What is Raised Access Flooring?

Raised Access Flooring is a raised floor system which sits on top of an existing floor. This allows access to the gap created beneath where wires and service lines can run along the floor below.

The elevated structural floor is made up with load-bearing removable panels, laid across a grid system of adjustable pedestals. This system creates a void beneath the floor level which allows full access to cabling and services. At Workplace Interior Shop, we stock raised access floor systems and components to suit your project needs. 

How is Access Flooring Constructed?

The flooring is made up of a series of components, all available from Workplace Interior Shop. We only ever work with trusted manufacturers, guaranteeing you receive a quality, high performance product. 

Raised Access Flooring is typically manufactured from chipboard panels which are cut to a standard size of 600mm x 600mm. The chipboard square may be encased in steel and topped with materials such as vinyl or natural materials. At Workplace Interior Shop, we supply a range of panels, featuring medium grade or heavy grade performance and tested to BSEN or PSA standards.

What is the Difference Between BSEN and PSA Standards?

BSEN and PSA refer to different industry standards to which raised access floor panels are tested. BSEN was created in 2001 by the European Committee for Standardisation in an effort to regularise the standards across the EU. PSA (Property Services Agency) has been a UK industry standard for raised floors for over 25 years. Neither standard is favoured over the other, however, the BSEN standard is becoming increasingly used. 

What is the Difference Between Medium Grade and Heavy Grade Panels?

Medium grade and heavy grade simply refers to the load bearing capacity of the panels. Medium grade panels are suitable for general office use, such as educational environments or public areas. These generally have a Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) of 8kN/m2 (this may vary from product to product). Heavy grade offer more load bearing capacity with a UDL of 12kN/m2. This makes the system suitable for heavy office use, such as data rooms or print rooms, which use heavy machinery and equipment. Please refer to product datasheets to find the weight range limits of your chosen panel. 

Adjustable Pedestals

Adjustable pedestals are the supporting ‘legs’ which hold up the floor panels. They are available in a range of heights and can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. The pedestals are often adhered to the subfloor using an epoxy resin-based adhesive. Pedestals are placed across the whole floor at regular intervals, ensuring all panels are properly supported.  

Pedestal Gaskets

Pedestal Gaskets are used on top of raised access floor pedestals to allow the location of the metal stringers.

Lateral Stringers

Stringers are not essential in all raised access flooring systems. However, where floor heights exceed 500mm, stringers are used to provide additional lateral stability. The stringers are screw fixed to the pedestals. 

Ancillary Items & Fixings 

At Workplace Interior Shop, we supply a range of additional items compatible with your raised access flooring system. This includes items such as adhesives, drill bits, aluminium foil tape, and under floor fire barriers. These are essential in the proper installation and finishing of a raised floor system, ensuring performance specifications are met. 

Raised Access Flooring Kits

Are you looking to buy the full system? At Workplace Interior Shop, we can supply ready to install kits which are bespoke to your room dimensions. Simply input the m2 coverage you require into our kit calculators and we instantly work out the exact materials you need for a full raised floor system. 

Applications for Raised Access Flooring 

Raised access flooring is popular in environments which house a lot of electrical wiring or building services. The void created beneath the flooring panels allows neat storage of these service lines and disruption-free access when required. Raised Access Flooring is commonly seen in call centres, government offices, data rooms and telecom centres.

Raised Access Flooring Advantages

Service Maintenance

With the modern office setup in mind, raised access flooring offers a cost effective and practical solution. By having easy access to the service void, any maintenance work can be carried out effortlessly with no need for major disruption, saving both time and labour costs. 

Thermal Efficiency

Raised Access Flooring can also benefit the thermal efficiency of your building. Once installed there is a void beneath helps to distribute air around the building, potentially helping to minimise energy costs through heating and cooling systems that can be installed in the void.

Acoustic Benefits

During the design stage of raised access floor panels, acoustic tests are conducted to provide specific sound ratings given on the data sheets. This covers airborne and impact sound ratings. When installed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, these acoustic benefits can help to improve the sound performance of your room. 

What Should be Considered Before Installation?

1. Layout. While the void created beneath the flooring system is suitable for service lines, it is important to map out how these will lay out, ensuring the pedestals can be installed at regular intervals.
2. Room features. Elements such as windows, skirting, plug sockets and doors will need to be adjusted to fit the elevated floor height.
3. Loading requirements. How much weight does your floor need to take? This may impact the type of panel you install and the height of your pedestals.

Are There Alternatives to Raised Access Flooring?

For environments which house a large number of electricals and service lines, a suspended ceiling could help you achieve a similar function to raised flooring. The void created above the ceiling tiles allows for electricals and trunking to be run at ceiling level, while maintaining easy access through the movable tiles. However, unless your service lines already run at ceiling height, a raised flooring system is potentially less disruptive to install. 

Buy From Raised Flooring Experts

Are you looking for raised access flooring? View our online catalog to buy online, or contact a member of our friendly team who can help you source the right products for your project. Call today on 01242 395215 or email team@workplaceinteriorshop.co.uk to get a quote.