Industrial Mezzanines vs Equipment Platforms

When comparing different things, being precise with language can make a huge difference especially when comparing industrial mezzanines vs equipment platforms. While the terms industrial mezzanine and equipment platforms appear to be similar, they have unique differences between the two that set them apart. They are both used to optimize space utilization and improve operational efficiency, but they differ in their engineering, permitting, and code requirements. Understanding the distinctions between the two is crucial when calculating project costs and obtaining permits.

What are industrial mezzanines?

Industrial Mezzanines are elevated platforms constructed between existing floors. Their primary purpose is to create additional floor space for various activities including warehousing, storage, office areas, assembly lines, or even production facilities. Mezzanines are highly customizable and an efficient solution in optimizing space within a building without expanding its physical footprint. It’s worth noting that because of their foundation attachment requirements, industrial mezzanines are a part of the floor below but will not contribute to the number of stories in the building.

Industrial mezzanines must be considered in the buildings fire area and must clear all height requirements. For any questions on local business codes, please contact FCP.

What are equipment platforms?

Equipment platforms, like mezzanines, are designed to be an efficient and highly customizable solution in optimizing space within a building. These platforms are customized to match the dimensions, weight, and operational requirements of each project. Unlike mezzanines, equipment platforms are not considered to be a portion of the floor below. Furthermore, equipment platforms will not contribute to the building area/number of stories and will not be considered in determining the buildings fire area. This makes getting building permits easier to obtain than mezzanines.

Industrial mezzanines and equipment platforms typical applications include:

• Warehousing
• Storage
• Single-Level
• Multi-Level
• Equipment
• Office
• Processing

FCP Free-Space Mezzanines™ Advantage

Installation of industrial mezzanines typically involves careful planning, as it requires considerations such as structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and compliance with building codes and regulations. This can make getting building permits more difficult compared to equipment platforms.

FCP manufacturers both mezzanines and steel platforms. FCP has invested decades of experience, expertise, and industry leading skills into developing lightweight, high-tensile materials with a minimum of support columns to maximize floor space. FCP’s proprietary Free-Space Mezzanines™ system is the first moment-resistant, bi-directional rigid frame to be approved by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

FCP’s Free-Space Mezzanines™ are designed to fit around any existing obstructions and can accommodate stairways and access locations as needed. Our project managers ensure each industrial mezzanine or equipment platform structure meets specific load requirements (CBS, IBC), and can include specialized decking, railing, and grating to also meet any safety needs of your application environment.

If a mezzanine system is not pre-approved and adopted into the building codes then there may be weeks of delay getting an alternate system approved, or it may even never ever get accepted. FCP’s unique beam-to-column connection system provides approved lateral force resistance for seismic and wind forces which assures there will be no time wasted obtaining a building permit.

The superior strength, stability, and code approved construction of steel mezzanines guarantee they will meet your demanding requirements for quality and performance. In a minimal amount of time, the easy to install modular designs can be bolted together, erected, and put in place. With little inconvenience to you, the floor space of your facility will be instantly doubled or tripled, increasing, and improving your productivity and efficiency.

All FCP Free-Space Mezzanines™ follow the guidelines of the applicable code agencies ANSI, AISC, ASCE, UBC, CBC, BOCA, SBC, ADA and OSHA.

Tax advantage

Traditional construction of a new building is depreciated over 39 years, whereas a piece of equipment is taxed over 7 years. Since a mezzanine is considered as a permeant add on to a building that can’t be uninstalled, it can be confusing in obtaining the permitting requirements. With FCP’s Free-Space Mezzanines™ you can avoid the headache of obtaining more building permits while also saving money. FCP can help frame your structure to not only keep up with all building codes and requirements, but also receive the full tax advantage.

About FCP, Inc.

FCP Inc. has been a leader in the design, engineering, development, and construction of high-quality mezzanines and work platforms for over 40 years. FCP in-house project managers and system designers take great pride in utilizing the latest technology to devise creative solutions that meet challenging applications. For more information contact FCP Inc.