Gone are the days where labs were built with wood casework and black epoxy resin countertops. Advancements in materials, equipment and processes have made it more important than ever for businesses to purchase the right laboratory furniture among the options available today.
It is important to assess the requirements of your lab in order to determine which material your casework should be made out of. The budget that is available, functions that will be performed, chemicals that will be used, equipment needed and amount of wear and tear that the cabinets will take are all factors that should go into the decision.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the top 4 materials that are available for lab casework, starting from the lowest price and ending with the highest price.
Laminate
High pressure laminate is made by applying a melamine resin over decorative surface paper, which is then bonded to a core of kraft papers impregnated with phenolic resin. The result is decorative cabinets that are functional and decorative. It is not recommended for exposure to extremes in humidity or heat.
Pros
- Low to Moderate Duty
- Designer Looks Available
- Low Price
Cons
- Light Duty
- Low Bacterial Resistance
- Low Chemical Resistance
- Low Corrosive Resistance
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- Low Fungal Resistance
- Low Water and Moisture Resistance
- Low Scratch Resistance
Best Applications
Product testing and technology labs. Labs that have a low budget, performing general functions that require cabinets that are functional, durable and decorative.
Wood
Wood has been the traditional choice for the casework in laboratories. Wood is attractive but is more susceptible to wear and tear than steel or stainless steel. It shows every scratch, chip, dent and discoloration of the finish from chemicals or liquids.
Pros
- Moderate Duty
- Attractive
- Mid Price
Cons
- Low Bacterial Resistance
- Low Chemical Resistance
- Low Fungal Resistance
- Low Water and Moisture Resistance
- Low Scratch Resistance
- Dents easily on impact
Best Applications
Beauty products, basic product testing, dry research and technology labs. Labs performing general functions that require cabinets that are functional, durable and attractive.
Steel
Most steel cabinetry is made of heavy duty, 12-gauge steel for heavy-duty use. Steel typically has a powder coat finish, which resists cracking, peeling, and chipping. The powder coat is also abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistant.
Pros
- Heavy Duty
- Moderate Bacterial Resistance
- Moderate Chemical Resistance
- Moderate Scratch Resistance
- Moderate Bacterial Resistance
- High Fungal Resistance
- High Water and Moisture Resistance
- Low to Mid Price
Cons
- Can dent on impact
Best Applications
Chemical, clean room, dental, esd, electronics, industrial testing, photographic dark room, product testing, research and development, school, and scientific urology labs. Labs performing experiments and tests where cabinets need to withstand wear and tear, as well as be moisture resistant and easily cleanable.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made of low carbon steel that is made up of chromium and nickel. This makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also non-porous surface, so liquids cannot penetrate into it. Bacteria, mold and other common household germs don’t stand a chance with stainless.
Pros
- Moderate to Heavy Duty
- Moderate Chemical Resistance
- Moderate Corrosive Resistance
- High Fungal Resistance
- High Fungal Resistance
- High Water and Moisture Resistance
Cons
- Low Scratch Resistance
- Dents easily on impact
- High Price
Best Applications
Animal research, autopsy, biological science, chemical, clean room, food testing, hospital, medical, and pharmaceutical labs. Labs performing experiments and tests where results depend on non-contamination, as it is easily cleanable.
Choosing a Manufacturer
Once you figure out which material is right for your application, it is important to find the right manufacturer. There are six things you should look for from a manufacturer...product quality, customer service, manufacturing lead time, price, shipping and customization. You can learn more in our recent article.
