A raised floor is an elevated structural floor which is placed above a concrete slab leaving an open space between the two structures. The open space acts as a hidden passage or an empty space for the placement of mechanical and electrical equipment. Raised floors are often pre-­designed features in modern office buildings and in command centers, IT data centers and computer rooms, where there is a need to route mechanical services, wiring, cables and electrical supplies.

The use of access flooring allows for the creation of more flexible and sustainable work spaces. If the space is large enough for a person to either walk or crawl through, then additional structural support and lighting should be installed. Access floor usage will continue to grow in popularity as more companies design buildings to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) specifications.

The raised floor takes the form of a gridded metal frame of adjustable height called pedestals that provide support for movable floor panels. The height of such flooring ranges from 2 inches to more than 4 feet, depending on the types of services (the volume of cables and other required equipment) that can be accommodated beneath.

The floor panels are made from steel­ clad particleboards or a steel panel with an internal core. The floor panels usually have a variety of finishes that include carpet tiles, marble, stone, antistatic and high­ pressure laminates for use in laboratories and computer rooms. For office areas, hallways, museums, casinos and lobbies, the panels are left bare and sealed or stained and sealed.