Selecting the right industrial furniture for your lab can be challenging. After all, you have to take into consideration safety requirements, storage needs and function, among others.
Not all labs have the same requirements. In fact, while some may be basic, others have sterilization processes or microbial protections managers must consider when choosing laboratory furniture.
One of your top questions likely involves what material you should select for your lab cabinets and countertops. It’s a decision that requires quite a bit of thought, especially if your workspace must handle chemicals and other abrasive materials.
With hundreds of configurations possible, choosing the right cabinets and countertops is more important than ever to help you meet the demands of your laboratory.
To help you consider your options, we’ve compiled some of the different materials that are used today to construct laboratory cabinets and countertops.
Using the best materials for your laboratory cabinets helps ensure a high quality workspace.
Variations of steel, such as stainless steel, are some of the most common materials used to construct lab cabinetry. That’s because steel components are heavy duty and provide maximum strength and rigidity.
They also are an effective material choice for laboratories that require a sterile or hygienic environment both on the outside of the cabinet and inside where the shelves are located. That’s important, because the last thing you want is for liquids, bacteria, fungus or mold to penetrate your laboratory casework.
Some of the benefits of steel and stainless steel cabinets include:
Our article, Top 6 Benefits Of Stainless Steel Cabinets, further explores some of the benefits installing stainless steel casework in your lab will provide.
But what about other materials? Can other materials be used to construct cabinets found in laboratory settings? The answer is yes, but you should ensure any material you choose meets any regulations for safety and cleanliness that your lab must follow.
In addition to metal, 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.
There is a wide variety of materials used to construct countertops in laboratories. When choosing the material for your
In lab environments especially, countertops take the biggest beating of all the furniture. A typical day may include working with chemicals, heat, abrasive materials and a variety of lab equipment that may damage your countertop space.
Because reconfiguring your space or replacing current countertops can be a significant investment, it’s important to choose a material that is long-lasting and durable.
Here are a few of the most common materials used to construct lab countertops:
Keep in mind, as you choose the material for your counters, that technology is constantly changing. New compounds continue to be created, and new experiments may require additional changes in your lab. As you evaluate your current work surfaces, consider any future work on the horizon that may impact the need for a change in material.
Our article, When Should You Replace Your Lab Countertops, further explores signs that indicate it’s time to replace your current countertops.
In labs where bacterial, corrosion and chemical contamination is a concern, steel cabinets and countertops offer a safe and durable option.
While there are several other material options available as well, it’s important to do your homework to ensure you choose the right high-quality materials that meet the level of durability you need in laboratory cabinets and countertops. Choosing the wrong materials can threaten compliance of any state and federal regulations that must be met in your industry, and your own safety requirements as well.
Purchasing lab casework is a substantial investment, and manufacturers are the best source of information as you navigate your choices in products. They should be able to answer any questions you have regarding which materials would work best in your lab, the availability of the material and design you want, and whether your choices fit your budget.
The best manufacturers also offer custom laboratory options in a time frame that gets your project or facility up and running as soon as possible with the style and functionality you want.