Oftentimes, one of the questions we are asked when looking at sheds is, “why should I add a mezzanine floor”.
There isn’t a single answer that suits every person’s needs, but there are a few reasons why a mezzanine floor could suit you.
Have a read below of some of the main reasons why adding a mezzanine floor could improve your existing shed, or benefit your brand new one.
Firstly, Let’s look at WHAT a mezzanine floor is.
A mezzanine floor is a raised floor area independent of your shed structure.
This could be as small as a couple of metres all the way up to the full size of your shed.
It can be as tall as needed, we do recommend leaving 2400mm below the floor to allow clearance.
What could I use a mezzanine floor for?
The potential uses for a mezzanine floor are virtually endless. You could use it for extra storage, office spaces, a games area, man cave or lunch and smoko area, The only limits are your imagination (and engineering capabilities of course).
How much weight can my mezzanine floor hold?
Mezzanine floors are designed, engineered and built depending on your specific requirements.
The most common ranging from 1.0kPa (100 kg per square metre) being used for small low weight storage up to 5.0kPa (500kg per square metre) industrial storage spaces.
Every mezzanine floor designed and sold by ShedBlog is engineered to meet YOUR specific needs.
What are the benefits of a mezzanine floor?
The main advantages that come with adding a mezzanine floor are Cost effective extra space and the ease of customisation. Being able to add additional space to your shed without having to extend the building envelope to suit space restrictions, in a way that suits you, the user, in a cost effective and affordable manner.
What are the steps to getting a mezzanine floor?
The process is simple and made easy by ShedBlogs competent and knowledgeable staff. See below for a step by step breakdown.
- Planning
– This is the first step in organising a new mezzanine floor. We talk through the space, requirements, budget and layout of the floor you need. - Design and Proposal
– ShedBlog will design a Mezzanine floor in the configuration that best suits.
– ShedBlog will send you a quote and proposal outlining the design, costs and timeframes. - Quote Acceptance
– At this stage, once the design is approved by the customer, ShedBlog will create an invoice for the floor, detailing the deposit amount and the balance payable.
– Once the deposit has been received ShedBlog will submit our plans and designs to the engineering team for approval and to receive an Engineering certificate. - Manufacturing
– Once the remaining balance has been received, ShedBlog will proceed to the manufacturing phase. Here we place the orders with the relevant suppliers and manufacturers and can advise you of expected delivery dates etc.
– ShedBlog will send you the engineering certificate, Bill of materials, Engineering plans and drawings so you can see how your floor will go together and rest assured that every part of your new floor is engineered and designed using high quality materials. - Delivery
– ShedBlog will send you a reminder as the time starts to get near to delivery. Materials will start to be delivered to your specified address, You should expect 3-4 deliveries, depending on whether you opted for stairs and handrails etc. - Installation
– This phase is up to the customer. You will have all the necessary materials, Documents and fittings to install your mezzanine floor. ShedBlog is only a phone call or email away to assist with any issues or questions you may have.
Why buy a mezzanine floor from ShedBlog?
Have a look at the smart buyers guide below to see the 7 essential elements that ShedBlog lives by when it comes to mezzanine floors.
The Smart Buyer’s Guide
The 7 Essential Elements of an Australian Standards® Compliant Mezz
Certified G450 to G500 High Tensile Steel
Require The Steel Grade & Manufacturer in writing. Engineers need Certified Span Capacities like those published by BlueScope® to verify steel suitability.
Avoid Ungraded, untested or undocumented steel. Put Safety First.
Deflection Certified as Australian Standards® Compliant
Require The maximum Bearer & Joist Deflection in writing. Deflection, or sag under load, is critical & must be calculated for all Australian floors.
Avoid Undocumented Deflection. It is a simple calculation. Get it in writing.
Vibration Certified as Australian Standards® Compliant
Require The maximum Bearer & Joist Vibration in writing. Vibration, or bounce under load, is critical & must be calculated for all Australian floors.
Avoid Undocumented Vibration. It is a simple calculation. Get it in writing.
Raking Force exceeding 6.444 kN or 644 kg
Require The exact amount of Raking Force required to keep the structure upright. Raking Force is a critical requirement for all Australian Flooring.
Avoid Undocumented Raking Force. It’s a simple calculation. Get it in writing.
C Section Bearers & Joists
Require C Sections due to their superior durability, strength & span capacities.
Avoid Top Hats & Top Span as they rarely satisfy Deflection & Vibration limits.
Product Mass
Require The mass in kilograms. Heavier steel generally means a sturdier floor.
Avoid Undocumented mass. Remember, less steel = more profit. Always double check the weight on the Bill of Materials. People lie. Scales do not.
Structural Design Quality
Require An example of their Product Documentation. Know what you are getting!
Ignore Sales Documentation & Salespeople. Look at their Product, not their Pitch.
We Recommend Australian Steel