If you need more space for your data centre, office or school IT suite, you may be limited by just how far you can expand. The obvious solution to this is to extend the current room, or to move to one more in line with the dimensions you need, but that’s usually the most expensive option.
The next best choice – and indeed in many respects a better one – is to plump for raised access flooring. With raised access flooring you can naturally accommodate more within the existing space you already have. Thousands of offices all across the UK have installed raised access flooring in order to successfully increase their capacity.
There are plenty of options available when it comes to considering raised access flooring. The question is, how do you go about making the correct choice?
How to make the right decision when it comes to choosing raised access flooring
You’ve plenty to think about when you’re contemplating your options regarding raised access flooring.
Here are a few important questions you need to be asking yourself:
- Why is the purpose of your space? Is it a data centre quietly running several servers, an office working environment, or a school computer suite?
- What kind of cable and wire system do you wish to install?
- What type of air distribution or air cooling system are you looking to install?
- How much load will your storage panels need to bear?
There are two main systems when it comes to raised access flooring.
Low profile floor access – here the raised flooring is never more than 15 centimetres in height. This is ideal if you are only looking for a raised floor under which you can organise wires and cables.
Standard profile floor access – the raised flooring is between 15 and 30 centimetres in height. This is more appropriate if the items stored beneath your raised flooring will need maintaining, and easy access should they become faulty.
These are the two main standards for raised access flooring, but any reputable flooring company should be able to provide you with a bespoke solution if you need one.
The right materials for your raised access flooring
You also have a great many choices when it comes to the construction of your raised access flooring panels. The correct choice for you depends upon many of the same factors as listed above.
There are five main panel types:
- Bare concrete panels
- Concrete core steel panels
- High-strength polypropylene panels
- Hollow steel panels
- Wooden panels
The main factor when it comes down to the choice of material is the amount of weight the panels will need to support. Also, some types of panels are unsuitable if you wish to remain flexible in the way your raised access flooring is configured.
If you are unsure about your raised access flooring choices, then it’s always best to consult an industry expert, like those found at Fieldmans Access Floors. That way you can be sure that you’re making the best possible decision about your raised access flooring, and one that will see that it meets your expectations.
