet or exceed UK Building Regulations standards, with appropriate load calculations, robust structural components, and essential safety features like secure handrailing and properly designed staircases. Our structures undergo rigorous structural calculations during the design phase to ensure they’ll handle their intended use safely.

Safety features include full perimeter handrails meeting height requirements (minimum 1100mm), appropriate staircase designs with correct rise and going measurements, and fire protection measures where required. We also install kickplates at floor level to prevent items being accidentally pushed off the edge.

Remember, DIY mezzanines or those installed by inexperienced contractors pose significant safety risks. Always work with established specialists who understand regulatory requirements and have a proven track record of safe installations.