Frequently Asked Questions

Many years of experience have taught us that there’s a big difference between a good fume hood system location and a poor fume hood system location.  You can check out our Fume Hood FAQ page for the answers to some frequently asked questions. Our Product Specialists are here to assist you with each step from design all the way through final installation.

Yes. Labs that handle corrosive or reactive materials need surfaces that resist chemical damage. LOC Scientific’s Product Specialists can help you select the best option for your setup. Available materials include phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and stainless steel. Visit our countertops and sinks information page to learn more.

LOC Scientific provides metal, wood, plastic laminate, modular, polypropylene, ADA, and ergonomic – to name a few. We offer many colors, sizes, and configurations to fit virtually any room or lab application. Visit our Laboratory Furniture page for details and product examples.

LOC Scientific supports a wide range of fields such as research and development, industrial operations, government facilities, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and consumer products. Visit our Industries page to explore examples of the projects and installations we’ve completed across these sectors.

Yes! LOC Scientific’s field installation team is very experienced with laboratory relocations and renovations, whether they are across town, across campus or across state lines. To find out more, go to our installation information page.

Absolutely. LOC Scientific has Product Specialists experienced in ADA-compliant lab design who will guide you through every stage of the process. Our designs prioritize accessibility without sacrificing functionality, with careful consideration for wheelchair clearance and proper casework dimensions. We also provide ADA-friendly fume hoods, sinks, and fixtures built for comfortable use by individuals in wheelchairs. Visit our ADA Workstation page to learn more.

LOC Scientific supplies a complete range of laboratory products, including safety gear, appliances, shelving, and much more. Visit our accessories page to see product photos and a full list of available items.

LOC Scientific supplies, installs, and maintains laboratory equipment for U.S. Government facilities through GSA Contract #GS-24F-0026M, Category 66 (Scientific Equipment and Services). We offer lab furniture, fume hoods, design support, and a full range of accessories for both new projects and renovations. You can explore examples of our GSA-approved equipment on our information page.

Regular testing and maintenance are a must for fume hood safety and performance. LOC Scientific offers professional inspection and performance testing services to confirm your hood is working properly and keeping lab personnel safe. Contact us for details or to schedule a service.

Laboratory casework is heavy-duty, chemical-resistant cabinetry built for harsh lab environments, unlike standard kitchen or office cabinets which can't handle spills, heat, or frequent cleaning with harsh disinfectants. Standard cabinets use particleboard and decorative laminates that delaminate when wet. 

Lab casework uses materials like phenolic, epoxy, or chemically resistant metal with seamless finishes that prevent contamination. Many imported brands cut corners here. LOC Scientific manufactures all casework in the USA using SEFA-compliant materials. View our USA-made lab casework specifications to see the difference.

Phenolic resin offers the best all-around balance of chemical resistance, moisture protection, and cost for most labs. Epoxy resin is superior for extreme heat and aggressive acids (e.g., perchloric or hydrofluoric acid). Stainless steel excels in sterile or pharmaceutical environments. Polypropylene is ideal for wet labs handling strong corrosives. 

Wood casework (properly sealed) works well for dry labs like electronics or teaching spaces. The "best" material depends entirely on your chemical inventory and cleaning protocols. Not sure which is right for you? Call our lab casework specialists for a free material recommendation.

Phenolic is the most chemically resistant and waterproof – best for wet or corrosive labs. Metal offers excellent strength and cleanability but can rust if the finish is compromised. Wood (with sealed surfaces) provides a warm, cost-effective option for dry labs.

• Phenolic - Wet labs, acid digestion, pathology
• Metal (steel) - Research labs, pharmaceutical, cleanrooms
• Wood - Teaching labs, electronics, computer labs

Unlike one-size-fits-all suppliers, LOC Scientific helps you match material to your actual chemical exposure – not just a catalog default. Send us your chemical list, and we'll recommend the right casework material within 24 hours.

Workflow, chemical storage needs, ergonomics, and future flexibility are the four pillars of good casework design. Start with who uses the lab and what they need within arm's reach. Acid storage requires vented cabinets. Flammables need fire-rated construction. Under-counter clearances must accommodate seated or standing work. 

Most importantly, casework placement affects both safety (emergency access) and ventilation (airflow patterns). LOC Scientific designs casework layouts that integrate with your fume hoods and HVAC. Send your floor plan for a free ergonomic review.

SEFA 8 is the primary standard for laboratory casework, covering chemical resistance, load capacity, and construction integrity. SEFA-compliant casework must withstand specific chemical exposure tests without surface degradation. 

Additionally, NFPA 45 requires fire-rated storage for flammable liquids (often steel with self-closing doors). For fume hood base cabinets, SEFA 1 applies. LOC Scientific casework meets or exceeds SEFA standards for all laboratory applications. View our SEFA compliance documentation here.

Modular casework uses interchangeable components that can be reconfigured or expanded as your lab grows. Fixed (built-in) casework is permanently installed, often with continuous countertops and sealed seams.

• Modular - Faster install, flexible, easier to relocate
• Fixed - No gaps for contamination, often more durable long-term

Most labs benefit from modular casework unless you require a sterile, seamless surface for GMP or pharmaceutical work. LOC Scientific specializes in high-quality modular systems that feel permanent but adapt when your needs change. Call us to discuss which approach fits your 5-year lab plan.

Budget 600–600–1,500 per linear foot for quality lab casework, installed. Final price depends on material, configuration, and quantity. Key cost drivers:

• Material - Phenolic and epoxy cost more than metal or wood
• Customization - Standard sizes cost less than fully custom dimensions
• Certifications - SEFA compliance adds value but minimal cost
• Installation complexity - Existing lab demolition and utility moves add expense

Import casework may appear cheaper upfront, but lead times are longer and quality varies. LOC Scientific delivers USA-made casework at competitive pricing with faster turnaround. Get a free line-item quote for your next lab project – no obligation.

Start with what you're putting inside it: acids, solvents, perchlorates, or biological agents. Each requires a different liner material (epoxy, polypropylene, stainless steel) and exhaust design. Next, measure your lab's existing HVAC capacity — a 6-foot hood can pull 1,200+ CFM, which some buildings can't support without upgrades. 

Then decide between Constant Air Volume (CAV) or Variable Air Volume (VAV); VAV costs more upfront but saves energy if you close the sash often. Many suppliers skip the building assessment. LOC Scientific doesn't. We'll check your exhaust fan specs and room supply air before recommending a hood. Send us your chemical list and lab dimensions for a free hood sizing worksheet.

ANSI Z9.5 (ventilation systems), ASHRAE 110 (containment testing), and SEFA 1 (construction) are the non-negotiable trio. ASHRAE 110 is the most practical — it measures tracer gas containment and assigns a performance rating (e.g., 4.0 AM 0.05 ppm). SEFA 1 adds structural and chemical resistance requirements. 

For fire safety, NFPA 45 applies, and any hood with electrical components needs UL 1805. Import hoods sometimes claim compliance but skip third-party testing. LOC Scientific hoods are ASHRAE 110 factory-tested per SEFA 1. View our test report sample for any model before you buy.

Annual certification by a qualified professional is required by ANSI Z9.5 and NFPA 45. That hour-long test measures face velocity, containment, and alarm function. But smart labs also do a 30-second daily walk-through: check the sash moves smoothly, the airflow monitor shows green, and no clutter blocks the baffles or exhaust slot. 

Every six months, inspect the blower belt and motor bearings. LOC Scientific hoods are built for easy service access — no special tools needed to reach the plenum or baffle screws. Call us for a printable daily inspection log you can hang on each hood.

Ducted hoods exhaust hazardous air completely outdoors. Ductless hoods pass air through filters and return it to the lab. Ducted is the gold standard for safety — it removes everything, has no filter saturation risk and no ongoing filter replacement cost. But it requires building exhaust ducts and make-up air, which can be expensive to install. 

Ductless is cheaper to install (no ductwork) and portable, but filters must be changed regularly (roughly 500-500-1,000 per set), and they only work for low-hazard, known chemical loads. LOC Scientific sells both but will tell you plainly: if your work involves unknown or high-toxicity chemicals, go ducted. Send us your chemical inventory; we'll calculate whether a ductless hood's carbon bed can handle it.

Improper airflow turns your protective barrier into a hazard. A hood must maintain face velocity between 100 and 125 feet per minute (fpm) on average. Too low (under 80 fpm), and contaminants roll out into your breathing zone. Too high (over 150 fpm), and turbulence pulls fumes back toward you. 

Even at the correct average, poor baffle design or cross-drafts from nearby windows, doors, or HVAC diffusers can create local hot spots where containment fails. LOC Scientific hoods are tested for uniform face velocity across the entire sash opening, not just one center point. Have an existing hood with suspected airflow issues? Send us a video of a smoke test; we'll diagnose it remotely at no charge.

Start by evaluating what happens in your lab: the chemicals in use, the equipment that needs support, and how people actually move through the space. From there, prioritize materials that can handle those specific exposures, casework that keeps things organized without getting in the way, and worksurface heights that reduce strain during long hours. 

The real key is working with a partner who understands lab workflows, not just furniture specs. Unlike many suppliers who push catalog items, LOC Scientific designs each layout around your unique processes. Send us your floor plan – we’ll provide a custom furniture recommendation within 24 hours.

Epoxy resin offers the highest chemical and heat resistance – it withstands acids, alkalis, and temperatures up to 600°C, making it ideal for industrial and chemical labs. Phenolic resin delivers excellent chemical and moisture resistance at a more accessible price point, perfect for general lab use. 

Stainless steel excels where sterilization is critical, such as microbiology or pharmaceutical labs. Polypropylene is another strong option for wet labs handling aggressive acids. Every lab is different, so the right material is the one that matches your specific chemical exposure and workflow.

SEFA (Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association) standards are the industry benchmark for lab furniture safety and durability. These cover everything from fume hood performance (SEFA-1) to casework load capacity and chemical resistance (SEFA-8). While not legally mandated, institutional buyers and facility planners often require SEFA compliance. 

LOC Scientific furniture complies with recognized SEFA standards, giving you confidence that your lab meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. View our USA-made, SEFA-compliant casework specifications here.

Modular furniture uses pre-engineered components that can be reconfigured as your lab evolves, offering faster setup and greater long-term flexibility. Custom furniture is built for a specific space and workflow, providing a perfect fit but less adaptability down the road. Modular systems typically deliver 30% faster than bespoke fabrication and use the same high-grade materials. 

However, some labs require custom dimensions or unique configurations that only a tailored solution can provide. At LOC Scientific, many of our projects blend both approaches – we customize within modular systems to give you the best of both worlds.

With proper maintenance, quality laboratory furniture lasts 15 to 25 years. Labs with excellent housekeeping can see 20+ years of service, while heavy-use or poorly maintained environments may fall closer to the 10-15-year range. The biggest factor is material quality and daily care – wiping up spills promptly, avoiding unnecessary impact, and following manufacturer guidelines. 

LOC Scientific builds all furniture in the USA using high-grade materials to maximize your investment over the long haul. Call our design team for maintenance tips that extend the life of your lab.

The type of chemicals being used is your starting point. Acid digestion requires different liner materials than solvent work or perchloric acid applications. Next, consider face velocity requirements (typically 100 fpm under ANSI Z9.5 standards), exhaust system compatibility (constant air volume vs. variable air volume), and the hood's physical placement in your lab – it should be more than 10 feet from any exit doorway. 

Also factor in long-term operating costs: high-performance hoods can reduce energy consumption significantly. LOC Scientific will help you match a hood to your exact application and budget.

Proper ventilation is the difference between a safe lab and a hazardous one. Fume hoods capture and exhaust harmful vapors before they reach breathing zones, but even open bench areas benefit from good airflow to dilute airborne contaminants. 

Furniture placement matters too: tall cabinets or casework can disrupt air patterns and create dead zones where contaminants accumulate. That's why LOC Scientific considers HVAC integration from the first design sketch. Smart furniture layouts work with – not against – your ventilation system. Send us your lab's airflow requirements, and we will design a layout that keeps everyone safe.

Metal lab casework is the heavy-duty cabinet system made from steel panels with a chemical-resistant powder-coated finish, purpose-built for harsh lab environments. Unlike standard office cabinets, it integrates seamlessly into the lab to provide durable, secure storage for chemicals, glassware, and tools, also supporting countertops and equipment. 

Research, education, healthcare, and quality control labs all rely on metal casework as the sturdy, sanitary foundation for their daily workflows.

Metal cabinets deliver the best all-around combination of strength, cost-efficiency, and chemical resistance for most labs. Compared to wood, they far surpass in moisture and fire resistance. While phenolic offers unmatched chemical protection, powder-coated steel provides comparable defense against common lab spills and impacts at a lower upfront investment. It is the standard choice for roughly 80% of the commercial market. 

For demanding sterile or high-moisture settings, our stainless steel options offer ultimate longevity. Many imported brands cut corners here. We build all our casework in the USA so you get a best-in-class balance of durability and value. We would be happy to discuss the best material for your application and budget.

Yes, modern metal lab cabinets with a chemical-resistant powder-coated finish are highly resistant to most common lab chemicals (dilute acids, bases, solvents), moderate heat, and corrosion. The non-porous powder coating is also abrasion and corrosion-resistant. However, it is important to know that if the coating is chipped, the exposed steel can be vulnerable, and concentrated strong acids may attack the coating over time. 

For aggressive high-acid or wet applications, LOC Scientific can guide you towards high-grade stainless steel as a more robust alternative. To ensure the best fit for your chemical inventory, send us your chemical list for a collaborative material review.

Any lab that needs tough, affordable storage without constant babysitting. That includes high-throughput QC labs, university teaching spaces, and hospital satellite labs. Here's where metal casework genuinely outworks other materials:

• Quality control labs - Running dozens of samples daily means drawers get opened hundreds of times. Metal holds up.
• Teaching labs - Students spill, bump, and overload. Powder-coated steel survives where phenolic chips and wood swells.
• Pharmaceutical R&D - Frequent solvent use and sterilization wipes. Metal's sealed surfaces clean easily without degradation.
• Forensics and crime labs - Evidence storage demands security and chemical resistance without stainless steel's price tag.

What metal does not love: standing water, strong hydrofluoric acid, or autoclave heat. For those, we will steer you toward phenolic or stainless steel. LOC Scientific will not sell you metal just because we make it. We'll ask about your actual chemical inventory, cleaning protocols, and budget first. Call us with your lab type, and we'll tell you honestly if metal is your answer or overkill.

Metal lab cabinets support safety by being designed and tested to meet rigorous SEFA (Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association) standards. Compliance with the SEFA 8M standard for metal casework is a key benchmark for quality and safety. It ensures the cabinets have passed intense performance tests, including bearing heavy loads, enduring thousands of drawer cycles, and resisting chemical staining and damage. 

When you choose SEFA-compliant cabinets, you know they are built to contribute to a safer, more durable lab environment. All LOC Scientific metal casework is SEFA-compliant, making your lab safety review process smoother.

Absolutely. Metal lab casework is highly customizable, and its inherent strength allows for various configurations often not possible with other materials. Modern metal casework can be configured as base, wall-mounted, or tall units in nearly any size. Inside, you can further customize with adjustable shelves, removable backs, and specialized drawer configurations. 

The most significant choice is between modular systems, which offer maximum future adaptability, and fixed installations for a permanent, seamless look. LOC Scientific prides itself on designing a solution, not just selling a product. From standard specs to fully custom dimensions and layouts, we tailor everything to your specific footprint. Contact us for a free layout consultation to plan your ideal lab configuration.

Metal lab cabinets are exceptionally durable, with many industry experts noting they can last as long as the laboratory itself or a solid 25+ years. This long lifespan makes them a cost-effective investment. Their maintenance is also minimal compared to other materials. The non-porous, powder-coated steel surfaces are easily cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent. 

However, to maintain the integrity of the protective coating against rust, you should never use abrasive pads, strong bleach, or harsh solvents on the painted surfaces. LOC Scientific cabinets are engineered for decades of reliable service, and we are always available to guide you on proper care to protect your investment.

Stainless steel cabinets are used wherever cleanliness, durability, and corrosion resistance are non-negotiable: pharmaceutical production, biological research, hospital settings, and food science labs. They safely store everything from sensitive biological samples and reagents to sterile instruments and flammable materials. Their non-porous surface resists bacterial growth and stands up to harsh cleaning agents and frequent wash-downs. 

Unlike many import brands, LOC Scientific builds all our stainless steel cabinetry in the USA to your exact specifications. Send us your lab’s layout, and we will design a custom storage solution for your specific application.

Unlike epoxy or phenolic which can scratch, stain, or degrade over time, stainless steel offers the best combination of cleanability and brute strength for demanding lab environments. While epoxy resin leads in chemical resistance and phenolic is a budget-friendly option, they are not suitable for autoclaving or may degrade with heavy moisture exposure. 

Stainless steel is sterilizable, non-porous, and resists bacterial growth. LOC Scientific guides you in selecting the right material to ensure your cabinets align with your lab’s specific workflow and required performance. View our full line of USA-made stainless steel casework here.

The choice comes down to 304 for general-purpose use or 316 for maximum corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides (bleach, saline). Grade 304 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) is the standard “workhorse” for most labs. Grade 316 adds 2-3% molybdenum, giving it superior protection against pitting from harsh chemicals and salt exposure—critical for coastal facilities or labs handling corrosive solvents. 

Most suppliers default to lower-grade imports. LOC Scientific builds with premium USA-sourced stainless steel and helps you select the grade that fits your budget and environment. Call our team to discuss which grade matches your chemical inventory.

Yes, but with important caveats. Stainless steel performs well against most lab reagents and cleaning agents, yet it is not impervious to all chemicals. It offers good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including common acids and alkalis. However, strong mineral acids like hydrochloric (HCl) or prolonged exposure to chlorides can cause pitting corrosion. 

Unlike many suppliers that make broad claims, LOC Scientific provides honest, expert guidance on where stainless steel excels and where another material may be better. Send us your chemical compatibility list, and we will recommend the right cabinet material for your safety.

Their non-porous, seamless surface prevents particle shedding, resists microbial growth, and can be sterilized repeatedly without degrading. This makes them essential for aseptic processing, sterile storage, and any environment requiring stringent contamination control. 

A proper cleanroom-grade cabinet features radiused corners and precision welds to eliminate hidden areas where contaminants can accumulate. When you choose LOC Scientific, you don’t just get a cabinet; you get a partner. We work with you to ensure your storage solution helps maintain the highest level of cleanroom compliance.

Along with pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food/beverage companies, stainless steel cabinets are also standard in research labs, higher education facilities, and clinical testing centers. Here is where you will typically find them:

• Pharmaceutical & Biotech: Storing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished drugs
• Healthcare & Clinical Labs: Housing sterile supplies, instruments, and biological specimens
• Higher Education: Teaching and research labs requiring durable, safe, and easy-to-clean storage
• Food & Beverage: Wet processing areas demanding high sanitation
• Analytical & Quality Control: Protecting sensitive test procedures from contamination

No matter the industry, LOC Scientific delivers custom, USA-made solutions tailored to your specific compliance and workflow needs. Send your floor plan for a free, no-obligation storage layout consultation.

For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth with warm water and a mild detergent (or isopropyl alcohol), wiping in the direction of the grain to protect the finish. This simple practice removes residues and prevents streaks. Never use steel wool, abrasive pads, or cleaners containing bleach/chlorine—they scratch the surface and compromise the protective chromium oxide layer, leading to corrosion. 

For a deeper clean, use a dedicated neutral-pH cleaner or an isopropyl alcohol solution. LOC Scientific cabinets are engineered for easy maintenance, but we also provide lab-deep guidance to help your staff keep your installation in peak condition for decades. Call us for a free downloadable copy of our stainless steel care guide.