When setting up a laboratory, choosing the right lab furniture is crucial. From enhancing productivity to ensuring safety, the right furniture can make a significant difference. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best lab furniture for your needs, including essential features, benefits, and where to buy the best products.
Table of Contents
Why Lab Furniture Matters
Lab furniture is more than just tables and chairs; it’s an integral part of your workspace that impacts efficiency, safety, and overall workflow. Whether you’re outfitting a research lab, a clinical setting, or an educational environment, the right lab furniture can support your specific needs.
Types of Lab Furniture
Lab Benches and Tables
Choosing the right lab bench and table involves considering several factors to ensure they meet your lab’s specific needs and provide a safe, functional, and comfortable working environment. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision on how to choose the best laboratory bench and table:
1. Determine Your Requirements
Type of Work: Identify the types of experiments or tasks that will be conducted. For example, chemical experiments may require chemical resistant surfaces, while electronics work might need antistatic benches.
Equipment Needs: Consider the size and weight of the equipment that will be used on the benches and tables. Ensure they can support the weight and accommodate the equipment dimensions.
2. Material and Durability
Surface Material: Choose surfaces that match your lab’s requirements:
Epoxy Resin: Highly durable and chemical resistant, suitable for harsh chemical environments.
Phenolic Resin: Resistant to moisture and chemicals, good for general lab use.
Stainless Steel: Excellent for sterile environments, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.
Laminate: Cost effective but less durable, suitable for light duty tasks.
Frame Material: Steel frames provide strong support and durability. Look for powder coated steel to resist corrosion.
Granite or marble: Can endure high temperature and heavy impact.
3. Ergonomics and Adjustability
Height Adjustable Benches: Adjustable height benches can accommodate different tasks and users, promoting ergonomic comfort and reducing strain.
Seating Compatibility: Ensure the benches and tables are compatible with lab stools or chairs, providing adequate legroom and comfort for users.
4. Size and Configuration
Dimensions: Measure the available space in your lab and choose benches and tables that fit comfortably without overcrowding the workspace.
Configuration: Consider the layout of your lab. Options include straight benches, L-shaped, or U-shaped configurations to maximize workspace and workflow efficiency.
5. Storage and Accessories
Built-in Storage: Look for benches with built-in storage options like drawers, shelves, or cabinets to keep tools and supplies organized and easily accessible.
Accessories: Consider additional features like electrical outlets, gas fittings, sinks, and lighting to enhance functionality.
6. Mobility and Flexibility
Mobile Benches: If flexibility is important, choose benches with lockable casters that allow easy movement and reconfiguration of the workspace.
Modularity: Modular benches and tables can be reconfigured as needs change, providing long term flexibility and cost savings.
7. Safety Features
Chemical Resistance: Ensure surfaces and materials are resistant to the chemicals used in your lab to prevent damage and ensure safety.
Fire Resistance: For labs dealing with flammable materials, choose benches and tables with fire resistant properties.
Anti Vibration: For sensitive experiments or equipment,such as the balance scale, antivibration tables can provide stability and accuracy.
8. Budget Considerations
Cost vs. Quality: Balance your budget with the need for durability and functionality. Investing in high quality benches and tables can save money in the long run by reducing replacement and maintenance costs.
Bulk Purchasing: If outfitting a large lab, consider bulk purchasing to take advantage of discounts and ensure consistency in furniture quality and design.
By carefully assessing these factors and working within your budget, you can create a functional, safe, and efficient lab environment.
Lab Storage Cabinets
Choosing the right lab storage cabinet is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and organization of your laboratory. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting lab storage cabinets:
1. Identify Your Storage Needs
Type of Materials: Determine what materials you will store, such as chemicals, flammable substances, samples, equipment, or documents.
Quantity and Size: Consider the volume and size of the items you need to store to ensure the cabinet provides adequate space.
2. Material and Construction
Steel: Durable and strong, ideal for heavy duty storage. Look for powder coated steel to resist corrosion and chemical damage.
Stainless Steel: Excellent for sterile environments, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion and heat.
Wood: Suitable for dry storage and nonhazardous materials, but not recommended for chemical storage.
Plastic or Polypropylene: Resistant to many chemicals, lightweight, and often used for storing acids and corrosives.
3. Safety Features
Chemical Resistance: Choose cabinets with chemical resistant surfaces and linings to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
Flammable Storage: If storing flammable materials, select cabinets designed to meet safety standards for flammable storage, with features like self closing doors and ventilation.
Fire Resistance: For labs dealing with high risk materials, fire resistant cabinets provide additional safety.
Locking Mechanism: Ensure the cabinet has a secure locking system to restrict access to hazardous or sensitive materials.
4. Ventilation and Exhaust
Ventilated Cabinets: For storing volatile chemicals, choose cabinets with builtin ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of harmful vapors.
Ducted vs. Ductless: Ducted cabinets are connected to an external exhaust system, while ductless cabinets use filters to clean the air before recirculating it into the lab.
5. Storage Configuration and Accessibility
Shelving and Compartments: Look for adjustable shelves to accommodate items of various sizes. Compartments and drawers can help organize smaller items.
Accessibility: Ensure that frequently used items are easily accessible. Consider cabinets with clear doors or labeling systems for quick identification of contents.
6. Compliance and Standards
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the cabinet meets relevant safety standards and regulations, such as OSHA, NFPA, or EPA guidelines, depending on your location and lab activities.
Certification: Look for certified cabinets that have been tested and approved by recognized safety organizations.
7. Size and Space Considerations
Dimensions: Measure the available space in your lab to choose cabinets that fit comfortably without obstructing workflow.
Capacity: Ensure the cabinet’s capacity meets your storage needs without overcrowding the lab.
8. Mobility and Flexibility
Mobile Cabinets: Consider cabinets with wheels if you need to move storage frequently. Ensure they have lockable casters for stability.
Modularity: Modular cabinets can be reconfigured or expanded as your storage needs change.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can ensure your lab is well organized, efficient, and safe.
Lab Workstations
Lab workstations are designed to accommodate specific tasks and equipment. Customizable and ergonomic designs can be tailored to fit the unique requirements of your lab, enhancing comfort and productivity. If you need to know how to choose a lab workstation, please refer to the step of how to choose a lab bench and table.
Mobile Lab Carts
For labs that require flexibility, mobile lab carts offer a versatile solution. These carts can be easily moved around, providing additional workspace or storage as needed.
Lab Chair
Choosing the right lab chair is crucial for providing comfort, ergonomics, and safety to lab personnel who may spend extended periods seated during experiments or work. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a lab chair:
1. Ergonomic Design
Adjustability: Look for chairs with adjustable seat height, backrest height, and armrests. This allows users to customize the chair to their body dimensions and preferences.
Lumbar Support: Chairs with built-in lumbar support promote proper spinal alignment and reduce the risk of back strain.
Seat Depth and Width: Ensure the seat dimensions accommodate different body sizes comfortably.
2. Material and Durability
Upholstery: Choose upholstery that is easy to clean and resistant to chemicals and spills. Vinyl and polyurethane are common choices for lab chairs due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
Frame: Opt for chairs with a sturdy frame, typically made of metal or high quality plastic, that can support the weight capacity needed for your lab environment.
3. Stability and Mobility
Base: Chairs should have a stable, five point base with casters suitable for your lab floor surface (e.g., hard floor or carpet). Ensure the casters are smooth rolling and have a locking mechanism if needed.
Swivel Function: A swivel function allows users to easily rotate and access different areas of their workstation without straining.
4. Safety Features
Certifications: Look for chairs that meet industry safety standards for ergonomics and durability. Certifications such as ANSI/BIFMA in North America ensure quality and safety.
Fire Resistance: In labs handling flammable materials, chairs with fire resistant upholstery provide an added layer of safety.
5. Comfort and Support
Seat Padding: Chairs should have sufficient padding to provide comfort during long periods of sitting without becoming too soft or losing support over time.
Armrests: Adjustable or removable armrests can support the arms and reduce strain on the shoulders and neck.
6. Budget Considerations
Cost vs. Quality: Balance your budget with the need for durability and ergonomic features. Investing in higher quality chairs can reduce long term replacement costs and enhance user comfort and productivity.
7. Ease of Maintenance
Cleanability: Choose chairs with smooth surfaces and materials that are easy to wipe clean and disinfect to maintain hygiene standards in the lab.
Specialized Lab Furniture
Steel Lab Furniture
Steel lab furniture is renowned for its durability and strength, making it ideal for heavy duty use. It’s also resistant to chemicals and easy to clean, ensuring a safe and hygienic workspace.
For more details about steel lab furniture , please check this article:
Chemical Resistant Lab Furniture
For labs dealing with hazardous materials, chemical resistant furniture is a must. These pieces are designed to withstand exposure to harsh chemicals, ensuring longevity and safety.
More details about chemistry lab furniture, please refer to this article:
Modular Lab Furniture
Modular lab furniture offers the ultimate flexibility. These systems can be reconfigured as your needs change, making them a cost effective and adaptable solution for growing labs.
Industry Specific Lab Furniture
Pharmaceutical and Clinical Labs
These environments require furniture that supports precision and cleanliness. Ergonomic designs and easy to clean surfaces are essential for maintaining high standards.
Educational and Industrial Labs
Educational labs need durable and versatile furniture to accommodate a range of activities and learning styles. Industrial labs, on the other hand, require robust furniture that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
Medical and Biotechnology Labs
Medical and biotechnology labs demand furniture that ensures safety and supports advanced equipment. Look for options that provide ample space and stability for delicate instruments.
Benefits of High Quality Lab Furniture
Space Optimization
Efficient lab furniture designs help maximize your workspace, allowing for better organization and more efficient workflows.
Safety and Security
Investing in high quality lab furniture enhances the safety and security of your lab. Look for features like fire resistant cabinets and chemical resistant surfaces.
Ease of Maintenance
Choosing furniture with easy to clean surfaces helps maintain a hygienic environment, crucial for any lab setting.
Flexibility and Customization
Flexible and customizable furniture designs allow your lab to adapt to changing needs, making them a smart long term investment.
Cost Effectiveness
Making lab furniture cost effective involves a combination of smart purchasing decisions, efficient use of resources, and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you achieve cost effective solutions for your lab furniture:
1. Assess Your Needs Thoroughly
Before purchasing, conduct a detailed assessment of your lab’s requirements. This includes the types of activities conducted, the equipment used, and the number of users. Understanding your needs helps avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures you invest in furniture that meets your specific demands.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Investing in high quality lab furniture may have a higher upfront cost, but it pays off in the long run due to its durability and lower maintenance needs. Look for furniture made from robust materials like steel, which is known for its strength and longevity.
3. Opt for Modular and Flexible Designs
Modular lab furniture offers the flexibility to reconfigure the workspace as needs change. This adaptability can save costs associated with purchasing new furniture when your lab expands or changes focus. Modular units can be added or rearranged without the need for entirely new setups.
4. Buy in Bulk
If setting up a large lab or multiple labs, consider purchasing furniture in bulk. Many suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases, reducing the overall cost. This also ensures consistency in your lab’s design and functionality.
5. Explore Second Hand and Refurbished Options
High quality used or refurbished lab furniture can be a cost effective alternative to buying new. Ensure that secondhand items meet your safety and functionality standards. Reputable suppliers often offer warranties on refurbished furniture.
6. Plan for Multi Functional Furniture
Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes. For instance, workstations with builtin storage or adjustable benches that can be used for various tasks maximize utility and reduce the need for additional pieces.
7. Seek Custom Solutions
Custom lab furniture can be tailored to your specific needs, potentially reducing costs associated with purchasing multiple or unsuitable pieces. Custom solutions can also optimize space and functionality, making your lab more efficient.
8. Focus on Long Term Maintenance
Invest in furniture that is easy to clean and maintain. Durable materials like chemical resistant surfaces and steel require less frequent replacement and reduce long term maintenance costs.
9. Look for Warranty and Support Services
Choose suppliers that offer warranties and robust customer support. This ensures that any issues can be resolved without incurring additional costs and that your furniture remains in good condition for longer.
10. Regularly Review and Reorganize
Periodically reassess your lab’s furniture layout and usage. Reorganizing existing furniture can optimize space and improve workflow without the need for new purchases. Regular reviews help identify underused or unnecessary items that can be repurposed or sold.
By following these strategies, you can make your lab furniture investment more cost effective while ensuring a functional and efficient workspace. Prioritizing quality, flexibility, and thoughtful planning will help you get the most value from your lab furniture in the long run.
Where to Buy Lab Furniture
When looking to purchase lab furniture, it’s essential to choose a supplier that offers high quality products, reliable customer service, and understands the unique needs of laboratory environments. Here are some options and considerations for buying lab furniture:
Specialized Lab Furniture Suppliers
Lab Equipment Suppliers: Companies specializing in scientific equipment often carry a wide range of lab furniture, including benches, cabinets, and workstations. Examples include VWR International, Fisher Scientific, and ColeParmer.
Lab Furniture Manufacturers: Directly purchasing from manufacturers can sometimes offer custom solutions and competitive pricing. Look for manufacturers with a good reputation in the industry.
Online Marketplaces
Google Search: Many of the real lab furniture manufacturers can be reached by search engines, if you are planning to buy the lab furniture for a big project, it is an ideal option.
Amazon: Offers a variety of lab furniture options from different sellers, often with customer reviews to help you make an informed choice
eBay: Can be a source for both new and used lab furniture, often with competitive pricing, although careful scrutiny is needed for quality and condition.
Alibaba: Provides access to international suppliers and manufacturers, which can be beneficial for finding specialized or custom lab furniture.
Specialty Stores and Distributors
Lab Supply Companies: Local or regional suppliers specializing in laboratory supplies and furniture may offer personalized service and quick delivery.
Office Supply Stores: Some office supply stores carry basic lab furniture items like desks and chairs, although their selection may be limited compared to specialized suppliers.
Furniture Dealers and Contractors
Commercial Furniture Dealers: Some dealers specialize in commercial and industrial furniture and may offer lab specific options or custom solutions.
Contractors and Installers: If you need installation services or require customization, contractors specializing in lab installations can provide comprehensive solutions.
Local and Online Auctions
Government Surplus Auctions: Local and federal government auctions often include surplus lab furniture from universities, research facilities, and government labs.
Online Auctions: Websites like Gov Deals and Liquidation.com occasionally feature lab furniture auctions with the potential for cost effective purchases.
Considerations When Buying
Quality and Safety: Ensure that the furniture meets safety standards and is suitable for the specific demands of your lab environment, such as chemical resistance or fire safety.
Warranty and Support: Look for suppliers that offer warranties and reliable customer support to address any issues that may arise.
Shipping and Installation: Consider logistics such as shipping costs and options, as well as whether you need installation services for larger items.
Conclusion
Selecting the right lab furniture is a critical decision that impacts the efficiency, safety, and overall success of your laboratory. By considering your specific needs and the various types of furniture available, you can create a functional and productive workspace. Remember to prioritize features like durability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance to ensure your lab furniture serves you well for years to come.
