Noah Nichols is VP of Operations at LOC Scientific, a laboratory furniture and fume hood supplier based in Buford, GA that has designed more than 10,400 laboratories and sold or serviced over 20,800 fume hoods since 1986. In his role, Noah oversees the operational side of LOC's design, supply, and installation work for clients across healthcare, education, government, industrial, and research labs.
On the LOC Scientific blog, Noah writes about the practical realities of lab design and operations, from choosing the right materials for a given lab's chemical exposure to the workflow and safety considerations that come up during real installations.
Quick Summary The best cleaner for epoxy resin countertops is a mild soap or a gentle household cleaner such as Simple Green, applied with a soft cloth and followed by a rinse. Acetone, used carefully where permitted, removes stubborn residue, and a moistened white light-duty pad handles marring. Avoid wax, abrasive powders, dry scouring pads,Continue reading “What Is The Best Cleaner For Epoxy Resin Countertops?”
Quick Summary The right laboratory sink size depends on your largest glassware, how often the sink is used, and the bench space available. Most general purpose lab sinks have bowls between 15 by 8 inches and 25 by 15 inches, with depths of 6 to 12 inches. Compact cup sinks suit quick rinses, while deeperContinue reading “Determining The Right Size For Your Laboratory Sinks”
Quick Summary Laboratory grade epoxy countertops commonly last 10 to 20 years, with some remaining dependable for longer. Installation quality, chemical exposure, temperature changes, physical wear, and maintenance influence their service life. Prompt cleaning and regular inspections can reduce avoidable damage. Repair may address isolated issues, while replacement becomes appropriate when the surface can noContinue reading “How Long Do Epoxy Countertops Last In The Laboratory?”
Quick Summary Chemical-resistant countertops provide durable, non-porous work surfaces that withstand exposure to acids, solvents, alkalis, heat, and biological contaminants without degrading. Their resistance to chemical damage helps maintain laboratory safety, reduce contamination risks, support accurate testing, and extend the lifespan of laboratory workspaces across research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, industrial, and educational environments. In any laboratoryContinue reading “Why Chemical-Resistant Countertops Matter In Your Laboratory”
Quick Summary Epoxy resin and stainless steel are two of the most widely used laboratory countertop materials, each offering distinct performance advantages based on laboratory requirements. While epoxy resin provides exceptional resistance to acids, solvents, and other aggressive chemicals, stainless steel excels in sterile environments requiring high heat tolerance and easy sanitization. Comparing their chemicalContinue reading “Epoxy Vs. Stainless Steel Countertops: Which Material Suits Your Laboratory?”
Quick Summary Science lab countertop materials vary in their resistance to chemicals, heat, moisture, impact, and microbial growth, making material selection an important factor in laboratory performance and longevity. Common options such as epoxy resin, stainless steel, phenolic resin, chemical-resistant laminate, and high-pressure laminate each offer distinct advantages for different laboratory environments based on durability,Continue reading “A Guide To Choosing The Right Science Lab Countertop Material”
Learning how to repair epoxy resin countertops helps extend the life of surfaces that handle daily use and occasional damage. Small imperfections can appear over time, especially in high-use areas or specialized environments like laboratory countertops. With the right methods, most problems can be corrected without replacing the entire surface.
Epoxy resin surfaces have gained attention in technical environments where durability and chemical resistance matter. The cost of epoxy resin countertops depends on factors such as size, customization, and installation conditions. In laboratory settings, these surfaces play a key role in maintaining clean, controlled workspaces.
Epoxy resin countertops durability is often a primary consideration when designing a lab space that operates under demanding daily conditions. From chemical exposure to repeated cleaning, surfaces must handle stress without losing performance or appearance.
Your lab’s countertop and cabinet choices are two of the most important lab furniture decisions you can make for your lab. They handle most of the daily tasks therefore they encounter the brunt of the ongoing wear and tear in your lab. Taking the time to know what types of material are available is criticalContinue reading “Tips for Picking Correct Countertops and Furniture”
