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Purchasing Guide

Casework, Fixtures, Furniture, and Surfaces

Staples like lab benches, sinks, seating, carts, and cabinets ensure the everyday functionality of your lab.

by Lab Manager
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There are many options to consider before purchasing such as the material, manufacturer, size, and configuration. It’s important to carefully assess your needs before selecting the best option for your lab.


4 Questions to ask when purchasing laboratory casework, fixtures, furniture, and surfaces

  1. What are the current limitations of your lab’s layout? How would new casework, fixtures, or furniture help overcome these limitations? Will these needs change in the future?
  2. What chemicals are you currently using, or do you plan to use, in your lab? Which surface material will best withstand these materials?
  3. How can you ensure the comfort and safety of your lab workers? For example, would height adjustable seating and workstations allow for tailoring to your workers’ specific physical requirements?
  4. Does your lab need to meet certain accessibility standards now or in the future? If so, how will your casework, fixtures, and furniture accommodate these standards?

Purchasing Tip

The latest trend in laboratory design is modular lab casework and furniture. Rather than being fixed in place, modular pieces can be rearranged and relocated in your lab to better fit your experimental needs as they change. This adaptability will help your lab evolve and prevent the need for a larger redesign in the future. However, once in place, certain fixtures like sinks and gas lines are much more difficult to move. Carefully consider your lab’s current use and future needs before deciding on the location of these utilities in your lab.

Click here for a list of lab furniture and casework vendors