Everyone knows that mezzanines can help add extra space at lower costs, especially compared to moving to a new location. What’s less clear is how much a mezzanine will actually cost. In fact, many manufacturers themselves may not be able to give you a range until they know your requirements.
Luckily, we’ve been doing business for over 30 years, so we can tell you that mezzanines typically range from $40 to over $250 per square foot. The lower end of the range reflects bare-bones materials and usually doesn’t include the additions most projects require.
Other manufacturers say the average is $70 per sq. ft., but this doesn’t help much, since every project is different. (If you’re looking for accurate costs now, it’s best to contact a mezzanine manufacturer for a real estimate.)
So instead of guessing, this guide will walk you through the main factors that affect the cost of a mezzanine floor, even if it can’t give you an exact number.
Factors That Affect Mezzanine Floor Cost
Unfortunately, there is no standard issue mezzanine, and each one has to go through a made-to-order design process. That being said, we can examine the biggest factors that contribute to costs, and this will help give you an idea for what to expect. Here are some of the main factors that affect costs.
Size
The most basic factor that will affect prices is, of course, the size. Using the range above, you can give yourself a basic estimate for how much your mezzanine will be based on the size, but it can only be a rough guess at best. The good news is that if your mezzanine is larger than 1,000 sq. ft., prices will begin to drop per square foot, so having a larger build is sometimes more economical.
Load Requirements
Another consideration that affects cost is how much weight your mezzanine will need to handle. If it’s only going to be used for light storage or office space, then load-bearing requirements probably won’t affect the final price much. However, if you’re planning on using it for heavy equipment or large pallets, then costs will certainly increase.
Materials and Decking
Though most mezzanines are made from steel, not all are made entirely from it. Some are also made with aluminum, wood, or concrete (especially to make the decking look good). As you might expect, adding such materials will increase the costs.
Customizations
Further, perhaps one of the biggest drivers of price is the many customization options that come with mezzanines. Features like switchback stairs, handrails, safety gates, special decking (like diamond plate), powder-coated finishes, lifts, cantilever choices, and various safety upgrades can add significantly to the final price.
Many of these features are optional, but unfortunately, some are not. IBC and OSHA may in fact require them, so that’s worth looking into when trying to figure out how much your mezzanine will be. It helps to make a list of everything you will need before reaching out to a manufacturer.
Installation & Freight
Most people forget about installation/labor costs, but they are certainly worth your consideration. Typically, the installation is billed as a percentage of the total materials. It can range anywhere from 30% to 50%, but this too will depend on the manufacturer.
Freight is also usually billed a percentage of material costs, and it’s usually around 10%. However, it will also depend on where your location is, as well as how close you are to your manufacturer. If you’re in a very remote area, the costs may increase by a lot.
Permits and Compliance
Finally, there are the costs of permits and making your mezzanine compliant. Much of this will depend on your location, so it’s impossible to say with certainty how much this should be. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll also likely need to follow IBC or OSHA guidelines, as we touched on earlier. To get a sense of the costs, you’ll want to check with local authorities.
The Bottom Line
Most mezzanines cost between $40 and $250 per square foot. Of course, where yours falls in that range will depend on the size, materials, load requirements, custom features, and more. More basic platforms will lay on the low end, and large, complex, and highly customized systems will fill out the pricier end. If you want to skip all the guessing, reach out to Allied Modular today with your requirements, and we’ll get you a quote with the right price:
FAQs About Mezzanine Floor Costs
1. How long does it take to manufacture a mezzanine floor?
Unfortunately, this is not easy to predict either, as timelines will vary, but most mezzanine systems take between 4 to 10 weeks from design to delivery. With simpler layouts, we might be able to rush the process.
2. What kind of maintenance do mezzanine floors require?
They require very little maintenance. Most are made of steel and use powder-coated finishes, and these help it hold up well over time. You’ll want to check safety parts regularly (like railings and gates), but the overall maintenance is minimal.
3. Can a mezzanine floor be added to any building?
Not always. Most areas will be able to fit a mezzanine, especially in commercial/industrial spaces, but there needs to be enough ceiling height, as well as a strong enough foundation to support the structure.
