A mezzanine is a raised platform, carried by a self-supporting metal structure, that creates an additional storage or picking level within the clear height of a warehouse, without extending the building. It can be installed above a picking area, existing racking, or administrative offices.
Gaining space upward rather than on the ground
A mezzanine rests on metal posts and beams that support a floor, often grating or solid panels depending on the use, accessible by a staircase and, for handling loads, by a dedicated goods lift or elevator. It is most often used for light storage (boxes, bins, spare parts) or stacked order-picking areas, more rarely for full pallets due to floor load and access constraints.
Compared with extending the building, a mezzanine generally represents a more limited investment for gaining usable floor space, which makes it a common option when a warehouse lacks ground-floor space but has sufficient clear height under the roof. In return, it requires checking the allowable floor load, the strength of the existing structure if it is being added to a building already in place, and vertical-circulation rules (staircase width, guardrails, goods lift).
In a warehouse built around light picking racking, a mezzanine often serves to double the order-picking area without touching bulk storage at ground level: the upper level houses detail picking (boxes, individual parts), while the ground floor keeps full pallets and large volumes. This vertical split of flows is particularly common in e-commerce and spare parts, where the number of SKUs far exceeds what a single ground-floor level can absorb.
FAQ
What is the difference between a mezzanine and racking?
Racking stores pallets at height within an open structure, accessible by forklift. A mezzanine creates an actual additional floor, walkable, on which light storage, a picking station or administrative offices can be installed.
Is a storage mezzanine subject to particular rules?
Yes, potentially: depending on its area and load, a mezzanine may fall under workplace safety rules (guardrails, allowable load, exits) or even regulations for premises open to the public or to workers. It is advisable to have the project validated by a control body before installation.
Related terms
Pallet racking · Anatomy of pallet racking · Cantilever racking · Drive-in racking · Warehouse / logistics platform · Aisle.
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