What is the Difference Between Mezzanine Rack and Steel Platform Rack？

What is the Difference Between Mezzanine Rack and Steel Platform Rack?

For warehouses taller than 4 meters, the commonly used multi-layer racking systems are mainly mezzanine racks and steel structure platforms. Both types can be built with 2–3 layers and are fully assembled structures. So, what distinguishes mezzanine racks from steel platforms?

1. Structural Characteristics

Mezzanine racks use the shelves on the first floor as load-bearing structures, typically designed as multi-level floors (usually 2–3 floors), equipped with stairs, guardrails, baseboards, and loading doors.

Steel platforms, also known as operation platforms, are generally divided into two or three floors: the first floor is usually used for storing some large items or small shelves, and the second floor is usually used as office space. Or goods can be stacked on platforms, which are composed of beams, columns, plates and other steel sections connected by welding, screws or rivets. The steel platform features a flexible and fully assembled frame.

2. Support Structure

Mezzanine racks rely on medium- or heavy-duty shelves as support, with the lower shelves acting as pillars for the upper floors.

Steel platforms use stronger columns, such as square steel, round steel, or H-shaped steel, with major and minor beams that are more robust than those in mezzanine racks. The structure typically includes planking, beams, columns, inter-column supports, ladders, and railings.

 3. Cost

In the same area, steel platforms generally cost more than mezzanine racks.

4. Load Capacity

• Medium-duty mezzanine rack floors support 300–500 kg/m².

• Heavy-duty mezzanine racks support 300–1000 kg/m², usually designed with 2–3 floors. Larger, heavier goods are typically placed on the first floor, while smaller and lighter goods are stored on upper levels. Heavy-duty mezzanine racks suit high warehouses storing heavy goods, with vehicle access on the first floor and manual handling on the second.

• Steel platforms generally support 300–2000 kg/m², with columns designed for high load-bearing capacity. Major and minor beams use cost-effective H-beams tailored to stress requirements. Flooring is made from cold-formed irregular steel plates or hollow plates with fastener structures.

Summary:

The common point between steel platforms and mezzanine racks is that they both maximize vertical warehouse space and are equipped with stairs.

The difference is that mezzanine racks use the bottom panel racks as support and can carry multiple upper layers. Its upper layer can be a platform or a shelf, and the bottom layer is usually a shelf. The steel platform is connected by steel columns and stronger beam supports, and the second floor is a platform. The design of the space has more autonomous options. The second floor can carry goods or be built into an office. Mezzanine racks are suitable for building a variety of lighter goods. In contrast, the steel platform has better load-bearing capacity and is more suitable for carrying some large and heavy goods.