What is raised flooring?

The efficiency and function of a building’s infrastructure are endlessly important when it comes to architecture and construction. One such popular installation is raised flooring, which provides a diverse solution for cable, wiring and utilities management, without compromising on the aesthetics of a space. Raised flooring systems excel in environments such as offices, data centres and other commercial spaces where below-floor access is essential for maintenance and upgrades. Not sure what raised flooring is or how it can benefit you? Well, look no further. In this blog, we will explore what raised flooring is, its applications, and the many benefits that raised flooring delivers. Read on for everything you need to know about raised flooring for your business…

When it comes to a raised floor, you must come to a company you can trust. With a reputation for superior craftsmanship and a dedication to client care, we at Hickey Ltd are the leading choice for raised flooring. We work alongside a range of clients to deliver high-quality raised flooring. So, if we sound like the company for you, contact our specialists today!

What is a raised floor?

A raised floor, or access flooring, is a flooring system where a raised platform is installed above the structural subfloor. This space between the raised floor and the original flooring is typically used to house and conceal cables, wires, pipes and other utilities. Similar to suspended ceilings, a raised floor often comprises tiles or panels that can easily be lifted and removed to give access to the area below the floor.

Raised floor systems are installed using durable and robust materials such as steel, concrete or wood and boast a smooth and level surface that can accommodate a range of flooring finishes. This state-of-the-art flooring system allows for the effective organisation of cables, HVAC systems and more that is concealed, but accessible. If you’d like to speak to our specialists about raised flooring for your premises, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

The Applications of a Raised Floor

Raised flooring with Hickey Ltd is an adaptable solution that can be used across several sectors and building types. It is common in commercial premises and settings where space efficiency and easy access to essential services and utilities are key. Here are some of the most common applications of a raised floor:

Offices & Commercial Buildings

A raised floor is vital for organising and concealing cables, network wiring, and power sources in modern office environments. In addition to hiding wires, raised flooring delivers a clean aesthetic and allows businesses to update or expand infrastructure with ease.

Data Centres

With a huge amount of IT equipment, data centres can benefit from raised flooring systems. A raised floor facilitates the routing of power cables, network cables, and cooling systems beneath the floor, for easy maintenance and upgrades.

Control Rooms

Control rooms house a vast number of cables, wired and more, all of which are essential to the function of the space. A raised floor ensures a secure and organised way to manage these cables and ensures a clutter-free space.

Server Rooms

Like data centres, server rooms are home to sensitive equipment that needs to be kept cool and connected to several power and network cables. A raised floor allows for better ventilation, easy access to power sources, and a streamlined cable management system.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare centres benefit from a raised floor as it allows for easy access to electrical systems, medical systems, plumbing and more. This makes maintenance easier and faster, especially in critical care environments.

Retail Spaces

In large retail environments,a raised floor provides space for cabling that powers lighting, sales systems and security systems. It’s particularly popular for large stores or showrooms where the floor space needs to remain clear and functional.

Educational Facilities

A raised floor is highly beneficial for educational facilities such as schools, colleges and universities. It allows for easy management of cables, wiring and other infrastructure which are often essential in such environments.

Can’t see your business listed? At Hickey Ltd, we offer raised floor services to an extensive range of industries. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information.

The Benefits of Raised Flooring

We have seen our clients enjoy the benefits of raised floor systems time and time again. Here are some of the advantages that you and your business can enjoy when installing a raised floor of your own…

Improved Aesthetics & Cleanliness

A raised floor system hides cables, wires, and other infrastructure, providing a clean and professional look. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like offices and commercial spaces, where clutter can create an untidy, unprofessional environment.

Easier Access for Maintenance

Raised flooring allows for easy access to the space beneath the floor. With removable tiles or panels, professionals can access wiring, power cables, or plumbing systems for essential maintenance or upgrades without disturbing the rest of the building’s infrastructure.

Future-Proofing

With the growing demand for technology and connectivity, a raised floor can be easily adapted to accommodate new cabling, network wiring or electrical systems. This makes them ideal for settings that need to upgrade or expand their infrastructure over time.

Improved Airflow & Ventilation

Cooling systems are essential in data centres and server rooms and a raised floor helps to direct cool air from below the floor to circulate throughout the space. This can significantly reduce the cost and efficiency of cooling systems.

Enhanced Flexibility

A raised floor makes it easier to adapt workspaces or add new technologies without having to change the entire building’s infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial for companies that foresee rapid growth or change.

Increased Safety

Raised flooring ensures that cables and wiring are safely concealed beneath the surface, reducing tripping hazards and improving safety in high-traffic areas. It also protects sensitive infrastructure from physical damage.

Noise Reduction

Raised floor systems can also help to reduce noise levels in office spaces and other working environments by acting as a sound barrier. This is particularly important in areas where large volumes of equipment, such as server rooms, are operating.

With these benefits, it’s clear that a raised floor is the high-performance solution for accessibility, enhanced aesthetics, noise reduction, improved safety and much more. So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready for raised flooring installation, contact Hickey Ltd today.

Things to Consider For Your Raised Flooring

When installing raised floors, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right system for your space. Here are some of the things to think about…

Floor Load Capacity

Ensure that the raised flooring system you choose can support the weight of the equipment and individuals in your space.

Tile Material & Finish

Raised floor tiles come in various materials, such as steel, wood, or concrete, each offering different durability and aesthetic benefits.

Height of the Floor

Consider the height of the raised floor, which will depend on the volume of cables and infrastructure that need to be accommodated beneath it.

Airflow & Ventilation

You must ensure that the raised flooring system is compatible with your cooling needs, so plan for effective ventilation when installing your system.

Ease of Installation

Some raised flooring systems are easier and faster to install than others, so ensure that your choice fits your timeline.

By considering these factors during the planning of raised flooring installation, you can ensure a successful outcome that meets your functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements. Get in touch with Hickey Ltd today for more information.

Raised Flooring – A Smart Investment

Raised flooring delivers flexibility, function, and aesthetics to any environment, making it a valuable installation for many buildings. Whether you’re managing a busy office, a data centre, or an educational facility, installing a raised flooring system ensures that your space remains organised, adaptable, and appealing.

At Hickey Ltd, we have extensive experience installing raised floor systems across a wide range of environments. From high-profile projects like the Olympic Park to smaller-scale installations like sub-stations in Harrow, our team is equipped to provide high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. We specialise in creating flexible, secure, and accessible systems that enable businesses to adapt and grow over time.

Our clients have consistently praised us for our professionalism, attention to detail, and seamless service delivery. Whether you need raised flooring for a data centre, office space, or healthcare facility, we are here to help. If you’re interested in discussing your project further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

We Also Offer Suspended Ceilings…

A suspended ceiling, also known as a dropped ceiling or false ceiling is simply a second ceiling. Our suspended ceilings primarily function to cover any necessary wires, heating, and ventilation systems, whilst providing a clean appearance. We have installed a wide range of plasterboard and lay-in grid suspended ceilings. Our metal frame (MF) ceiling systems have many different performance requirements, from wet areas and sound deadening to fire containment. Contact us today!