One of the most important factors in developing any business is increasing the size of the warehouse. Space management can enhance efficiency and safety while decreasing expenses. There are two common ways of expanding the warehouse area, namely, structural mezzanine floors and catwalk racking systems. These solutions are different from each other in their characteristics and advantages. This blog will assist you in distinguishing between the industrial structural mezzanine floor vs. catwalk racking so that you can make the right decision for your company.
What Are Structural Mezzanine Floors?
Structural mezzanine floors, also referred to as steel mezzanine floors, are intermediate floors that are built within the existing premises. These strong steel floors double your floor space efficiently.
Advantages of Structural Mezzanine Floors
The following are the reasons why structural mezzanine floors are popular in businesses: Firstly, they are a cheap way to expand the usable space per square metre without having to invest in costly building extensions. This is especially useful for industries that are limited in space, such as manufacturing plants. Secondly, structural mezzanine floors are very strong and can easily support heavy loads as compared to other types of mezzanine floors. This makes them suitable for various industries, including manufacturing industries as well as warehousing industries.
What Are Catwalk Racking Systems?
Catwalk racking systems, also known as pick face racking, are critical in industrial storage. These systems also offer an elevated walkway along with integrated industrial shelves, which considerably increases storage capacity.
Benefits of Catwalk Racking
Catwalk racking systems have the following advantages that make them suitable for use by businesses: The first benefit is that they are flexible in design. These systems can be tailored to suit the particular requirements of a specific warehouse, which makes it easy to optimise space. Also, catwalk racking systems have features that enhance safety in the workplace and increase productivity. They also make the workplace safer for the employees since they do not have to use ladders or other risky equipment.
Structural Mezzanine Floor vs. Catwalk Racking: Key Differences
The only significant difference that can be made between structural mezzanine floors and catwalk racking is based on structure. The structural mezzanine floors are secondary floors that are self-contained and have the capacity to add more levels to a building. They are made of steel and can bear a lot of weight. On the other hand, catwalk racking systems include shelving with catwalks that are elevated off the floor. This makes them more suitable for those cases where the storage and accessibility of the products are equally important.
Structural Mezzanine Floor Differences In Space
As for space utilisation, both options have their advantages. Structural mezzanine floors provide double the area of the original floor and are therefore suitable for large-volume storage. Catwalk racking systems, on the other hand, use shelving with additional platforms in between to maximise the use of the vertical space. This makes them perfect for facilities that have a high ceiling but a relatively small floor area.
Catwalk Racking Differences: Cost And Installation
Expense is always a major factor in any warehouse expansion plan. The structural mezzanine floors are usually more costly to install because of the type of construction and the requirement of other supporting structures. But they have long-term advantages in terms of the strength and the load they can support. Catwalk racking systems prices are cheaper and can be easily modified or added to, depending on the specific storage needs.
How To Make The Right Choice For Your Business
Structural mezzanine floors vs. catwalk racking, choosing between the two systems depends on your specific business needs. If you require a durable, heavy-duty solution that maximises floor space, structural mezzanine floors may be the best option. On the other hand, if you need a flexible, cost-effective system that optimises vertical space and improves accessibility, catwalk racking systems could be the way to go.
Conclusion
For warehouse space expansion, the catwalk racking system or structural mezzanine floors are useful. You could decide better after getting to know the differences as well as the advantages they present, both in a cost-benefit analysis and in view of your company’s objectives.
We specialise in providing premium storage solutions which meet your needs. Whether you are considering structural mezzanine floors or catwalk racking systems, our team is here to help you choose the best option for your warehouse. Contact Krost Shelving and Racking today to learn more about how we can help you expand your space wisely.
