Selecting The Right Material For Your Lab Casework 

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.

Casework in labs plays a crucial role in providing durable, functional workspaces for experiments, storage and the safe handling of materials. Here are some tips to help you select the right material for your lab casework:

1. Consider important factors for lab casework.
2. Steel is ideal for sterile environments.
3. Don’t forget lab casework countertops.

Consider Important Factors For Lab Casework

When selecting lab casework, several key factors must be considered to ensure the space is functional, safe and durable:

1. Budget: The budget available will significantly influence the choice of materials, design and features of lab casework. While high-quality, durable materials may come at a higher initial cost, they can offer better long-term value by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
2. Functionality: The specific functions that will be performed in the lab dictate the design and configuration of the casework. Whether the lab requires extensive storage, specialized workspaces or flexibility for different types of experiments, the casework should be tailored to support the lab’s unique needs.
3. Chemical Resistance: The types of chemicals used in the lab are a critical consideration, as they can affect the longevity and safety of the casework. Materials that are resistant to corrosion, staining and damage from specific chemicals should be chosen to ensure that the casework remains in good condition and safe to use over time.
4. Equipment Needs: The size and weight of the equipment that will be used in the lab are also important factors. Casework must be sturdy enough to support heavy instruments and designed to accommodate any necessary hookups, such as gas lines, electrical outlets or ventilation systems.
5. Durability and Wear and Tear: The amount of wear and tear that the casework will endure is another key consideration. Labs that experience high traffic or frequent, intensive use will benefit from casework made of robust materials that can withstand frequent cleaning, heavy usage and potential impacts.

Selecting the right casework is important to creating a lab environment that is both functional and long-lasting, ensuring that all operations can be conducted safely and efficiently.

Steel Is Ideal For Sterile Environments

Steel and stainless steel are some of the best materials used to construct lab casework, especially laboratory cabinets. That’s because steel components are heavy duty and provide maximum strength and rigidity. 

They also are ideal for a sterile or hygienic environment. Steel and stainless steel help prevent liquids, bacteria, fungus or mold from penetrating your laboratory casework. 

Some additional benefits of steel and stainless steel cabinets include:

• They are easy to clean.
• They will not chip or fade.
• They are extremely durable.
• They are moisture, heat and chemical resistant.
• Steel and stainless steel are considered sustainable materials for their durability and when they are recycled.

Our article, Top 6 Benefits Of Stainless Steel Cabinets, further explores some of the benefits of installing stainless steel cabinets in your lab. 

Wood and laminate materials are sometimes used to construct laboratory cabinets. Wood offers a more traditional look, but is porous and not resistant to abrasive chemicals. Plastic laminate can be a good economical option as long as they are used in environments that don’t require extensive corrosion resistance. 

Don’t Forget Lab Casework Countertops

When planning lab casework, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of selecting the right countertops for workbenches since they play a critical role in both the functionality and longevity of the workspace.

Countertops themselves can come in a wide variety of materials. 

• Phenolic Resin: Typically used in labs and other harsh environments where chemicals are used, phenolic resin countertops are designed as one solid, lightweight countertop that is durable and long-lasting.
• Epoxy Resin: Durable and non-porous, epoxy resin holds up very well under harsh and extreme conditions such as high heat.
• Solid Surface: Solid surface countertops are made from acrylic or polyester resins and feature a filler material. They are non-porous and water-proof, and feature many different customizable looks. Solid surfaces are often used on areas around sinks.
• Chemical Laminate: This countertop choice is produced by layering melamine resin, layers of wood fibers and phenolic resin-impregnated Kraft paper with a decorative substrate. Chemical laminate are highly protective against chemical agents.
• High Pressure Laminate: HPL countertops are used for basic, non-extreme applications. While they are functional and durable, they’re also very affordable.
• ESD laminate: This material provides a safe work surface for environments where static electricity is a concern. As an added benefit, ESD laminate surfaces are also resistant to staining and chemicals that include acetone, gasoline and 10% ammonium solutions. 
• Stainless Steel: Resistant to bacteria, rust and corrosion, stainless steel countertops also are stain and heat resistant. This makes this material an ideal choice for laboratories where high heat and open flames are used.
• Butcher Block: Traditionally used in woodworking and basic assembly applications, butcher block countertops are sturdy. However, they are porous and can dent easily, making them not the ideal material for environments where heavy equipment is used or there is excessive water and moisture.

Selecting a countertop material often comes down to budget, but keep in mind that there are short-term costs and long-term costs to consider. If a countertop fails and needs replaced, that can cost your lab more in the long-run.

Choose A Manufacturer That Offers Customizations

When selecting lab casework, working with a manufacturer that offers customizations can make a significant difference in creating a workspace tailored to your lab's specific needs. Some of the customizations that manufacturers might offer include:

• Specialized Storage Solutions: Customizable cabinets and drawers designed to store specific lab equipment, tools or chemicals, ensuring everything has a designated place
• Adjustable Shelving: Shelves that can be moved or resized to accommodate varying equipment sizes or to allow for future reconfiguration of the lab space
• Integrated Sinks and Workstations: Custom workstations that include built-in sinks, gas lines or fume hoods, designed to meet the precise needs of your lab’s operations
• Material and Finish Options: A variety of material choices for durability and resistance, such as stainless steel, laminate or chemically resistant surfaces, with finishes that can match the aesthetic and functional requirements of the lab
• Ergonomic Designs: Custom casework designed with ergonomics in mind, such as adjustable workbenches or cabinetry heights, to ensure comfort and safety for lab personnel
• Space Optimization: Custom cabinetry or workbenches that maximize the use of available space, particularly in labs with unique layouts or size constraints
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By choosing a manufacturer that offers these kinds of customizations, you can ensure that your lab is not only functional and efficient but also adaptable to future needs. For more ideas of what a lab casework manufacturer should offer, check out our article, 6 Things To Look For When Evaluating Lab Casework Manufacturers.