Raised Access Flooring Systems

Raised access flooring systems are an integral component of modern construction. They are widely used in contemporary office spaces and are often essential for command centres, IT data centres and computer rooms.

Access flooring is used to create spaces that are sustainable and can accommodate a wide variety of applications. Buildings constructed with underfloor spaces are less expensive to build and have low running costs. When access floors are combined with modular electronics and modular walls, the building spaces can be easily reconfigured in a matter of hours. In more traditional buildings, any such reconfiguration would entail demolishing walls, floors and ceilings.

Any building can benefit from the installation of a well-constructed and expertly-installed raised access floor system. The access floor will provide a safe and easily maintained environment housing essential systems including power, data, voice, heating and cooling.

The design provides an elevated structural floor which sits above a solid substrate (usually concrete). The height of the elevation can vary from 5 cm to as much as 1.2 m. This creates a space which can be used to house mechanical and electrical services. In some situations the space must be sufficient for a person to crawl and even walk through.

The raised floor typically comprises of a metal framework or substructure of supports called pedestals. The heights of the supports are fully adjustable. Removable floor panels can be placed on top of these pedestals. The panels are usually made from steel-clad particle board or from a steel panel with a cement like internal core. Some tiles can have hollow cores.

The panels are modular and easily removed. This allows for easy installation, maintenance and relocation. There are a range of panels available, with a range different grades and thicknesses. Expert advice should be sought when choosing panels. Important considerations include access requirements, safety standards and costs of replacement and relocation.

There are a variety of flooring finishes available to cover the panels. Popular options include carpet tiles, wood laminates, stone and marble finishes. Some panels come with a cement surface and can be left bare or stained for effect. Bare panels are very cost effective and can often be seen in offices, lobbies, hallways and public spaces.

Fieldmans Access Floors have been installing raised floor projects worldwide since 1993. Our projects vary in scope from spaces of 3m² to 25,000m². Our experience in a range of environments has given us a depth of knowledge and expertise which marks us out as leaders in our industry.

We supply a wide range of access flooring systems which can accommodate loads from light to heavy. Finishes can be chosen to meet your design specifications. Our services also include modification and refurbishment of existing raised access floors. We can accommodate all budgets and we are always on hand to advise on the most cost effective solution for your needs.

We are proud to have successfully completed a number of prestige projects. We recently supplied and installed Raised Access Flooring Systems to all levels of the £820 million Terminal 2 building at London Heathrow Airport.

We always strive to accommodate the needs of our clients, and we can work outside normal office hours, at weekends or through the night.

If you have a raised access flooring system project in mind, please call us today and our expert staff will be happy to advise you further.