Free Standing Mezzanines

Free Standing Mezzanines

Free standing mezzanines are self-supported structures that transform unused overhead air space into floor space without sacrificing the room below the platform. They are supported by thin columns and do not require support from any of the building's walls. These suspended floor structures are alternatives to shelving supported mezzanines, which are built around or integrated with storage shelves that take up all the space below the mezzanine platform as well as provide added support. Instead, free standing mezzanines provide an open area below the landing, leaving plenty of space for office, storage or workspace-they allow maximum accessibility and mobility, as well as a free range of use for the floor underneath the raised platform. Free standing mezzanines are the most popular type, and are used in many environments including the warehousing, industrial manufacturing, plant, retail, storage, shipping and office industries. They are popular and cost saving alternatives to additions or new building construction, and utilize otherwise wasted overhead space. They are easily assembled, inexpensive and quick to set up, and may be expanded or relocated with ease.

Since free standing mezzanines are only supported by columns and supports, they need to be as strong as possible. Usually made from cold rolled stainless steel, the mezzanine support components can handle a lot of weight and strain. Other mezzanines can be made from aluminum or fiberglass, but are rarely free standing and have a much lighter weight capacity. Free standing mezzanines do not draw support from the building walls in any way, as they are generally less than half the square feet of the facility's floor space. In order to leave as much open space for workers and storage as possible on the facility floor, free standing mezzanine support columns have long clear spans, that is, the distance between columns. They also never have cross bracing between columns. Therefore, workers and automated vehicles can easily maneuver underneath the mezzanine platform, and the columns only slightly limit the space's options. Free standing mezzanines are not built with any sort of shelving system. If one is desired for underneath the platform, it must be built separately and might cost more than a structural mezzanine. These self-supported mezzanines must have strong platforms, which are usually made out of steel bar grating, plank grating or solid steel sheets. They may be custom made to fit specific space and height requirements, or come in standard size choices.