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Mezzanine Storage: Types and Benefits

A mezzanine structure with a staircase leading to an upper level above an enclosed office space in a warehouse. The mezzanine is supported by metal beams and includes safety railings around the perimeter.

In many warehouses and industrial spaces, there simply isn’t enough space for storage. Try as they may, many business owners find themselves considering relocation or expansion, which could cost a lot of time and money. Not to mention the disruption it would cause to daily operations. Fortunately, there’s a better solution, and it’s often overlooked.

Instead of expanding horizontally, many businesses don’t realize that they can expand vertically at a limited cost. With mezzanine storage systems, businesses are able to “unlock” this unused space above and use it for storage. So, in this article, we’ll explore the different types of mezzanine storage systems available, the benefits of these systems, and more.

Types of Mezzanine Storage Systems

Mezzanine storage systems can come in many different forms. The one best suitable for your business will depend on structures you already have in your facility, load requirements, or the amount of space available at your location. Here are some of the main types of mezzanine storage systems we see at Allied Modular.

Structural Steel Mezzanines

Structural steel mezzanines are self-explanatory. They are strong and able to carry heavy storage loads. These mezzanines are best in heavy-duty, industrial environments, where materials or equipment may be particularly heavy. Because these mezzanines are made of steel, they are able to last for a long time with low maintenance requirements. And if they need to be enlarged at a later date because of business growth/expansion, this can be easily done because of their modular design.

A structural mezzanine with safety railings in an industrial setting, designed to manage loads effectively.

Rack-Supported Mezzanines

Rack-supported mezzanines are for warehouses that already have racking systems in place. They use the existing racks as a base, and this reduces the need for structural support. Rack-supported mezzanines are common in places like warehouses, distribution centers, and factories, where they can create extra storage above ground-level racks.

Shelving-Supported Mezzanines

At first glance, shelving-supported mezzanines seem exactly the same as rack-supported systems. However, shelving-supported mezzanines are built on lighter shelving. In other words, they are designed for lighter loads. This type of structure is especially important to retailers who often need extra space for inventory, as floor space is often cluttered.

Catwalk Mezzanines

Technically, catwalks do not hold storage. However, they can be used to access shelves/racks. A catwalk is essentially an elevated walkway that provides access to certain areas of your building; in this case, that would mean storage units. In warehouses/plants that don’t have a lot of floor space, these are great to help workers reach products at different levels.

industrial catwalk by allied modular mezzanine

Freestanding Mezzanines

Freestanding mezzanines are self-supporting platforms that can be installed just about anywhere in your building. While rack/shelving-supported mezzanines use other structures for their support, freestanding mezzanines stand on their own, which makes them very flexible in terms of design and placement.

Benefits of Adding Mezzanine Storage

Mezzanine storage systems have numerous advantages for businesses, especially when it comes to space maximization and return on investment (ROI). Here are a few of their top benefits.

Maximize Space

Wherever you end up placing them, the ultimate purpose of storage mezzanines is to maximize space. By leveraging unused vertical space, there’s no need to move to another location or start knocking down walls for expansion. This may be especially useful for businesses in manufacturing, distribution, or even e-commerce, where maximizing storage space can significantly lower overhead.

Low Cost

As you might expect, constructing an entirely new storage facility, or expanding your existing ones, can be expensive and time-consuming. Needless to say, mezzanine storage is much more affordable. Installing a mezzanine will not only cost less, but also reduce disruptions as well, since they can be set up quickly.

Customization

With modular, mezzanine systems are highly customizable. So whether you need to store materials, heavy equipment, or workstations, mezzanines can be designed to fit a huge variety of needs. Also, as we hinted at before, mezzanines can be expanded, reconfigured, or moved as business demands inevitably change.

ROI on Mezzanine Storage Systems

From a financial perspective, the return on investment (ROI) from mezzanine systems is huge. By avoiding relocation or horizontal expansion, businesses can save money quickly. The increase in storage capacity at low costs can lower capital expenditures significantly.

The Bottom Line

Simply put, mezzanine storage systems are a low cost and flexible solution for businesses who need to add space, without the hassle of relocation or expansion. By maximizing vertical space, these systems give businesses plenty of room for more storage.

Thinking of adding storage to your space with mezzanines? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular today to get a free quote!

FAQs About Mezzanine Storage

1. How long does it take to install a mezzanine storage system?

The installation time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the mezzanine. For smaller mezzanines, installation may only take a few days. But larger and more complex projects may take several weeks. At any rate, mezzanine installations are much faster and on the whole less disruptive than a typical construction project.

2. Can mezzanine storage systems be relocated?

Yes, absolutely. Most mezzanine storage systems (and especially modular ones) can be taken apart and relocated to another part of the building, or a new location altogether.

3. Can mezzanine storage systems be used for office space as well?

Yes, definitely. For businesses who don’t have much floor space, they can easily add offices on top of mezzanines as well, or have some parts be used for storage and others for administrative work. You can also add many other kinds of modular structures to them, such as break rooms, conference rooms, and more.

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