What makes lab furniture different? Why can’t you just use an old dining room table for your classroom science experiments?
In fact, furniture to be used in a science lab, whether in a school or workplace, has very different requirements from ordinary tables, chairs, cabinets, and workbenches.
One important consideration is the material from which work surfaces are made. Lab table surfaces are often made from a laminate that will resist scratching and stand up to the glass and metal of lab equipment.
When corrosive chemicals will be used, a laminate or epoxy surface that can resist being damaged by these chemicals or causing a dangerous reaction is of the utmost importance to keep scientists safe. Many labs in schools and universities find it useful to have a seam-free table surface so that liquid and powder chemicals do not seep down within these cracks, keeping them from remaining in these seams to corrode the surface or react with other chemicals harmfully.
As in all furniture, durability is highly important when selecting a new addition to your lab. Laminate would be the least durable option, with hardwood being a moderate durability option. Metal is the most durable and easy to clean surface choice.
Other specialized lab furniture includes storage cabinets, work benches, rolling carts, shatterproof mirrors, and cabinets with sinks, all of which offer increased versatility and ease of access in a variety of laboratory settings.
RehabMart is proud to offer science and lab furniture by Diversified Woodcrafts.
Laboratory and science furniture is used in schools, colleges, and medical laboratories, as well as in hospitals, research facilities, and surgery centers. Teachers, scientists, lab technicians, nurses, and doctors all use them on a regular basis, as do medical, dental, and veterinary assistants.
Furniture specially built for these settings includes work tables, storage cabinets, work benches, storage carts, and mirrors. All must be far more durable than the average piece of furniture, and must meet other functional needs appropriate for the setting in which it is used.
Work tables, cabinets, carts, and workbenches comprise a large part of furniture used in labs. Let’s look at who uses each of these, and how they are different from the standard classroom or even medical furniture.
Almost any scientific facility needs a number of work tables. This includes university chemistry and biology labs, pathology labs, high school science classrooms, and even hospitals.
In a science lab where chemicals are used, it is vital that the tabletop surfaces are chemical-resistant and will not corrode or pit when chemical solutions are spilled. Experts recommend you use a table that is a bit more resistant than you think you need, especially in high schools where participants are more likely to be clumsy or disregard safety protocols.
Most tabletops offer one of three different surfaces that each provide varying degrees of resistance:
Each of these surfaces is a good choice for any science lab. The choice will come down to which chemicals you plan on using, how often you’ll be working with them, and how resistant you need your tables to be to both chemicals and general wear and tear.
Cabinets used in labs, science classrooms, and medical facilities are usually treated with a chemical-resistant finish so that the wood construction will not be eaten away in the event of a chemical spill. The durability of this type of finish can also protect wood from simple liquid spills, setting them apart from traditional wood cabinetry.
Another feature of a cabinet meant for use in a lab is that most come fitted with at least one compartment that locks, in order to store medications, chemicals, and other potentially harmful substances.
Some cabinets are designed to store particular items, such as microscopes or specimen trays, while others are on wheels, so they can transport equipment and supplies to different locations throughout a school or medical facility.
Finally, lab cabinets can also be purchased as part of a sink unit to provide a convenient wash-up station within your science lab.
Lab workbenches are used for working with chemicals, and for this reason are often made out of slate, which is easily cleaned and does not have cracks. Many workbenches come with a water source to enable easy clean-up within quick reach in case of a spill or other accident.
Stainless steel is another popular choice of surface for lab workbenches, also being easily cleaned and disinfected while offering superior durability and strength.
