Mezzanine design resources

[Usafexplorer]

Looking for resources or ideas on designing a mezzanine/office space in our shop. Would like build an office space with a bathroom, and mechanical room with storage above the entire space. Looking to store totes and overflow items, this area will not be used as an active space just intermittent storage. Any suggestions how to start figuring out the design limits and criteria?

 

[strength_and_power]

I’m about to start building a mezzanine in my shop. I was at a buddy’s business ( metal fab) and he was building a mezzanine. Based on what I saw, what he said/recommended is the basis for mine. I’m curious what will get posted here.

 

[jack stand]

If you don't have a feel for sizing the lumber and it's spacing it's probably a good idea to consult someone.
A 2x12 on 12" centers with bridging is about the heaviest floor with conventional materials.
That's maybe true up until about a 12' span depending on your loads.
Beyond that you might get into engineered lumber like floor trusses, tji's (wood I beam) and laminated beams.
If you have limited vertical space and headroom or multiple posts and beams are a concern, this would be another reason to consult an architect or engineer.

 

[jcarapet]

You can figure out quite a bit on what will fly and won't fly based on span tables. I have had a general design for over a year, but I'm still planning on paying a structural engineer for a stamp. To me i'm confident in what i can design, but I also want to be able to hand over a document to whoever buys this house from me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Any suggestions how to start figuring out the design limits and criteria?

The biggest issue that everyone has is they do NOT want posts below the mezzanine. This is possible, but depending on the width you are trying to span, you might actually have to use steel I-beams ! Simple 2x12 won't span very far. At a minimum, you will need wood I-joists or glulams.

Google "span tables". The ends of the beams should rest on posts that are directly attached to the floor, NOT a ledger board attached to the side wall studs. Depending of the load/span you might have to break the floor (typically about 4") and pour a real footer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A 2x12 on 12" centers with bridging is about the heaviest floor with conventional materials.
That's maybe true up until about a 12' span depending on your loads.

Consult a span table for the maximum width a 2x12 will span !

 

[Craig Balzer]

A useful resource I found helpful is https://www.mezzaninesonline.com/ -- they also offer staircases, railings, flooring, etc. Pretty much a turn key outfit.
They have representatives who will help you wade through the myriad options they offer. They are not the quickest in replies, I experienced a few days between replies. They will focus on their products, but you can glean useful data from their recommendations.

A bit more data: I wanted a mezzanine in the bigger room of my shop which i: 48' wide, 36' deep and has 14' ceilings.
The mezzanine would be on the left 1/3 of my shop so would span the 36' depth of the shop.
It would would be 16' wide (one third of 48').
I haven't pulled the trigger, yet.

Hope this helps