As technology has advanced and new industries have emerged over the years, the way laboratories are designed and built has changed as well.
Those of us who worked in labs or who took science in school prior to 2010 remember wood laboratory furniture and black countertops made of stone or epoxy resin.
Today, labs are state of the art. New lab countertop materials include phenolic resin, epoxy resin, stainless steel, chemical laminate and HPL laminate, to name a few. Cabinetry has evolved as well, with wood not the only game in town anymore. Different types of steel, including powder-coated steel and stainless steel, are options that companies and schools are considering.
Each type of material for lab countertops and modular laboratory furniture offers its own set of distinct advantages. Yet if you’ve narrowed down your choices to steel vs. wood, which is best for your lab furniture? Let’s look at how these top two compare.
Durability
Steel: Most steel cabinetry is made of heavy duty, 12-gauge steel to provide heavy-duty construction for maximum strength and rigidity. Steel typically has a powder coat finish, which resists cracking, peeling and chipping. A powder coat is abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistant. This does not mean that it will not crack, peel, chip, scratch or corrode, but it is more resistant than most other finishes, providing the steel frame and other components of the steel structure with quality protection.
Wood: While wood looks attractive, a wood frame and surface don’t take the wear and tear as well as steel does. Traditional wood shows every scratch, chip, dent and discoloration of the finish. In addition, liquid damage is a concern, especially if you have a wet lab. Mold thrives where there is moisture, humidity and little ventilation. The same happens in wood buildings when they aren’t properly insulated and protected. When the interior of a lab cabinet becomes wet and the dampness lingers, mold can develop, particularly around water pipes and science lab sinks.
Advantage: Steel
Cleanliness
Steel: Powder coating is one of the most durable protective coatings available for metal surfaces, and proper care will help prolong the finish. Cleaning harmful chemicals and surface contaminants off as soon as possible will prevent damage to the finish. Warm water and soap is recommended, but most commercial cleaners can also be used. It is recommended that Acetone, mineral spirits or lacquer thinners not be used, as they could compromise the finish. Mopping floors around steel bases is not an issue.
Wood: Mild cleaners, vinegar and water, or mild soap and water are simple ways to clean wood lab cabinets. Bleach, hydrogen peroxide and other cleaners that are typically used to remove mold may discolor the stained wood cabinets. Any liquids not dried off may cause damage to the finish. Of particular concern is moisture and cleaners that can seep in from mopping floors around bases. This usually causes warping and discoloration.
Advantage: Steel
Flammability
There are two primary hazards associated with storage of flammable liquids: explosion and fire. The NFPA (national Fire
Protection Association), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) and Uniform Fire Code (UFC) allow for the use of both metal and wood storage cabinets. Per 1910.106(d)(3)(ii), storage cabinets must be designed and constructed to limit the internal temperature to not more than 325°F when subjected to a 10-minute fire test.
Steel: Codes dictate that the bottom, top, door, and sides of metal cabinets shall be at least No. 18 gauge sheet metal and double walled with 1½‐inch air space. The door shall be provided with a three‐point lock, and the door sill shall be raised at least 2 inches above the bottom of the cabinet.
Wood: The same codes indicate that the bottom, top and sides of wood cabinets must be constructed of at least 1” thick exterior-grade plywood and must not break down or delaminate under fire conditions. When more than one door is used, they must have a minimum rebutted overlap of at least 1”. Hinges must be mounted in such a manner as not to lose their holding capacity due to loosening or burning out of the screws.
Advantage: No Advantage, if built to proper codes
Customization
Steel: Steel furniture can come in standard sizes and configurations. This includes accessories like shelves and drawers. Some manufacturers set up their production facilities so that they can customize the sizes of their cabinets to meet their customer’s lab design needs. This should be one of the first questions you ask the manufacturer if you think you will need it.
Wood: Like steel, all manufacturers have standard sizes and configurations. Some will offer custom sizes, but you need to ask up front if you are looking for customization.
Advantage: No Advantage
Aesthetics
Steel: Compared to wood, steel looks clean and more modern. Factor in multiple color options and the ability to have custom colors, and you can create a beautiful laboratory. The main benefit for steel in this category is that steel looks better over time with the wear and tear that labs are subjected to.
Wood: Wood building materials have a more traditional look and can be very warm and beautiful. There are also multiple color finishes available. The downside to wood is that over time, it can quickly look dated and worn out with all the wear and tear it will take.
Advantage: Steel
Cost
Steel: Steel is very cost effective because of advances in automation. Custom sizes and paint colors will increase the price, typically by 15 to 20%. Steel is also highly durable and resistant to many chemicals, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
Wood: Wood is slightly more expensive than steel because of the increase in handling needed for manufacturing. Custom sizes and finishes will increase costs between 20 to 25% because of the labor-intensive nature of the work. Wood may need regular treatments to prevent damage from chemicals, moisture and wear, adding to the overall lifetime expense.
Advantage: Steel
When comparing the two, steel is better than wood when it comes to durability, cleanliness, aesthetics and cost. And, let’s face it … these are important issues.
Laboratories are costly to build, so your lab furniture has to be functional, durable and maintain its aesthetics for a long time to come.
