Designing a laboratory isn’t only about outfitting a space with furniture and equipment. It’s also about tailoring an environment to meet the precise needs of the work that will be done within it.
Whether you’re in pharmaceuticals, forensics, education, food testing or advanced manufacturing, a custom lab can boost productivity, enhance safety, improve workflow efficiency and even support compliance with regulations.
But achieving the right lab layout and functionality doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s what to do first, and what to keep in mind along the way.
Start With The Right Manufacturer
Before you choose finishes, dimensions or features, you need to choose the right supplier or manufacturer. 
Keep in mind that this isn’t just about pricing and lead times. The partner you select plays an important role in what customization options are available to you and whether those personalizations can meet the needs of your lab.
Not all suppliers offer the same level of customization. Some are limited to standard cabinet and bench configurations, while others can accommodate unique requests, from ESD-safe surfaces to specific heights. If your work requires non-standard layouts or customizations, make sure your manufacturer is equipped for that level of detail.
The best lab manufacturers will also go beyond supplying furniture. In other words, they provide design guidance. They understand lab workflows and can suggest layouts that improve efficiency or reduce cross-contamination risks. They’ll ask about ventilation, traffic flow, equipment placement and more.
Integration capabilities are also important to consider when evaluating suppliers. Many labs require more than just tables and cabinets. Whether it’s integrating fume hoods, sinks, power sources or gas lines, a full-service manufacturer can coordinate these needs so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors.
Customization Basics: Get These Right First
Once you’ve selected your partner, it’s time to think through the primary components of your lab. These elements are the backbone of your environment, and getting them right is critical.
Lab Countertops
Your lab countertops bear the brunt of lab activity. Choosing the right material is vital based on your lab's focus:
- Epoxy resin work surfaces are a popular choice for its durability, chemical resistance and moisture tolerance.
- Phenolic resin is lighter and often used in environments where both strength and affordability are important.
- Stainless steel is excellent for cleanrooms and food labs due to its non-porous surface and ease of cleaning.
- HPL Laminate, or high pressure laminate, works well for dry labs or educational settings that don't involve corrosive substances.
Other popular materials used to construct laboratory countertops include ESD laminate surfaces for environments where static electricity is a concern, solid surface countertops for a seamless look, and even butcher block industrial workbench tops in some environments where harsh conditions aren’t present.
Also consider the color of your countertops. Lighter colors can make it easier to spot spills, while darker tones may reduce visual strain.
Storage Solutions
Storage needs can vary dramatically from one lab to another. You might need:
- Under-counter cabinets for frequently used items
- Tall storage cabinets for bulk chemicals or large equipment
- Lockable drawers for sensitive or hazardous materials
- Open shelving for easy access to general supplies
Custom layouts let you maximize vertical space, maintain a clean working environment and promote good inventory control.
Workstations & Benches
Custom lab benches can be designed to match your specific work functions. Some labs require large, shared benching for collaborative work. Others benefit from mobile or height-adjustable lab tables to accommodate multiple users or seated/standing positions.
Some features to consider:
- Built-in sinks
- Integrated electrical and data ports
- Overhead lighting or task lighting
- Chemical-resistant surfaces
- Modular drawer units
When selecting an industrial adjustable workbench, you typically have four lift mechanism options:
- Slot adjustment
- Hand crank
- Hand crank with hydraulic features
- Electric
A slot adjustment bench is the most basic option, requiring workers to physically lift the work surface and remove bolts or spacers to change the height. While this method allows for height customization, it can be labor-intensive and less ergonomic due to the manual effort required.
Hand crank models offer a more user-friendly alternative. These allow workers to raise or lower the bench height by turning a crank, reducing the need for heavy lifting. However, if the bench is supporting heavy tools or materials, adjusting it manually can still be challenging. That’s where hydraulic hand crank models come in. These use hydraulic pressure to assist with lifting, making it much easier to adjust heavy-duty benches. Some hydraulic models can even support loads of up to 1,000 pounds.
For maximum ease of use, electric adjustable height workbenches offer the most ergonomic solution. Workers can lift or lower the bench with the push of a button, making it ideal for multi-shift operations or workspaces where tasks and users vary. Some models also allow for preset height positions, adding to their convenience.
While electric benches typically cost more, hand crank options can still be highly functional and more budget-friendly, especially when portability or flexibility in workstation location is a factor. The best option depends on your facility’s workload, layout and budget.
Next-Level Customizations: Think Beyond The Basics
After you’ve designed the core of your space, consider other features that improve functionality, aesthetics and.png?width=300&height=251&name=Untitled%20design%20(75).png)
adaptability.
Casters and Mobility
Adding wheels (casters) to your lab furniture creates flexibility. Mobile industrial workbenches can be moved to create new workflows, allow equipment sharing or make cleaning easier. For labs that change function frequently, mobility is a smart upgrade.
Be sure to choose lockable, heavy-duty casters to ensure stability and safety when the station is in use.
ESD-Safe Furniture
If your lab involves electronics assembly, semiconductor testing or any static-sensitive applications, ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection is important. ESD-safe furniture includes special surfaces, grounding points and conductive materials that prevent damage to sensitive components.
Your manufacturer should help you select ESD chairs, workstations, mats and storage to ensure a fully compliant setup.
Color Customization
Color might seem like a minor detail, but it can impact the lab’s mood, usability and even safety. For example, bright colors can create a more vibrant, engaging workspace, especially important in education or training labs.
Color-coded zones can reinforce lab protocols, such as separating clean zones from sample prep areas. Branded color schemes can make your lab feel like part of the larger organization, which may matter if clients or students visit frequently.
Many manufacturers offer powder-coated steel in a variety of colors, allowing you to go beyond the standard white or gray.
Ergonomic Features
Long hours at the bench can lead to fatigue or repetitive stress injuries, causing expensive medical bills and costly time away from the job. On the other hand, investing in the safety of your employees can have positive results for your business.
Research suggests that employers who embrace workplace safety initiatives see an average 66% increase in productivity and 44% increase in quality. Their safety records go up by an average of 82%, while enjoying a direct benefit-to-cost ratio anywhere between 2:1 to 10:1. In other words, by embracing ergonomic interventions, employers can experience $2 to $10 worth of benefits for every dollar spent.
As you plan your custom lab, features to consider include:
- Height-adjustable benches or sit-stand stations
- Anti-fatigue mats for standing tasks
- Ergonomic chairs and stools with lumbar support
- Sloped edges or padded wrist supports
Discuss these needs with your manufacturer during the design phase. They may suggest layout changes that reduce reaching, twisting or bending.
Other Important Considerations
- Ventilation & Airflow: While not strictly a furniture issue, the way your lab is laid out can impact airflow and safety. If your work produces fumes, vapors, or particulates, your furniture layout must support the effective operation of fume hoods, snorkels or air filtration systems.
- Compliance & Safety: Certain lab types require compliance with specific safety or hygiene standards. Your manufacturer should be familiar with requirements from organizations like OSHA, CDC or NSF and help you choose materials and configurations accordingly.
- Be sure to ask about:
- Flame-resistant materials
- NSF-certified work surfaces
- ADA-compliant layouts
- Lockable cabinets for controlled substances
Final Thoughts: Design With the Future In Mind
A custom designed lab is an investment. With the right planning and the right partner, it can serve your organization for decades, even as your needs evolve. As you design your space, ask not only what you need today, but what might change in five or 10 years.
Can your lab grow with your team? Can it accommodate new technology? Can it support multi-purpose work? These questions will help guide you as you create a custom plan.
Getting the most out of your lab starts with smart choices, from your manufacturer to your materials to the custom features that make daily work easier. With the right foundation, your custom lab can elevate performance while increasing safety for years to come.
