Warehouse space is always at a premium, so it’s important that it’s used effectively and maximised where possible. One way to maximise warehouse space is by building a mezzanine floor. A mezzanine floor has a lot of uses in a warehouse, but ultimately building a new mezzanine floor in a warehouse is about either doubling the floor space of a given area or moving a warehouse activity so that it’s above the warehouse floor, freeing the floor for something else.
Basically speaking, there’s a lot that can be done with a mezzanine level beyond just “general storage.” Sure, a mezzanine is great for general storage, but if you’re only thinking about it for storage, you may be missing some opportunities for mezzanine levels.
Uses For An Open Mezzanine Level
Most warehouse mezzanine levels are open to the rest of the warehouse. Of course they’ll have safety railings but at least one of the sides doesn’t have a wall on it. An open mezzanine is more suitable for typical warehouse and industrial activities. Here are a few.
General Storage
We’ve already mentioned general storage, but it’s worth mentioning this classic mezzanine use again. Whether you’re using the mezzanine level to store goods you don’t use often or you’re using the space underneath the mezzanine for storage and the mezzanine itself for something more active, it’s useful to have this extra floor space.
There’s not much more to say about using a mezzanine for storage. It’s basic but it’s useful.
Shelving
Going a little bit beyond general storage is installing industrial shelving on a mezzanine level. Although shelving is still storage, shelving has a little more intent and interaction to it. Shelving is designed for quick and easy picking of small goods and cartons, so it’s often not terribly high, meaning vertical space is wasted. If a mezzanine is built above pallet racking, the warehouse floor itself is still being used, and all the vertical space possible is used as well.
Of course if cartons are being picked from a mezzanine, it’s important that there’s an easy way to get those cartons down. Because of this, many warehouses choose to integrate a conveyor system with their mezzanine level.
Packing
Beyond picking, a mezzanine level can also be used for packing. Again, this frees up the floor space for more heavy duty storage on pallet racks. A packing area, especially one that packages goods to be sent out to consumers, can take up a lot of space. Moving this above the warehouse floor can open that floor to be used for something else.
Again, a conveyor system may be required to move goods to and from the mezzanine, but this may be worthwhile when it comes to space saving.
Uses For A Closed Mezzanine Level
We often think of a classic warehouse mezzanine level as one that’s open and used for something industrial. However, a lot of warehouse mezzanines get walls installed and a full fit-out inside to create a brand new space for the warehouse. Here’s some typical uses.
Warehouse Office
Closing off a mezzanine allows a business to do a full fit-out and use it as an office. This can either be a large open space or a series of small private offices. A lot of warehouses already have office spaces attached, and although it’s usually the warehouse that fills up first, sometimes a business needs more office space. Alternatively, businesses that are more manufacturing focused may need a space that’s a bit like an office and a bit like a warehouse. For example, a space where product designs happen. There’s a lot that can be done with a warehouse office.
Meeting Area
Similar to an office is using a mezzanine (whether open or closed) as a meeting area. This meeting area may be a convenient place to meet clients and also warehouse workers. While a lot can be communicated on the warehouse floor, sometimes it’s more convenient to have a more formal space.
Break Room
It’s important that all workers have a safe and comfortable place to have a break, and a mezzanine floor is a great spot for this. All warehouses need a designated break area, but it’s also important to not take away valuable storage space for this. Creating a mezzanine floor that’s closed off from the rest of the warehouse creates a great space for workers to take a break or have a meal.
What Will You Use Your Mezzanine For?
There are plenty of uses for a mezzanine floor, these are only just a few of them.
Whatever your idea for a mezzanine, we’re able to build it for you. Get in touch with us to discuss your next mezzanine project.
