Bolted steel shelving has earned its reputation as one of the most practical and affordable storage options available. It’s simple to set up, made from high-quality steel, and designed to last. With shelves capable of holding up to 160 kg, it provides a strong and flexible solution for many storage needs.
On the other hand, structural mezzanine floors take storage to the next level—literally. These systems make use of vertical space by combining shelves with elevated platforms, offering unmatched capacity for larger or heavier loads. They’re built on a sturdy racking system that can handle anything from lightweight items to multi-ton equipment.
Both options have their advantages, but which should you go for, bolted shelving or structural mezzanine floors? This guide will walk you through the features and benefits of each, helping you decide what best suits your storage requirements.
Bolted Shelving or Structural Mezzanine Floors: Features Compared
What Is A Bolted Shelving?
Bolted shelving is a form of storage system that uses bolts to connect individual components, resulting in a strong and adaptable foundation. These systems typically consist of steel uprights, shelves, and bracing that can be customised to meet individual storage needs. Steel storage systems are known for their durability, flexibility, and ease of assembly, making them a popular choice in many industries. Krost’s open braced bolted steel shelving is the most simple and cost-effective shelving option for general-purpose applications. The back and sides are open, with the exception of cross-braced parts.
Bolted Shelving Vs. Structural Mezzanine Floors: How To Use Bolted Shelving
Bolted-together shelving (steel shelves) are closed with steel panels on three sides for stability and protection, as well as to encourage cleanliness of the stored things. When units are joined side by side or back to back, a common side or back panel is used between the two units, resulting in noticeable cost savings.
- Lay two uprights on the floor.
- Bolt a shelf into the top holes in the uprights.
- Bolt a shelf into the holes +/- 4th from the bottom.
- Measure the spacing you want between the shelves and set a bolt in the holes.
- Do the same on the other upright.
- Place the shelves so that the bolts pass through them.
- Place a corner plate (gusset) between the upright and the shelf on two of the shelves (typically the second from the top and second from the bottom).
- Tighten the bolts with a #13 nut setter or spanner.
- Turn the shelf unit over to the opposite side.
- Bolt an upright to the top and bottom shelves.
- Measure the spacing for the extra shelves and bolt them in place (with a gusset on the two shelves).
- Turn the shelving unit on one side and attach gussets to the two shelves with gussets.
- Turn the unit over and attach the gussets to the two shelves.
- You do not need to install bolts and nuts on all of the shelves unless the shelves will be carrying a large load.
- Stand the bay of shelving upright and use a spirit level to examine the levelness of the unit before placing it against a wall.
- You may need to loosen the bolts near the gussets in order to level the device; once level, tighten the bolts and nuts.
What Is A Structural Mezzanine Floor?
Distinct from a rack-supported floor, a structural steel mezzanine floor is a partial-level intermediary floor of a building. It is typically located between the ground floor and the roof. The structural framing is made up of structural steel beams and columns. The floor is then covered with metal decking, followed by either concrete or plywood.
Bolted Shelving Vs. Structural Mezzanine Floors: Benefits Of Structural Mezzanine Floors
Increased Floor Space
The addition of a mezzanine floor level is a simple option that can possibly increase your usable floor area within your current building without increasing its base footprint. Mezzanine levels are also an excellent way to consolidate a business into smaller, more cost-effective locations by maximising available space. If you now operate from two locations, why not consider the potential of consolidating the two activities into one facility with the installation of a mezzanine floor to provide the additional floor space?
Reduced Need For Land Acquisition
Mezzanine floors help to promote greener business practices by reducing the requirement for land acquisition, as opposed to horizontal or structural expansion. This means that if you decide to expand warehouse storage capacity by adding a mezzanine floor level to your current structure, you can optimize the use of your current land holdings.
Saves On Energy Costs
Unlike formal warehouse expansion, mezzanine flooring installation has a very low carbon impact, making it a green option. It also consumes significantly fewer natural resources. Mezzanine floor building is also far more cost effective, with construction costs over a hundred times lower per square foot than structural warehouse expansion.
Furthermore, horizontal growth of warehouse space requires more energy for heating and cooling, putting a greater burden on the planet’s natural resources and your wallet. However, there is no additional energy required to heat or cool mezzanine floors. Thus, if you are thinking about extending your warehouse area, consider mezzanine flooring as an environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution.
Improved Warehouse Safety
Much of a warehouse’s upper area is literally ‘wasted space,’ and it is nearly impossible to stack pallets from floor to ceiling without risking collapse. So, in addition to offering extra warehouse storage space, mezzanine floors can help improve the overall health and safety of the workplace.
Wide-Ranging Applications
Krost’s structural mezzanine floors can be used in a variety of applications, including expanded warehouse storage space (raised storage platforms), plant support structures, working areas, manufacturing facilities, office areas, and retail areas. Installing a mezzanine floor also provides the opportunity to build additional space for picking and packing activities within the warehouse, office space for warehouse management and administrative workers, and facilities such as canteens and kitchens.
If picking and packing processes, as well as more staff, can be accommodated under the same roof, logistical efficiency may improve, which is a critical focus in any warehouse environment. Conveyors, stairs, and lifts can connect mezzanine floors to the bottom floor, improving overall service quality, efficiency, and speed of operations while also lowering long-term expenses.
Conclusion
In difficult economic times, adding value to your current warehouse by adding bolted shelving or structural mezzanine floors is an effective approach to future-proof your warehouse operations. If this article has intrigued your interest in installing mezzanine floors and bolted shelving in your warehouse, contact Krost Shelving and Racking for a free assessment of your flooring needs.