If you are planning to build or renovate a data center, office, or any other space that requires a high level of flexibility, efficiency, and performance, you might want to consider installing a Raised Floor System. A Raised Floor System is a type of flooring that consists of modular panels supported by pedestals above a solid subfloor, creating a space for cables, pipes, ducts, and other services. This space, also known as the plenum, allows for easy access, maintenance, and reconfiguration of the infrastructure, as well as improved air circulation and cooling.
But how much does a Raised Floor System cost? And what are the factors that affect its price? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with some useful tips on how to choose the best Raised Floor System for your needs and budget.
Key Cost Components of Raised Floor System
Raised floors can provide data centers, offices, laboratories, and other facilities with space flexibility, easy reconfiguration, and efficient air flow. But what will a raised floor system cost for your building? Here’s an overview of the expenses involved.
Here are some typical costs and considerations for raised floor systems:
Material Costs – Costs of Different Types of Raised Floor Panels
The modular panels themselves tend to range from $10-$60 per square foot depending on the material used (wood, steel, calcium sulfate). Panels made of specialty materials can cost more.
Here are typical price ranges for different raised floor materials:
- Steel panels – $15 – $30 per square foot installed
Steel panels are durable, fireproof, and have high load capacities, but are more prone to denting. Popular for data centers and industrial uses.
- Calcium Sulfate – $10 – $25 per square foot installed
Also called calcium sulphate or anhydrite panels. Made from gypsum, these are lightweight, low-cost, and offer fire resistance. Widely used for offices.
- Wood/Plywood – $15 – $35 per square foot installed
Plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panels provide good value and impact resistance. Limitations are fire risk and moisture issues.
- Aluminum – $25 – $40 per square foot installed
Lightweight aluminum panels are corrosion resistant but more expensive. Often used in cleanroom or damp environments.
- Concrete – $30 – $50 per square foot installed
Very durable and fireproof, but heavy and typically only used for industrial raised floors.
- Plastic Composites – $5 – $15 per square foot installed
Made of materials like PVC, ABS or polypropylene plastics. Lightweight but prone to sagging over time.
- Ceramic/Porcelain – $30 – $60+ per square foot installed
Offer a high-end finish option but are very expensive, prone to cracking and heavy.
Installation Cost – Cost of Intalling Raised Floor in Different Sites
Raised floors are widely used in various commercial places due to their versatility. However, it is obvious that the installation of raised floors must be adapted to local conditions in order to maximize the benefits of its application in different venues. For example, in the office, we focus on the use of raised floors for wiring management, so the selection of panels and flooring covers is more aesthetically oriented to office decoration. In the clean room or data center, the raised floor shoulders more safety responsibilities, so the installation requirements are more stringent. Therefore, the installation cost of the raised floor system varies greatly in different places.
Office Raised Floor System Cost
The cost of installing a raised floor system in an office can range from $20 to $100 or more per square foot, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. This is a broad range because of the various variables that influence the cost.
- Materials – Standard steel or calcium sulfate panels run $15-$25 per square foot. Understructure adds $5-$10 per square foot.
- Labor – Installation will cost around $3-$6 per square foot for an experienced raised flooring crew.
- Accessories – Items like ramps, railings, perimeter trim can add $2-$3 per square foot.
- Other costs – Include permits, drawings and specs, dumping fees for debris removal. Allow around 5% of total materials and labor.
- Size of project – Larger office spaces get better rates due to economies of scale. A 10,000 sq ft office space will be less per sq ft than a 500 sq ft space.
- Height – Low heights of 6-12″ are most economical. Tall 24-30″ heights cost more for longer pedestals.
- Customization – Standard panels are cheaper than custom colors or finishes. Complex layouts cost more.
- Location – Labor rates vary by city. Urban areas are typically more expensive.
For a simple steel panel system with 6″ height for an average sized open office space, total installed costs often range from $25-$40 per square foot. High-end systems with custom panels, complex layouts or high heights can be $60+ per square foot installed. The most accurate estimate requires a detailed quote based on your office’s specific floor plan, finishes and features required. Consult our experienced raised flooring contractor during planning.
Data Center Raised Floor System Cost
The cost for installing a raised floor system in a data center could range from $50 to $250 or more per square foot. Installing a raised floor system in a data center typically has higher costs compared to an office due to more complex requirements. However, these numbers can change over time and based on specific circumstances.
- Materials – Heavy duty steel panels designed for high loads are $25-$40 per square foot. Robust understructure is $10-$15 per square foot.
- Labor – Installation will range from $5-$10 per square foot for skilled data center flooring contractors.
- Height – Data centers often require taller floor heights of 24″-48″. This adds more in material and labor costs.
- Access control – Specialty ramps, stairs, railings to manage access run $5-$15 per square foot.
- Layout – Complex layouts for routing cables and framing racks adds design time.
- Redundancy – Backup supports and seismic frames increase understructure costs.
- Grounding – Extensive grounding for ESD control can cost $2-$5 per square foot.
- Cutouts – Cutouts for cable penetrations reduce usable panels, increasing waste fees.
- Project size – Data centers are often larger floor plans which helps lower per square foot pricing.
- Location – Urban high labor cost cities will be more expensive overall.
A typical installed cost for a raised floor system in a data center ranges from $40-$100+ per square foot depending on the above factors. High security government data center builds can exceed $100 per square foot. Work with a data center specialty contractor to estimate pricing based on your specific data center size, tier level, materials and layouts.
Server Room Raised Floor System Cost
The cost for installing a raised floor system in a computer room or server room could range from $50 to $150 or more per square foot. However, please note that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on the factors mentioned above and any changes that have occurred since then. Here are typical costs for installing a raised floor in a computer room or server room:
- Materials – Standard steel or calcium sulfate panels are $15-$25 per sq ft. Understructure is around $5-$10 per sq ft.
- Labor – Installation costs range from $3-$5 per square foot for an experienced crew.
- Accessories – Items like ramps, railings, trims add about $1-$2 per square foot.
- Height – Server rooms usually need 18-24″ height. Taller floors cost more.
- Layout – Simple layouts are most economical. Complex cable routing adds labor time.
- Size – Server rooms are often small spaces, meaning less economy of scale versus large data centers.
- Grounding – Proper grounding for ESD control adds $0.50-$2 per square foot.
- Cutouts – Any custom cutouts for cabling increase material waste costs.
- For a standard 500 – 1000 sq ft server room with simple layout, the total installed cost often ranges from $30-$70 per square foot. High-end systems with complex layouts or customization could be $80-$150 per sq ft installed.
An experienced contractor can provide accurate pricing based on your specific computer/server room size, materials, and design needs. Ongoing maintenance costs should also be budgeted.
Common Maintenance Costs Associated With Raised Floors
Here are some typical maintenance costs to consider with raised floor systems:
- Panel replacement – Having spare panels on hand for quick replacement can cost $100-$500+ depending on material. Panels may need replacement if damaged.
- Understructure repairs – Fixing broken pedestals, stringers, or fasteners can range from $200-$1000 depending on scope.
- Tile/carpet refreshes – For floor finishes, periodic stripping/reapplication costs $1-$4 per square foot.
- Cleaning – Regular sweeping and vacuuming under the floor. Professional deep cleaning services average $0.10-$0.30 per square foot.
- Inspections – Annual inspections to check for leaks, damage, debris cleanout, etc. Typically $200-$1000.
- Static grounding – Testing and maintaining proper grounding connections for ESD control. Can range from $200-$800 annually.
- Air sealing – Resealing perimeter air barriers around floors to maintain HVAC efficiency. $1000+ per project.
- Leveling – Re-leveling panels that become unstable over time. Spot leveling is $100+ per hour.
- Lifecycle replacement – Complete tear out and replacement over time. $10-$30 per square foot.
- Accessories – Repairing or replacing worn steps, ramps, railings and trims.
Are you planning to build up the raided floor system in your project? Contact us now, our professional technicians will give you the best and most cost-effective solution according to your needs.