The English word “Mezzanine” comes from the Italian word “Mezza.” The Italian word Mezza means “Middle” of “half.” So, from the origin of the mezzanine word, we can guess about the mezzanine structure. Today we will discuss “Mezzanine floor height: The definitive guide.”
There are some rules and regulations while constructing a mezzanine floor. One of these rules and regulations is related to the height of the mezzanine floors.
Once the mezzanine floor becomes operational, the space below it can be used for storing or other things. Mezzanine floors are not required to be included in the basic building plan.
With some careful design, they can be built and rearranged at any moment in the current facilities. Mezzanines differ from conventional flooring levels in this regard. Mezzanine floors can be made of various materials such as steel, concrete, wood, etc.
Each of these materials that can be used to construct a mezzanine floor has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a steel mezzanine floor is generally more expensive than a wood mezzanine floor.
But a steel mezzanine floor is also durable compared to wood mezzanine floors. The mezzanine floor of the warehouse had to be very durable and capable enough to hold massive weights. For this reason, steel is used to construct mezzanine floors in the warehouse.
In this article, we will discuss the following things,
This article will be especially beneficial for the following group of people:
- Warehouse owners and managers who want to have a clear idea about the height of the mezzanine floor.
- Warehouse owners and managers who want to find out if their mezzanine floor height is okay or not.
- Warehouse owners and managers who are looking for a company to buy a customizable mezzanine floor
- Academics and researchers who want to know more about various aspects of the mezzanine floors.
What Exactly Is A Warehouse Mezzanine Floor?
A warehouse mezzanine floor is an elevated platform that is constructed between the ground and the roof/ceiling of a warehouse. In simpler terms, a warehouse mezzanine is a floor built between a floor that already exists and the roof.
A mezzanine floor can be a permanent, temporary, or moveable structure. In warehouse facilities, mezzanine floors are usually permanent or temporary structures. Moveable mezzanine floors are generally not used in warehouse facilities.
One of the great benefits of using a mezzanine floor in a warehouse is that it can be easily dismantled. You can restructure or rebuild your mezzanine floor in the warehouse based on your demands.
A mezzanine floor is one of the best ways to use the already available space in your warehouse. These systems make advantage of the facility’s existing, empty vertical space. To know more about the mezzanine floor, and different types of mezzanine floors, click mezzanine floor design.
What Is The Mezzanine Floor Height Regulation?
There is no Universal mezzanine floor height regulation. Different countries may have different laws and regulations related to the mezzanine floor height. Moreover, there can be different laws within a country regarding the height of the mezzanine floor.
In some countries, states can enact laws. So, in these countries mezzanine floors may have different height requirements for different heights. So, it is difficult to come up with a universal height regulation for the mezzanine floors.
The Internation Building Code 2021 And Mezzanine Floor Regulation
“The International Building Code” can be followed while constructing a mezzanine floor. The International Code Council created “The International Building Code “(IBC) which is a model building code (ICC). The majority of the states of the USA have adopted it.
The most latest version of the Internation building code is 2021. “International Building Code- 2021” has some specific guidelines that are related to the height of the mezzanine floors.
In chapter 5, “General Building Heights And Areas”; Section 505 is about the Mezzanine and equipment platform. In Section 505.2, it is written,
“A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with Section 505.2 shall be considered a portion of the story below. Such mezzanines shall not contribute to either the building area or number of stories as regulated by section 503.1.”
“The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet(2134 mm).”
The Internation Building Code 2021 And Specific Guidelines Of Mezzanine Floor In Metre
So, from section 505.2, we found that the height of the mezzanine floor should be 7 feet at least. 7 feet equal to 2.1336 meters.
So a mezzanine floor’s space below it and over it should be at least 2.1336 meters.
What Is The Mezzanine Floor Minimum Height?
From the previous section, We’ve found the guideline for the mezzanine floor height from the IBC(International Building Code).
Mezzanine Floor Height In Meters
The minimum height of the mezzanine floor should be 2.1336 meters of 7 feet according to the IBC.
But why has IBC recommended the guideline of a minimum of 7 feet? The reason for this is that workers need to move below and above the mezzanine floor. That’s why IBC has recommended a minimum of 7 feet keeping in mind the worker’s height.
But to be very specific, This “International Building Code” is not Universally applicable. Apart from the USA, most countries are not bound to follow it.
If warehouses situated in other countries follow “IBC’s” minimum height requirements, it is for their good. As this minimum height requirement ensures an easy walking space above and under the mezzanine floors.
Is The Mezzanine Floor Height Customizable?
Yes, of course; the height of the mezzanine floor is customizable.
For instance, the bare minimum height should be 2.1336 meters. You should not have a mezzanine floor lower than 2.1336 meters. However, you may have a mezzanine floor that’s height is much more than 2.1336 meters.
You can have a mezzanine floor that height is 3/4/5 meters depending on your needs and circumstances. If the height of your warehouse’s ground-to-ceiling is 10 meters, you can have a 5-meter high mezzanine floor.
It should be noted that every warehouse doesn’t have huge distances from the roof to the ground. While constructing the mezzanine floor, the warehouses’ roof-to-ground distance should be kept in mind.
So, we can understand that a mezzanine floor’s height is customizable. However, to what extent you want to increase its height depends on the distance between your warehouse’s height.
Mezzanine Ceiling Height.
What is the ceiling of a mezzanine floor?
The empty vertical space which is above the mezzanine floor is called the ceiling of the mezzanine floor.
Ideally, the height of a mezzanine floor ceiling should be at least 2.1336 meters according to the “IBC.” For warehouse usage, the higher the ceiling of the mezzanine floor will be, the better it’ll be.
Because, generally on the warehouse mezzanine, things are stored on top of one another. So, if the height of the ceiling is higher, generally more things can be stored on that mezzanine floor.
That’s why it’s highly beneficial for warehouses to have maximum mezzanine ceiling height.
Calculating The Mezzanine Ceiling Height
Suppose, in a warehouse, the distance between the ground and the roof is 7 meters.
The height of the mezzanine floor from the ground to its platform should be at least 2.1336 meters. Apart from the height of the ground to the roof, there is also the height of the mezzanine platform. Suppose the height of the mezzanine platform is 0.2 meters
So, the mezzanine floor height would be,
Total distance from the ground to roof – (Mezzanine platform to ground distance + mezzanine platform height)
= (7- (2.1336+0.2) )
= 4.6664 meters
So, the height of the mezzanine floor to the ceiling is 4.664 meters. In this way, you can calculate any existing mezzanine floor’s ceiling height.
What Are The Things You Should Consider For The Height Of The Mezzanine Floors?
You need to consider the distance between your warehouse’s ground to roof height and more such things. The things you should consider while calculating the height of the mezzanine floor are as follows:
For What Purpose Mainly It Will Be Used?
In a warehouse, mezzanine floors are mainly used to store goods. However, mezzanine floors can be used for other purposes too. For instance, warehouse managers can observe the entire warehouse standing on the platform of the mezzanine floor.
There are many other types of uses for mezzanine floors in a warehouse, which include,
- Mezzanine floors can be used as a work platform.
- Some tables and chairs can be set up to have coffee and tea in the warehouse.
Even if the mezzanine floor is mainly used for storing goods, it can be used for other purposes too. To find out the suitable height of the mezzanine floor, first, you should find out its usage.
If it’s used only for storing goods, then the height of the mezzanine floor to ceiling should be maximum.
The mezzanine Floor Must Have Moveable Space Under It
The upper portion of the mezzanine floor in the warehouse is used for keeping goods. The lower part of the mezzanine floor should be kept empty for the movement of humans and goods.
There are various types of equipment that are used in the warehouse. Some of this equipment is larger. The space under the mezzanine floor should be constructed at a height that this equipment can be moved easily.
However, some of the warehouse’s height from the ground to the roof is not too high. In these warehouses, the space under the mezzanine floor should be at least 2.1336 meters.
Keeping a minimum height of 2.1336 under the mezzanine floor ensures humans can easily move under it.
In Which Portion Of The Warehouse The Mezzanine Floor Is Located
A mezzanine floor can be located on various portions of the warehouse, which includes,
- front portion.
- back portion.
- Middle portion.
- side portion.
When The Mezzanine Floor Is Located On The Front Portion
A mezzanine floor is usually not located in the front portion of the warehouse. However, if the warehouse has a shortage of space, a mezzanine floor can be located on the front portion too.
The front portion is used for the entrance and exit for workers, equipment, and goods of the warehouse. So, when a mezzanine floor is on the front portion of the warehouse, it should have-
- Enough space under it to move workers, equipment, and goods.
- The height from the ground to the platform of the mezzanine floor should be maximum.
- The height from the platform to the ceiling should be minimum.
When The Mezzanine Floor Is Located On The Back Portion
When the mezzanine floor will be constructed here, it means there will be fewer movements below it. There will be fewer movements for machines specifically as the back portion is the end of the warehouse.
That’s why various equipment like forklifts may not need to be moved under the mezzanine floors. If the mezzanine floor is located on the back portion, the height of the mezzanine floor-
- The height from the platform to the ceiling should be maximum.
- The height from the ground to the platform of the mezzanine floor should be a minimum.
When The Mezzanine Floor Is Located On The Middle Portion
When the mezzanine floor is located in the middle portion, workers and machines need to move under it. So, it’s important to have enough space under the mezzanine floor so workers and machines can move easily.
If the mezzanine floor is located in the middle portion, the height of the mezzanine floor-
- The height from the platform to the ceiling should be minimum.
- The height from the ground to the platform of the mezzanine floor should be maximum.
When The Mezzanine Floor Is Located On The Side Portion
If the mezzanine floor is located on the side portion, it’s enough to have moveable space for workers only. Because machines may not need to be moved to the other side using the mezzanine platform’s underneath space.
If the mezzanine floor is located on the back portion, the height of the mezzanine floor-
- The height from the platform to the ceiling should be maximum.
- The height from the ground to the platform of the mezzanine floor should be a minimum.
So, in a nutshell, the mezzanine floor’s height from the platform to the ceiling height should be maximum when
- When the mezzanine floor is located on the back or side portion of the warehouse. As the movement of equipment on the side and back portion of the warehouse is not necessary.
The mezzanine floor’s height from the platform to the ceiling height should be minimum when
- When the mezzanine floor is located in the middle or on the front side of the warehouse. The movement of taller equipment becomes necessary from one place to another in this situation.
It is better if the mezzanine floor is located on the side or back of the mezzanine floor. In that way, the height between the mezzanine platform and the ceiling can be maximum. As a result, more vertical space can be used for the storage of the products.
The movement space for equipment remains open too in the middle and the front in this case.
So, these are the things you should consider while calculating the ideal height of the mezzanine floor.
Can You Construct A Mezzanine Floor Even If It Was Not Included In The Initial Warehouse Plan?
Yes, of course, you can construct a mezzanine floor even if it’s not included in the initial plan.
A mezzanine platform is built over the floor of the warehouse. However, there are some conditions related to the height of the warehouse and the soil quality of the ground. These conditions are as follows:
Height-Related Conditions
We know the minimum recommended height of the mezzanine floor is 2.1336 meters. This recommended height is for the space over and below the mezzanine floor. Also, there is a height of the mezzanine platform too.
So, a warehouse minimum height should be at least = The recommended height of the space under the mezzanine floor + the recommended height of the space over the mezzanine floors and the height of the mezzanine platform
If we consider the height of the mezzanine platform 0.2 meters, so the warehouse’s minimum height is = (2.1336 + 2.1336 + 0.2 ) meter
= 4.4672 meter
Note: The height of the “Mezzanine platform” can be different based on the circumstances. Here, in our calculation, we have taken a sample height of the “Mezzanine platform.”
So, the warehouse’s height from the ground to the roof should be at least 4.4672 meters. In that case, the mezzanine floor can be built on the warehouse.
Soil Quality Of The Warehouse
The soil quality of the warehouse is another important thing for the construction of the mezzanine floor. The soil quality should be checked before the construction of the mezzanine floor.
It should be checked if the soil can withhold a huge platform like a mezzanine floor in the warehouse.
Generally, the warehouses easily meet the two above-mentioned conditions. When a warehouse is designed, architects make a modest height between its ground and the roof.
This height of the warehouse should easily cover the minimum requirements of the mezzanine floor. Also, the soil of the warehouse is generally capable of holding the mezzanine floor load.
Also, If the soil quality is poor, it can be overcome by placing more columns on the mezzanine floors. The more columns will be used to construct it, the less pressure it will put on the soil.
Things You Need To Know About The Mezzanine Floor Elevation.
There are various things you should consider if you want to elevate the mezzanine floor, which includes,
Need More Storage? Consider Having Multiple Mezzanine Floor On Top Of One Another
You should not have a mezzanine floor that takes more than one-third of the space of the warehouse. This guideline was set by the “International Building Code- 2021.” According to the International Building Code, section 505.2.1
“The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanine within a room shall not be greater than one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.
The enclosed portion of a room shall not be included in a determination of the floor area of the room in which the mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine shall not be included in the floor area of the room.”
This one-third limitation has been put in place so that workers and machines can move easily in the warehouse. However, there are no restrictions if you want to build multiple mezzanine floors in the warehouse.
Having multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another ensures more efficient use of the vertical space. However, you should make sure of these two things while constructing multiple mezzanine floors,
- The height of the warehouse.
- The soil quality of the warehouse.
In Which Part Of The Warehouse The Mezzanine Floor Is Located
If your mezzanine floor is located in the front or middle part, it’s difficult to elevate the mezzanine floor. In these circumstances, the height of the mezzanine floor from platform to ground needs to be high. Because goods, humans, and machines need to move under it.
If the mezzanine floor is located in the back or side part, it’s easy to elevate the mezzanine floor. Because in these situations, keeping a minimum space below the mezzanine platform is enough. So, the space above the mezzanine floor can be elevated.
More Columns Are Needed For Multiple Mezzanine Floors That Are On Top Of One Another
If you are planning to construct multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another, more columns are needed. Because the more columns you will have, the less pressure the mezzanine floor will put on the ground.
Moreover, having more columns helps to distribute a load of mezzanine floors efficiently. Having more columns also helps to decrease the load on columns.
So, if you are planning mezzanine floor elevation, consider adding more columns. However, you should not add so many columns that walking or moving goods become impossible. You should always keep space under the mezzanine floor for walking or moving goods.
Add Stairs On Each Level Of A Multi-Level Mezzanine Floor
When you have a multi-level mezzanine floor, you need to go from one level to another. So, it is necessary to keep a separate space for stairs in the mezzanine floor designs.
So, these are the things that you should know about the mezzanine floor elevation.
Difference Between A Mezzanine Floor And The Floor Of The Warehouse.
There are many differences between the Floor and the mezzanine floor of the warehouse, which include,
Planning
If you have a floor in the warehouse, it is pre-designed before the construction of the warehouse. However, mezzanine floors can be built even if it is not pre-designed while constructing the building.
Area Of Coverage
A floor of a warehouse takes up the complete space of the warehouse. However, a mezzanine floor can’t take up the whole space of the warehouse. According to the IBC’s recommendations, mezzanine floors can take a maximum of one-third of the floor space.
Support
The floor of the warehouse doesn’t need the support of any columns or pillars. On the contrary, mezzanine floors are built upon the floors. It needs the support of columns. Mezzanine floors stand upon the columns.
Stairs
You need stairs to access any level of mezzanine floors. If you have multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another, each floor needs stairs to access it. On the other hand, the floors of the warehouse don’t need any stairs to access it.
Usability
A mezzanine floor is used mainly to store products in the warehouse. It can be used for an observation deck and workspace too.
A floor is used for many reasons. It is used to transport goods and equipment in a warehouse from one place to another. The floor is used for the movements of workers in the warehouse. Some goods can also be stored on the floor in the warehouse.
Compared to the mezzanine floor, the scope and useability of the warehouse floor are huge.
So, these are some of the differences between the mezzanine floor and the floor of the warehouse.
Advantages Of Using A Mezzanine Floor.
Using a mezzanine floor is beneficial for a warehouse in several ways, which include,
Efficient Use Of The Warehouse Space
Having a mezzanine floor ensures you are efficiently using the space of the warehouse. By installing a mezzanine racking, you can also use the space below it and over it. Thus, you can add the storage capacity of your warehouse without expanding it.
Safe To Use
Mezzanine floors are very safe to use. Once it is installed properly, it can handle huge loads. If it is not overloaded, there is no chance of breaking the mezzanine floor.
Keeping the goods on top of the mezzanine floor ensures it remains safe. The workers of the warehouse also feel safe while working on the mezzanine platform. For additional safety, you can add guardrails to the mezzanine floors.
Easy To Use
After installing it, mezzanine floors are very easy to use. The loading and unloading of the product are also very on the mezzanine floor.
Affordable Warehouse Storage Solutions
Having a mezzanine floor means a warehouse will have additional space without increasing its area. A mezzanine floor is an affordable storage solution for the warehouse. If the warehouse area were to be increased, it would cost much more than installing the mezzanine floor.
Mezzanine Floors Can Be Disassembled
Mezzanine floors can be easily disassembled too. The warehouse may have to move to some other locations. In that case, disassembling the mezzanine floor is a great idea. The mezzanine floor can be constructed again on a new facility.
These are some of the advantages of using a mezzanine floor. To know more about the advantages of using the mezzanine floor, read what is a mezzanine floor.
Should You Install A Mezzanine Floor For Your Warehouse?
Whether you should install a mezzanine floor for your warehouse depends on your warehouse storage demands.
If your warehouse needs additional storage, installing a mezzanine floor is a great idea. If you can afford to have a mezzanine floor in your warehouse for a storage solution, you may install it.
Besides the mezzanine floor, there are also other types of storage solutions for the warehouse-like- pallet racking system. Knowing more about the pallet racking system in the warehouse, what is pallet racking will be beneficial.
Where Can You Buy A Mezzanine Floor For Your Warehouse?
If you are planning to buy a mezzanine floor, you can contact Mracking for the construction of mezzanine floors. Here are the reasons why you should consider ordering a mezzanine floor from Mracking:
Fully Customizable
Mracking offer fully customizable mezzanine floors for your warehouse. You can customize the following things of the mezzanine floors:
- Length, Width, and Height
- Load taking capacity
- Weight
- Layer
- Colors
Faster Delivery
Mracking’s estimated delivery of the mezzanine floor is approximately 25 days.
Free Drawing And Installation Service
We offer free drawings of the mezzanine floors for our customers. Besides that, we also offer complete installation services for our customers. To know about the mezzanine floor installation, read mezzanine floor installation.
Mezzanine Floors At An Affordable Price
Mracking’s price of the Mezzanine floor is also very affordable compared to many other companies in the market. If you want to know about the mezzanine floor cost in detail, mezzanine floor cost will be beneficial for you.
This article explains in great detail the mezzanine floor height. Feel free to message us with any kind of inquiry related to the mezzanine floors.