Want to enlarge your living space? Why not take advantage of the ceiling height? The creation of a mezzanine is increasingly appealing to families. The idea offers countless advantages.

But for a weekend handyman, its construction is by no means a simple task. It is recommended to entrust this job to an expert.

If you want to learn about the subject, take your time and discover our article. Before providing details, it is important to mention the advantages of the mezzanine.

Good reasons to create a mezzanine

When the family grows, raising or extending the house may seem inevitable. However, this project requires a significant budget. Moreover, it requires many prior authorizations.

In contrast, installing a mezzanine does not require major work. Accordingly, the costs are reasonable. Yet, the construction allows you to gain a few square meters inside the house. It offers you the possibility to obtain additional living space.

You can transform it into a child’s bedroom, a playroom, an office, a storage space, a living room, an additional sleeping area, a relaxation spot for naps or reading.

There are many options; let your imagination run free to arrange it according to your desires.

Architecturally, this installation fills the void under the ceiling. A high volume can seem unpleasant to look at.

Thanks to the mezzanine, one can tastefully fill an empty space in height. The floor adds an aesthetic touch to your interior.  

Due to its huge success, several models are available. Between the mobile, suspended, freestanding mezzanine or in the attic, the options are plentiful.

Each model has its advantages and disadvantages. You can make your choice based on the existing structure and your budget.

Location and height of the mezzanine

Criterion	Details	Recommendations
Total ceiling height	Height between the floor and the existing ceiling.	Ideally 4.20 m for optimal comfort; minimum 2.20 m for each level.
Height under mezzanine	Available space under the platform to move around.	Minimum 2.10 m to avoid hitting your head.
Height above the mezzanine	Space between the mezzanine floor and the ceiling.	Minimum 1.80 m to allow sitting or standing comfortably depending on use.
Ideal location	Clear, well-ventilated and lit area.	Avoid dark or poorly aired areas; favor natural light.
Access	Type of stairs or ladder allowing to go up.	Choose a secure, space-saving access adapted to the space.
Intended use	Bedroom, office, storage, etc.	Adapt height and location according to activity to optimize comfort.

Contrary to popular belief, its construction cannot be improvised. You must carefully study the place where you intend to install it.

The location of a mezzanine is not chosen lightly. There are multiple parameters to consider, namely the shape and layout of the room, the position of doors and windows.

Similarly, it is important to consider the aesthetic aspect since this installation occupies a large visual space. It allows you to completely change the overall appearance of the room. Its construction materials contribute to bringing about this transformation.

Besides that, it is important to carefully choose the place to create the mezzanine. In the case of a children’s bedroom, you must install it at least 2 meters from the floor.

This allows you to enjoy a free space of 1.80 m below the platform. With this space, you won’t risk hitting your head when passing under the mezzanine.

And on the platform, you must respect a height of at least 1 meter. Certainly, no obligation is enforced, but it is a matter of common sense and comfort. Also note that the child will grow. They need space to enjoy the area.

If you plan to build a mezzanine in the living room, leave a passage underneath of at least 2.20 m.

As for the space above, a free area of 1.90 m may suffice. To benefit from natural lighting, it is preferable to install the floor platform perpendicular to the window.

Preparing the installation of a mezzanine

The first point to analyze is to define the ceiling space. If you plan to add a mezzanine to your interior, you must have a surface of 4 meters between the floor and the ceiling. Otherwise, it is difficult, if not impossible, to install it.

That said, it is important to determine its location. This step notably depends on the available structure. You must take into account the configuration of the room that will host it.

Still in the preparations, carefully choose its composition materials. Steel is suitable for small spaces. It stands out for its lightness. This element fits into modern or industrial decor.

If you focus on solidity, metal is an ideal option. Its drawback lies in its more specific maintenance. Moreover, it is difficult to work with.

As for the concrete mezzanine, this material demonstrates robustness. It is only suitable for a new building. Compared to wood, it is less favored due to its significant weight.

Wood construction is very popular, not only for its aesthetics but also for its ease of use. This natural element is both modular and light. It suits small budgets.

Before installing your mezzanine, inquire about the various administrative procedures. If the floor footprint area is between 5 and 20 m², you must go to the town hall to make a prior declaration of works.

Conversely, you need a building permit if the space to be created is larger than 20 m². If the mezzanine also requires a new exterior window, an authorization request is mandatory.

Once all procedures are properly followed, make sure to gather the necessary tools and materials such as a screwdriver/drill, a wood saw or Japanese saw for more precision, metal anchors, drill bits compatible with walls and wood, a stepladder, and many others.

Construction materials for a wooden structure mezzanine

• Versatility of wood: Compared to mezzanines made of metal, concrete, or steel, wooden ones offer many advantages. This natural material can be used anywhere, whether for the floor, the structure, the stairs, or the railing.
• Choice of wood species: However, it should be noted that wood species should not be chosen at random. Each is suited to a specific construction element.
• Load-bearing structure: For the load-bearing structure, it is advisable to favor fir and pine. Raw wood is an ideal choice, as it gives you the opportunity to paint or sand it.
• Floor and frame: As for the floor and frame, particleboard panels can be an excellent option due to their lightness. Indeed, solid wood is strong, but it is criticized for its weight.

Stairs and railing for mezzanine

These two elements play crucial roles. If one simplifies access to the mezzanine, the other contributes to your safety. The railing can serve as support to prevent you from falling.

There are several types of stairs for mezzanines. The spiral model takes up very little space. Even better, it remains practical to use.

The miller’s staircase, for its part, stands out with its straight steps without risers. It adds a decorative note to the mezzanine.

As for the Japanese step staircase, it closely resembles the miller’s staircase. Its difference lies in the presence of pre-cut steps.

Whatever your choice, know that the mezzanine staircase must comply with precise guidelines. There are standards to respect regarding dimensions.

Mezzanine construction work

Even if this project does not require a large budget, its completion requires technical skills and experience in the field.

There is nothing like calling on a qualified company. It works with a team of specialists capable of installing the mezzanine according to the rules of the art.

In practice, the work is divided into 3 stages. The first concerns the installation of the load-bearing structure which will be anchored into the walls.

The second involves laying the floor, which will be firmly screwed to the joists. The last phase consists of placing the stairs.

As for the finishing, there are many ideas to beautify your mezzanine. To achieve the best results, consider its use. Decorating a playroom and an office are not at all the same.