Factors to Consider During Mezzanine Floor Construction
A Mezzanine is an interesting and one of the most suitable options to increase the space on a single floor, but it is still little known. Its many variants make it possible to meet the various needs in terms of layout and constitute exquisite living spaces. But how to design it? Which material and layout to choose for your space?
Indeed, several factors must be considered to build a mezzanine – the type of mezzanine structure, the materials used for the structure (steel, concrete, wood, etc.), the final appearance of the mezzanine, the choice of staircase and railing, and most importantly your budget.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the factors to consider during mezzanine floor construction and some tips for successfully designing a custom mezzanine!
1. Dimensions to Determine the Feasibility of Your Mezzanine
To realise your mezzanine project, it is imperative to respect certain technical aspects. Start by checking the feasibility of your project. Indeed, it is important to have a minimum space of 1.9 meters above the mezzanine’s floor and a minimum space of two meters below.
The thickness of the floor depends on the chosen structure – wood, metal, or composite floor. It can vary from 15 to 30 cm. You, therefore, need a minimum total height of 4.20 m. You should also consider how much weight the existing structures can support. The best is to consult a mezzanine floors Sydney professional.
Tip – take height measurements in at least two places. Existing floors are not always straight!
2. The Structure of Your Mezzanine Floor
- A structure of posts and beams can support your mezzanine. In this case, check the composition of the floor and the location of the posts. The posts must rest on an existing floor beam in the case of a light-frame floor.
- An alternative solution: the beams span the distance from one load-bearing wall to another.
- Cantilever from the load-bearing wall. This solution is the most complicated and expensive. It is only possible for shallow mezzanines.
To build an efficient and inexpensive mezzanine, opt for a simple structure. Take care of the details to obtain an impeccable and classy appearance. Complicated shapes may seem trendy to you. In reality, they quickly go out of fashion and are rarely worth the investment.
Likewise, when it comes to large spaces where the goal of adding a mezzanine floor is to store heavier items or where there will be more foot traffic, the structure will be chosen accordingly.
3. Which Material to Choose for the Mezzanine Floor
Wood to Make a Mezzanine at the Lowest Cost
Raw wood and glulam beams are an option that respects the environment because wood is a renewable material. However, it is important to use certified wood.
A wooden mezzanine does not necessarily have a rustic appearance. The wood used in combination with metal, glass, and contemporary furniture offers a very elegant appearance.
The floor can be made of wooden joists covered with an OSB plate (the cheapest solution) or a self-supporting dry floor. The floor thickness will be around 20-25cm approximately.
In rustic decor, wood is an obvious choice. If your decor combines a happy mix of wood and steel in a modern spirit, reproduce this juxtaposition of materials in the creation of your mezzanine.
Metal to Create a Thin Floor
Metal beams can provide longer spans for less thickness. Metal tube joists are a common solution for the floor. The tubes are covered with an OSB floor.
Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel give an impression of lightness and elegance. Gracefully showcasing the handrails (horizontal hand support surface), they will subtly highlight the stairway. These types of materials fit perfectly well with industrial or modern decor.
An alternative solution is a composite floor that consists of a sheet of steel deck covered with cast-in-place concrete. For these two solutions, the floor thickness is less, about 12-15cm.
Concrete
For its part, the concrete and the stone robustly underline the right angles in value in the industrial decorations. The glass, evoking both purity and space, allows the light to filter inside the mezzanine and to visually integrate it into the overall decor with efficiency.
4. Which Staircase to Choose
The construction of the staircase must also respect precise indications to be able to go down and up with ease on the surface of the mezzanine. The commonly accepted standard is that the height of the step and the length of the tread (the space where you place your foot) combined together and multiplied by two must total between 60 and 65 centimetres.
Although it may be tempting to thwart these requirements by installing a ladder instead of a stairway, note that this practice is not safe.
A commonly used formula for staircase design is:
61cm
G= tread height
H= step height
Choose your staircase according to the opening possibilities and the organisation of the room. The straight staircase is the most practical but can be quite long. Stairs with 1/4 or 2/4 turns are frequently chosen. For optimal space saving, you can choose a spiral staircase.
You can also order a custom staircase or opt for a set of stairs- often adjustable and easy to climb, these stairs offer an economical solution. For both solutions, you can find options in wood, metal, or a mixture of both.
The minimum width of a staircase is 74cm. The most common diameters for spiral staircases are 125cm, 140cm, or 160cm.
Tip – incorporate the choice of stairs early in the design phase.
5. Choosing a Railing for the Mezzanine
It is stipulated that the guardrail (the barrier at the edge of the stairs that prevents the climbing individual from falling) must be a minimum of 42 inches in height. Limit the space between the various spaces of the guardrail as much as possible, and be aware that it is not allowed to leave a space greater than 3.9 inches between these sections.
The handrail (the horizontal support bar for the hand) must be easy to identify and have no breaks along its surface. Its extremities must not have any irregularities capable of causing injury to a blind person.
The entire ramp (guardrail and handrail) must have a pressure resistance of at least 113 pounds/square foot to prevent more pronounced pressure on it from causing a person to fall.
In short, for the mezzanine railing:
- Respect the minimum height for a guardrail of 1m
- Respect the standard relating to the design of the railing – the distance between the elements that make it up, between the floor and the last horizontal bar, between the wall and the last vertical bar, etc.
6. The Models of Mezzanine Floors
There are several models of mezzanine floors, including:
1. Free-standing mezzanine – This type of mezzanine does not require any additional support from the existing structure and is supported by its own columns.
2. Catwalk mezzanine – This model is used for walkways, platforms, and observation decks, usually found in large warehouses, factories or retail stores.
5. Structural steel mezzanine – This type of mezzanine is built with a stronger framework, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications such as industrial production plants and manufacturing facilities.
6. Column-supported mezzanine – This model is supported by existing columns, eliminating the need for additional support structures.
7. Multi-tier mezzanine – This type of mezzanine involves stacking one mezzanine on top of another, increasing the available floor space in a small area.
7. The Price of a Mezzanine: a Difficult Estimate
It is rather difficult to answer this question since the price will vary depending on several factors discussed above. At first glance, note that the material used will be a major influencing factor.
In addition, the area remains an obvious factor to consider when the time comes to determine the cost of the mezzanine flooring project.
Finally, note that the vocation of the mezzanine will greatly vary the price to be paid. If you need to set up water inlets, electrical outlets, or an air conditioner to make the room functional and habitable, you should not forget to include the costs relating to their installation in your budget.
We recommend you always obtain at least three quotes for constructing your mezzanine.
So these were the important factors to consider during mezzanine floor construction. Whatever material, structure, or type of mezzanine floor you choose to use for your mezzanine project, always clarify the steps of the project, know what the priorities are at each stage, and opt for the best companies offering high-quality mezzanine systems to make your mezzanine project a success!