Gone are the days when raised access flooring was reserved exclusively for large corporations with hefty budgets. Traditionally, elevated flooring systems were considered a luxury, primarily used in corporate data centers, high-tech facilities, and large office spaces due to their high installation costs and the complexity of the systems involved. However, thanks to innovative DIY raised floor kits, small businesses with more modest budgets can now take advantage of the many benefits these systems offer. DIY raised floor kits make it possible for smaller companies to install elevated flooring without breaking the bank. These kits come with all the necessary components and easy-to-follow instructions, allowing business owners or facility managers to handle the installation themselves. This affordable and customizable approach not only saves money on labor costs but also offers flexibility in design, making it ideal for smaller projects or growing businesses looking to enhance cable management, cooling efficiency, and overall workspace organization. Whether setting up a new server room, creating a flexible office layout, or improving airflow in a tech space, DIY raised flooring kits are revolutionizing how small businesses approach elevated flooring installations.
Why Install a Raised Flooring?
Enhanced Cable Management
A raised access floor allows you to manage your cables more efficiently, reducing clutter and making it easier to troubleshoot issues.
Improved Cooling Efficiency
By elevating the floor, you can direct cool air to where it’s needed most, improving the overall cooling efficiency of your computer room.
Future-Proofing Your Space
A raised floor makes it easier to upgrade and scale your infrastructure as your company grows, without the need for major renovations.
Types of Elevated Floors
Concrete Panel and System
Cementitious Raised Access Flooring systems and panels are made of galvanized steel and filled with lightweight cement, giving them core strength while providing superior stability, rigidity, and durability. The concrete has been a fan favorite in the US IT world for the last 25+ years, they are the best bang for the buck offering the longest product life, highest load ratings, and one of the most stable raised floors available. These tiles offer a 1,250-pound static load and up to a 6,000-pound ultimate load rating.
Hollow Steel Panel and System
Hollow Steel computer flooring panels and systems are made of galvanized steel for exceptional core strength, and provide superior tile stability, rigidity and durability. These steel raised floor panels have an impressive load capacity, with 1,250-pound static and 5,000-pound ultimate load ratings.
Calcium Sulphate Panel and System
Calcium Sulphate Access Flooring sealed system and panels consist of a recycled Calcium Sulphate core sealed with heavy-duty ABS and a galvanized steel bottom. These panels are environmentally friendly, waterproof, rot-proof, fireproof (Class “A” flame spread rating) and provide excellent rigidity, load rating, durability, and acoustic and static performance.
Wood Core Panel and System
Wood Core System and panels are constructed using a heavy-duty composite wood core surrounded by galvanized formed steel. Wood core panels have impressive load ratings to match your needs, with static capabilities between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds, and ultimate load support from 2,400 to 4,000 pounds. These panels have excellent durability, rigidity, and acoustic performance and provide added fire safety with a Class “A” flame-spread rating.
Aluminum System and Panels
Aluminum access floors are non-magnetic and suitable for use in ISO Class 5 to ISO Class 8 and GMP Grade A and Grade B clean rooms applications and also commonly used in the semiconductor and medical industries. Aluminum panels are also very lightweight, making it easy for staff and employees to move them. These panels are the preferred solution to get the advantages of a raised floor while maintaining the ultra-clean environment demanded by your industry.
Airflow Panels
Raised access floor airflow panels are specialized floor tiles designed to improve air distribution in data centers, offices, and other high-tech environments. These panels are integrated into a raised access flooring system, which elevates the floor above a building’s original surface, creating an underfloor plenum for air circulation. Airflow panels feature perforations, grilles, or directional openings that allow conditioned air from the underfloor plenum to be efficiently directed into the room above. This helps maintain optimal temperatures for sensitive electronic equipment and provides a comfortable environment for occupants. They come in various designs, including high-flow panels for areas requiring maximum cooling and directional panels for targeted airflow. By incorporating these panels into a raised floor system, businesses can achieve better environmental control, enhance the performance of cooling systems, and extend the life of critical infrastructure. Additionally, they offer flexibility, allowing for easy reconfiguration of air distribution as the layout of a space changes over time.
Raised Floor Under-Structure
Bolted Stringer
Designed for data centers, server rooms, industrial applications, and heavy load areas. Bolted Stringers raised floors provide lateral support to heavy rolling loads and seismic loading. Available floor heights from 3″- 72.
Stringerless Corner Lock Raised Computer Floors systems are typically used in applications with low load requirements (office, small computer rooms, 911, etc.) in general office and small computer rooms where loading is light on your raised access floor. Corner fasteners provide floor stabilization and anti-vibration. Available floor heights from 3″- 60″.
New vs. Used Access Floors
New Systems
New Raised Access Floor materials are typically more readily available and can be tailored to your specific needs, including load capacity, height, and design. New Raised Flooring will typically require more capital investment compared to used flooring but comes with the added security of a manufacture warranty, providing peace of mind.
Used Systems
If you want to install a raised flooring system in your company but need to preserve your overhead budget, pre-owned and refurbished access flooring can deliver all the advantages you’re looking for with up to 30-50% the cost of new. Choosing used raised floor systems can also be an eco-friendly choice, as it reduces waste and promotes recycling.
Raised Access Floor Kits and Raised Floor Cost
There are Raised Floor Dealers that offer Raised Access Floor DYS Kits provide everything you need to build a top-notch access floor. You can choose from new or used, various raised floor Manufacturers, floor access panels and finishes, raised under-structure options, and finished floor heights. This flexibility ensures that your access floor is not only functional but also aligned with your aesthetic preferences and technical requirements. Looking for a access flooring company that offers Check out Pro Access Floors for a comprehensive line if DIY Raised Floor Kits and Raised Floor Cost.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Click here for a detailed and comprehensive Installation Manual
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Room Assessment:
- Measure the dimensions of the room to calculate the number of floor panels required.
- Assess the subfloor for any uneven areas, moisture issues, or structural weaknesses.
Layout Design:
- Create a detailed floor plan. Mark out where heavy equipment will be placed and where cables will run.
- Ensure pathways for air circulation and access points for maintenance are included.
Materials and Tools:
- Gather necessary materials: floor panels, pedestals, stringers, screws, and adhesives.
- Tools required include a tape measure, level, chalk line, drill, screwdriver, and cutting tools.
Step 2: Preparing the Sub-floor
Clean the Sub-floor:
- Remove debris, dust, and dirt. A clean surface ensures better adhesion and stability for the pedestals.
Check for Level:
- Use a level to check the sub-floor. If there are uneven areas, use a self-leveling compound to even out the surface.
Step 3: Installing Pedestals
Marking the Grid:
- Using a chalk line, mark out a grid on the subfloor. The grid lines should correspond to the dimensions of the floor panels.
Installing Pedestals:
- Place the pedestals at the intersection points of the grid lines. Apply adhesive to the base of each pedestal and press it firmly onto the subfloor.
- Ensure each pedestal is level before moving to the next.
Securing Pedestals:
- Once the adhesive has set, secure the pedestals with screws for additional stability.
Step 4: Installing Stringers
Attaching Stringers:
- Connect the stringers between the pedestals. Secure them using screws. Ensure they are level and aligned correctly.
Checking Stability:
- After installing the stringers, check the stability of the framework. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure base for the floor panels.
Step 5: Placing the Floor Panels
Positioning Panels:
- Start placing the floor panels on top of the framework. Begin from one corner of the room and work your way out.
Securing Panels:
- Depending on the type of access flooring system, secure the panels using screws or clips as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cutting Panels:
- For areas where full panels don’t fit, measure and cut the panels to size using a saw. Ensure the edges are smooth to avoid any trip hazards.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Check for Gaps:
- Inspect the flooring for any gaps or loose panels. Make necessary adjustments to ensure a tight fit.
Cable Management:
- Arrange the cables beneath the floor panels. Use cable ties or trays to keep them organized and prevent tangling.
Air Circulation:
- Ensure there are adequate pathways for air circulation, which is crucial for cooling systems in computer rooms.
Safety Checks:
- Perform a final check to ensure all panels are secure and level. Walk across the floor to test its stability.
Maintenance Tips
Environment:
- Room Temperatures between 40° and 85° degrees.
- Room Humidity between 40% to 70%.
Cleaning and Care:
- Dust or vacuum floor daily.
- Damp-mop only with warm water and mild multipurpose ammoniated floor cleaner. DO NOT use excessive water, Large amounts of water can weaken adhesive and cause de-lamination.
- Do not use abrasives, scrapers, or strong solvents to remove stains. DO NOT use wax seals on laminate surfaces.
- Have your Raised Flooring System professionally inspected and cleaned by a professional raised access floor maintenance technician once a year.
- Vacuum under-structure and sub floor at least once a year.
- Clean air flow and perforated panels twice a year.
- Vacuum carpet panels twice a week with a static dissipating vacuum.
- Clean carpet Raised Flooring System with dry foam/powders at least twice a year.
- Utilize runners and mats in high traffic areas.
Structural Maintenance:
- Have floor inspected yearly by a qualified Raised Flooring maintenance company to correct structural problems and maintain manufactures specifications. Check out Foreman Raised Access Floor Cleaning.
- Rotate panels at least twice a year between high and low traffic areas.
- Replace damaged, warped, wearing, and de-laminated panels immediately.
- Replace any damaged or wearing components as needed, such as pedestals, stringers and gaskets, and panel edge trim.
Conclusion
Installing a raised access floor in your computer room is a significant investment in your company’s infrastructure. By understanding the types of floors available and following the correct installation steps, you can create a more efficient, scalable, and safe environment for your critical IT operations. Whether you choose a new or used system, the benefits of a raised floor are clear. Improved cable management, better cooling efficiency, and future-proofing are just a few of the advantages that make this upgrade worth considering.