A Guide to Used Raised Floors

Used raised floor systems are a smart and economical choice for small data centers and small server environments, as many large government and data centers are now moving to cloud computing, which means their raised floors have been decommissioned. These raised floors are almost as good as a brand-new floor, except they're available at a steep discount. Facilities concerned about recycling and re-using resources may also appreciate the fact that these systems are fully recycled and eco-friendly.

Cost Savings

Used raised floor systems offer a substantial cost savings, as they are in some cases up to 70% cheaper than new floors. Used systems are often sold by the square foot, so small data centers can easily purchase the right size and choose among big-name brands in the industry, such as TATE. Pre-owned raised floors include everything necessary for installation, including raised floor tiles, adjustable pedestals, steel stringers, fasteners and pedestal adhesive.

Purchasing a used computer raised floor also allows you to rest easy knowing the system is structurally sound, as it's inspected prior to sale and deteriorating systems will not be resold.

Tips for Buying Used Raised Floors

To maximize savings, here are some tips to help you in your search for a used raised floor system:

• Consider a non-brand name raised floor. The cost and value of used raised floor systems is based on color, condition and the popularity of the manufacturer, so you may save more by choosing a less popular manufacturer like Liskey Access Floors.

• Consider surface covering. HPL is the most popular surface for data center floor tiles, and Grey Starlite is the most common color. You have the option of purchasing a bare used floor system as well, which allows you to install carpet tiles with adhesive if you want carpeting. You can choose used floor tiles with pre-installed factory carpet that offers the same easy access as HPL tiles without the need to remove the carpet to lift the panels.

• Condition is important! Used raised floor systems are graded from A to F based on condition, but a system with a D grade may not be bad depending on its intended use. If carpet tile will be placed on the raised floor, a D-rated system may be acceptable and save you additional money.

Downsides to a Used Computer Raised Floor

Despite the advantages to purchasing a pre-owned raised floor, there are drawbacks to take into consideration. The inventory of used floors changes continually and it is subject to presale, which means you must act quickly if you find the type and amount of flooring you require. Options are also more limited, as you must choose from what's currently available.

Used floors are usually stocked in high-pressure laminate (HPL), which is the most popular covering option. If you need a non-stick covering or carpet, you will have a more difficult time finding this among the available stock.

Finally, used raised floors are also sold in as-is condition. While they are decommissioned floors that are structurally sound, this may be something to take into consideration. If you're considered about your limited options and want a warranty, but you're still interested in saving money, a better option may be a refurbished computer raised floor. Refurbished floors began as used, but go through an extensive cleaning and manufacturing process to attach new trim and new surface to the raised floor tiles, and refurbished floors include a one-year warranty in most cases.