Mezzanine in Illinois
A mezzanine is a freestanding elevated platform inside your building — essentially an extra floor without the construction project. When you've run out of floor space but have vertical room to spare, a mezzanine doubles or triples your usable area for a fraction of what new construction costs. Chicago is the undisputed freight capital of North America. More rail freight passes through Chicago than any other city on the continent. The I-55, I-80, and I-88 corridors south and west of the city contain one of the densest concentrations of warehouses and distribution centers in the world.
Learn more about mezzanine in Illinois ↓Mezzanine Suppliers in Illinois (10)
AK Material Handling
AK Material Handling is a distributor of pallet rack shelving lockers and warehouse equipment offering design and installation services.
Container Systems Inc
Container Systems has over 50 years of experience providing material handling and storage solutions from their Westmont Illinois location.
Equipment Depot
Equipment Depot has over 80 years of experience with multiple Illinois locations providing racking design, layout optimization, and installation.
Interlake Mecalux
Interlake Mecalux is among the leading companies in the storage systems market specializing in the design manufacturing and sale of steel racking warehouse automation and warehouse management software.
JC Edwards & Son
JC Edwards & Son has been a master material handling distributor since 1947 serving central Illinois from their Peoria facility.
Numina Group Inc.
REB Storage Systems International
REB Storage Systems International has been a trusted name in rack and shelving system design and installation since 1962 with installers located throughout the country.
Stow US Inc.
Thornel Associates
Thornel Associates has been providing material handling and storage solutions in the Chicago area since 1955.
West Suburban Innovative Storage
Warehouse shelving and storage rack supplier serving Minneapolis/St. Paul for 25+ years. Offers pallet racking, cantilever racks, wire shelving, mezzanines, and professional installation services.
When to Choose Mezzanine
- ✓You've run out of floor space but have unused vertical clearance
- ✓Building expansion or relocation isn't practical or cost-effective
- ✓You need additional space for picking, packing, offices, or light assembly
- ✓Your lease won't let you modify the building but you need more room
- ✓You want to add a second level above existing rack or work areas
Key Specs to Ask About
- •Deck size (square footage and overall dimensions)
- •Load capacity (psf — typical range is 125 to 300 lbs per square foot)
- •Clear height above and below the deck
- •Decking material (bar grate, plywood, concrete, resinous coating)
- •Column spacing (affects usability of the space below)
- •Stairway and handrail requirements (IBC code dictates these)
- •Fire suppression requirements (sprinklers above and below the deck)
How It Compares
| Factor | Mezzanine | More Pallet Rack |
|---|---|---|
| What it adds | Usable floor space (a second level) | Storage positions on existing floor |
| Best for | Pick/pack, offices, light storage above bulk | Palletized storage needing forklift access |
| Requires clear height | 14-16+ feet for usable space above and below | As little as 8-10 feet per storage level |
| Cost | $15-$40/sq ft installed | $50-$150 per pallet position |
| Permitting | Almost always required (adds occupiable area) | Usually required over 6-8 feet |
| Relocatable? | Yes — bolt-together designs disassemble | Yes — rack is inherently modular |
A mezzanine adds a second level of floor space — useful for pick/pack, offices, or light storage. More pallet rack adds storage positions at ground level. If you've run out of floor area but have headroom, mezzanine. If you have floor area but need more pallet storage, add rack.
Every day, approximately 500 freight trains pass through the Chicago metro area. That's more than any other city in the world. The rail yards around Joliet and Elwood are why there's a warehouse every quarter mile along I-55.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a mezzanine?
How much does a mezzanine cost per square foot?
Can a mezzanine be disassembled and moved?
How many mezzanine suppliers are in Illinois?
The word 'mezzanine' comes from the Italian 'mezzano' — middle. In Renaissance theaters it was the cheap seats. In warehousing, it's the cheapest square footage you can add without pouring concrete.
Coverage Map
Related Services
Need help choosing?
Search our full directory or request quotes from verified companies — it's free.