Equipping a laboratory is a major investment – one that affects not only productivity, but also safety and compliance. Whether you’re building a new facility or upgrading an existing space, the partners you choose matter.
A reliable lab supply company can help you select the right materials, source durable furniture, ensure your lab meets regulatory requirements, and provide ongoing support that keeps operations running smoothly.
But with so many suppliers available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Should you turn to referrals? Search online? Look for manufacturers that offer custom solutions? And how can you tell which partners are truly capable of meeting your lab’s needs?
To make your search easier, here are five essential tips for finding the right lab supply company:
One of the best ways to find a dependable lab supply company is by tapping into your professional network. Referrals tend to be honest, experience-based, and specific … meaning you get more than just a name; you get insight into what the company did well (or not so well).
Laboratories have highly specialized needs, and the supplier that’s perfect for one industry may not fit another. For example, supply needs in a pharmaceutical R&D lab differ dramatically from those in a university teaching lab or an industrial testing facility. Hearing from colleagues who operate in environments similar to yours can point you toward companies already familiar with the challenges and regulatory considerations you face.
When seeking referrals, ask colleagues:
Referrals can also alert you to suppliers to avoid, saving time and money.
Even a reputable supplier isn’t necessarily the right one for your lab if they don’t understand your industry’s processes, standards, and safety requirements. A company with a long track record in your sector will anticipate common challenges and recommend products well-suited to your work.
When researching suppliers online, look for:
For large, fixed, or semi-permanent furniture like chemical-resistant countertops, laboratory cabinets, or adjustable-height workstations, industry-specific knowledge ensures you receive products that support both safety and long-term performance. A supplier experienced in your field will know what materials hold up against solvents, heat, or biological agents and can advise on construction methods that extend furniture lifecycle.
When selecting a lab supply company, the quality of materials they offer should be a top priority. Lab furniture, in particular, is an area where durability and engineering make a noticeable difference. Low-quality benches, tables, or cabinets can warp, corrode, or fail under constant use – leading to safety hazards and costly downtime.
Evaluate the company’s product offerings for:
If possible, request samples or visit a showroom to inspect materials. For furniture manufacturers, ask about load ratings, resistance testing, and typical lifespan expectations.
Websites can make any product look good, so dig deeper:
A lab supply partner committed to quality will be transparent, informative, and willing to answer technical questions without hesitation.
While many labs can operate with standard equipment, others require tailored solutions. The right supplier – especially those who manufacture lab furniture – should offer customization options that help you build a workspace around your processes, not the other way around.
Customized furniture can:
Depending on your needs, a supplier might offer:
When evaluating customization options, ask how flexible their manufacturing process is. Do they offer quick lead times? Will they provide CAD drawings? Can they prototype or modify designs? Companies that produce high-quality furniture usually have streamlined processes that make customization simpler and more reliable.
A great lab supply company doesn’t disappear after your order ships. Because labs evolve and needs change, you want a partner capable of offering support, maintenance advice, and consistent communication.
Consider companies that:
The right supplier should function as a strategic partner. As your lab grows, restructures, or expands into new research areas, having a supplier who already understands your setup makes upgrades easier and more cost-effective.
Finding the right lab supply company requires more than a quick Google search. It’s about evaluating experience, product quality, customization capabilities, and customer service – all factors that influence the longevity and safety of your laboratory.
Start with referrals, research their expertise, assess their product durability, explore customization options, and take a close look at how they support clients long-term. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to partnering with a supplier who not only meets your needs today, but supports your lab as it evolves for years to come.