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If your Devon business is running out of space, a mezzanine floor could be the most cost-effective solution available to you. Rather than relocating or extending your premises, a well-designed mezzanine floor adds a full second level within your existing building, often for a fraction of the cost of alternative options. This guide is written for Devon business owners who are at the start of that journey: researching their options, understanding the costs, and working out where to start.
Western Industrial has been designing, supplying and installing mezzanine floors across Devon and the South West since 1979. This is what we see on sites here every day.
Why Devon businesses are investing in mezzanine floors
The South West has seen steady growth in light industrial and logistics activity over the past several years, and with commercial property scarce in areas like Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, businesses are looking upward rather than outward. A mezzanine floor allows you to double your usable floor area without touching your lease terms, your planning status or your building’s footprint.
Common reasons Devon businesses come to us include outgrowing their storage space, needing a separate office area within a warehouse, creating a production level above a factory floor, and adding pick-and-pack or despatch operations at a higher level with a goods lift below.
45+ Years Experience
Established 1979. Office mezzanines installed since day one.
Complete Service
Design, supply and installation by one team, survey to sign-off.
UKCA-Marked Steelwork
Every mezzanine carries UKCA marking to BS EN 1090.
5★ Rated on Google
Praised for quality and professionalism across hundreds of projects
What to look for in a Devon mezzanine floor company
Not all mezzanine floor suppliers offer the same level of service. When you are comparing quotes and companies, these are the things that matter most.
• Full structural design and calculations: your installer should produce stamped structural drawings, not just supply steelwork to a generic spec.
• UKCA certification: steelwork must be UKCA-marked under BS EN 1090 to comply with UK building regulations. Ask for this specifically.
• Building Regulations management: a reputable company will manage the building regulations submission and sign-off on your behalf, or clearly explain what is required of you.
• Local knowledge: a company that works regularly in Devon understands local authority processes and can give you realistic timelines.
• Aftercare and structural report: you should receive a signed structural report and load plate at handover.
This is a legal requirement for the mezzanine’s ongoing safe use.
How much does a mezzanine floor cost in Devon?
Cost varies significantly depending on size, specification and the ancillary elements required. As a general guide, a standard warehouse storage mezzanine floor from
Western Industrial starts from around £8,000 supplied and installed. That figure rises with load requirements, floor area, floor finish, number of staircases, edge protection specification, goods lift inclusion and any fire protection works needed.
The per-square-metre cost tends to reduce as the floor area increases, so a 200m² mezzanine is proportionally cheaper than a 50m² one. A free site survey is the only way to get an accurate figure for your specific building and requirements.
Do I need planning permission for a mezzanine floor in Devon?
In most cases, a mezzanine floor installed inside an existing commercial building does not require planning permission. It is treated as an internal alteration rather than a change to the building’s external appearance or footprint.
However, Building Regulations approval is almost always required. This covers structural safety, fire protection, means of escape, and accessibility. The regulations that apply include Part A (structure), Part B (fire safety) and Part M (access) of the Building Regulations 2010. Western Industrial manages the Building Regulations process as part of its installation service, coordinating with the local authority on your behalf.
What does the installation process look like?
For most Devon projects, the process runs as follows from your first contact to handover.
- Free site survey: we visit your premises, assess the floor slab, roof height, column positions and access requirements, and discuss your intended use.
- Design and quotation: structural calculations are produced and a detailed quote is submitted, typically within five to ten working days.
- Building Regulations submission: we submit drawings and calculations to the local authority and manage any queries.
- Manufacturing: steelwork and deck materials are manufactured to your specific design.
- Installation: our installation team completes the structural steelwork, decking, staircases and edge protection. Most installations take two to five days on site depending on scale.
- Sign-off and handover: we provide the structural report, load plate and all documentation required for your records.
Frequently asked questions
Most installations take between two and five working days on site, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The design, approvals and manufacturing phase typically takes four to six weeks from survey to installation start. We will give you a project timeline at the quotation stage.
Yes, in most cases. You will need your landlord’s written consent, and the mezzanine may need to be designed as a demountable structure depending on your lease terms. We can advise on this during the survey.
Storage mezzanines are typically designed for 360 kg/m² to 600 kg/m². Office mezzanines usually require 3.0 kN/m² or 5.0 kN/m² depending on use. Your structural engineer confirms the required load rating based on your intended use at the design stage.
“Could not be more impressed by this company or David Moore. Extremely professional throughout. Access to great products and tradesmen that have totally transformed our office space. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
— Google Review, 5★
“Western Industrial added a mezzanine floor to our warehouse, allowing us to make much better use of our space. Paul’s team were very reliable, and the mezzanine was constructed very quickly and to a high standard. Highly recommended!”
— Google Review, 5★
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We’re always on the look out for new projects, both big and small. Send us your contact details and we’ll be in touch!
Western Industrial | Designing, Supplying & Installing Mezzanine Floors since 1979
Established in 1979, Western Industrial Group have grown to a dedicated & professional workforce, delivering consistently high quality services across a range of projects, large & small.
From Mezzanine Floors to Warehouse Storage and Racking, Western Industrial Business Interiors design, supply, manage and install, to provide you with a complete office refurbishment package.
We supply and install Mezzanine Floors, Office Partitioning, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Suspended Ceilings, through to all your Electrical & Mechanical requirements.
