Whether you’re outfitting a research facility, manufacturing plant or quality control lab, choosing the right lab supply store is crucial.
But with so many vendors offering equipment and furnishings, how do you ensure you’re working with a supplier that can truly meet the needs of your applications?
From durable laboratory worksurfaces to specialized industrial workbenches, here’s what to look for in a lab supply store when quality, compliance and customization matter most.
Specialization in Products that Meet Your Needs
Not all lab environments are the same. A school science lab, for instance, doesn’t face the same demands as a pharmaceutical manufacturing floor or a chemical processing plant. That’s why the first thing to look for is whether the lab supply store specializes in industrial-grade products, or products that meet your compliance needs.
For example, industrial labs require heavy-duty lab furniture and equipment that can withstand repeated use, exposure to chemicals and often harsh environmental conditions. Seek out a supplier that offers:
- Industrial workbenches designed to support heavy equipment and continuous use
- Lab countertops that can withstand the conditions of your lab
- Fume hoods that meet standards for industrial-grade chemical safety
- Laboratory cabinets rated for flammable or hazardous materials
These are not just “nice-to-haves.” They’re essentials in maintaining productivity and ensuring workplace safety in an industrial lab.
Comprehensive Product Offering
A quality lab supply store should offer more than just one category of products. Look for vendors that provide a full suite of lab essentials, so you can streamline purchasing and ensure compatibility across your workspace.
For example, a versatile supplier may carry:
- Lab casework including base cabinets, wall-mounted units, and tall storage options
- Adjustable-height industrial workbenches to accommodate various workflows and operator ergonomics
- Fume hoods and ventilated enclosures for handling volatile chemicals or materials
- Durable laboratory worksurfaces available in materials suitable for your applications
- Storage cabinets for PPE, samples, glassware or chemical inventory
If a supplier also offers lab stools, sinks, eye wash stations and shelving systems, that’s a plus.
Customization Capabilities
In many industrial settings, off-the-shelf solutions just don’t cut it. Your workflows, equipment and space constraints are unique, and your lab furniture should reflect that. That’s why the ability to customize is a key differentiator when choosing a lab supply store.
Look for a supplier that can:
- Modify lab casework to fit non-standard floor plans or wall configurations
- Offer modular industrial workbenches with add-ons like built-in power strips, overhead lighting or shelving
- Provide worksurface options based on your chemical exposure and cleanability needs
- Integrate utilities such as gas lines or data ports into your furniture or lab layout
Custom fabrication and design services may cost more upfront but can save significantly on time and operational efficiency down the line.
Quality Materials and Construction
Durability is non-negotiable in industrial lab settings. Products must be made with high-quality materials that hold up over time, particularly in environments that include heavy machinery, caustic chemicals or frequent sanitation cycles.
When evaluating lab supply stores, ask about:
- Materials used in lab casework and workbenches, including steel, powder-coated finishes or corrosion-resistant alloys
- Surface materials, from epoxy resin to phenolic resin or stainless steel based on heat, moisture and chemical resistance
- Load capacities, especially for industrial workbenches supporting analytical equipment or instrumentation
- Certifications or warranties that meet relevant standards
Investing in better-built lab furniture results in fewer replacements, less downtime and greater safety compliance.
Reliable Lead Times and Project Support
In industrial applications, delays can derail an entire project. Whether you’re outfitting a new facility or replacing old casework, timeliness is crucial. That’s why your supplier should offer clear lead times, responsive communication and installation support when needed.
Look for lab supply companies that:
- Located in the United States to reduce lead and shipping times
- Stock a wide variety of standard products ready to ship
- Offer realistic timelines for custom builds
- Provide project management or coordination with contractors
- Can handle delivery and installation logistics
Reliable support throughout the project helps minimize disruptions and keep your operations on track.
