It’s no secret that in many industries as your business grows the space you need will also increase. The instinct most business owners have is to relocate to a larger space. This is a huge cost which can often be swapped out with multiple quicker and cheaper solutions. The most popular of these solutions are a mezzanine floor or a racking system; both have a strong track record and both can deliver real results. The right choice, though, depends entirely on your specific operation. This guide breaks down both options so you can make an informed decision.
What Is A Racking System?
If you’ve ever visited a large warehouse facility, you may have seen these without knowing the name of them. Racking systems are freestanding steel shelves that allow the vertical storage of goods; this allows you to unlock the vertical footprint of your business instead of needing to expand outward or relocate. There are lots of variants which can be configured to suit any business needs. These ranges include cantilever, narrow aisle racking and drive-in racking; each system suits different stock and workflows.
Racking is a well-established solution which, in comparison to mezzanine flooring, is a relatively straightforward way to unlock height. Further to this, they are typically quicker to install and can be easily reconfigured or moved if their business continues to grow. It’s best suited for businesses that are focused on logistics, pallet storage or picking/packing operations.
What Is A Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor is an intermediate platform installed between the ground floor and the roof or first floor of your unit. It creates the illusion of having an extra storey on the ground-floor level; this unlocks your vertical space without extending the building footprint. Mezzanine floor solutions are designed to suit your exact measurements and load requirements, allowing them to be tailored to any situation.
A considered installation of a mezzanine floor can be utilised for multiple applications such as storage, office or production areas. The space freed up below the mezzanine floor can be utilised as normal as long as the headroom is adequate. Check out our blog about ceiling heights for mezzanine floors here.
Key Differences at a Glance
Let’s now take a look at the difference between the two solutions so you can better make an informed decision.
Useable Floor Area
Simply put, if you’re in the market for new floor space, then a mezzanine floor is the only option. Although racking utilises your vertical space, once it is installed, that space can only be utilised for storage. Once you have installed a mezzanine floor, the space created can be utilised for multiple purposes depending on the load capacity.
Flexibility of Use
Racking is mostly purpose-built; it does one thing very well: storage. On the other hand, a mezzanine floor can be utilised for multiple functions subject to the load capacity. This includes office space, training rooms, quality control areas, additional production areas or high-density storage areas. In real-world terms, this makes a mezzanine floor a more attractive investment, as it’s more versatile, particularly for people who don’t know how their business may evolve.
Cost
Racking systems are generally cheaper to purchase and then install. For operations which are smaller or those on a tighter budget, this is a significant advantage. Mezzanine floors require a larger upfront investment; however, the return on investment tends to be significantly higher when the space created is factored in. Furthermore, when you’re comparing a mezzanine floor to traditional expansion or relocation, a mezzanine floor is mostly always a better upfront investment.
Installation and Time Disruption
One of the main differences between racking mezzanine floors is the installation time and the disruption caused. Generally speaking, racking can be installed in a matter of days depending on the scale. Mezzanine floors, on the other hand need designing, fabricating and installing. This means the whole project can take between six and twelve weeks from enquiry to installation. A mezzanine, however, doesn’t need to halt your operations in full. Working with an experienced mezzanine floor contractor can help you to minimise effects on your day-to-day operations.
Ceiling Height Requirements
Both systems detailed require sufficient ceiling height to be safe and operate as intended. Racking systems require clearance for forklift operation and safe stacking. Mezzanine floors require this ceiling height to allow ample headroom both above and below the structure. As a general guide, a building should have at least five metres of clear internal heigh to accommodate a mezzanine floor sufficiently.
When Racking Is The Better Choice
- If your primary need is for increased pallet storage capacity alone.
- If there is a limited amount of capital for the project.
- The height of your building wouldn’t comfortably accommodate a mezzanine floor.
- You anticipate that you may need to reconfigure or move the storage solution in the short term.
- Storage is your only constraint.
When A Mezzanine Floor Is The Better Choice
- You don’t only require more storage capacity; you have a purpose for the additional space beyond this.
- Your building is blessed with enough height to accommodate the structure.
- The asset you want to add to your unit will add permanent value to it.
- You have looked into moving or traditional expansion and want to avoid these costs.
- You need a structure that can be dismantled and moved if you end up relocating.
- You require a solution which can grow and adapt with your business over time.
What About Both?
It’s very common; we have clients who end up using both of the systems in tandem. A use case example of this is using the mezzanine floor for production and then utilising the racking for storing the components. This is a great way to make use of all available vertical space in your unit.
Final Thoughts
While both mezzanine floors and racking systems achieve a similar goal, the smaller details which come with each make them very different beasts. If you’re wanting purely storage, then often racking is the best choice; however, if you need more operational space, then a mezzanine floor would best suit you.
Here at Premier Mezzanines, we help businesses throughout the whole of the South West complete projects which unlock the vertical space in their establishments. Whether a mezzanine floor is right for you or you just need some storage racking, we can help.