Laboratory Cabinets & Casework

The best material depends on your lab environment, the chemicals in use, and your budget. Steel casework is durable, widely used, and cost-effective for most general lab settings. Wood casework offers a warmer aesthetic and works well in lower-chemical environments such as classrooms. Phenolic resin and polypropylene casework provide superior chemical and moisture resistance for demanding environments, while stainless steel is preferred for cleanrooms and high-sterility applications. Plastic laminate casework is another option well suited to light-duty environments where appearance and affordability are priorities. LOC Scientific offers all major casework materials and helps clients select the right option based on their specific lab requirements.

Metal lab cabinets are the most common choice for general research and institutional settings because they are strong, easy to clean, and competitively priced. Wood casework works well in teaching labs or office-adjacent spaces where chemical exposure is minimal. Phenolic resin cabinets are a better choice for environments with frequent chemical exposure, high humidity, or wet conditions, since the material is non-porous and highly resistant to corrosion and staining. Plastic laminate is a lighter-duty option that suits administrative or support spaces connected to lab areas. LOC Scientific's design team can evaluate your lab's usage profile and recommend the right material combination for your specific project.

Key design factors include the types of chemicals and materials that will be stored or used, the workflow and traffic patterns within the lab, required storage capacity, ADA accessibility requirements, and the need for built-in utilities such as sinks, fume hood connections, or electrical outlets. Lab casework also needs to account for the weight loads of stored equipment, the frequency of cleaning, and long-term flexibility as research needs change. LOC Scientific provides full laboratory design services and works with facility managers and architects to develop casework layouts that meet both functional and compliance requirements.

Laboratory casework must comply with applicable OSHA regulations, NFPA standards for flammable storage, and institutional requirements set by the facility or funding agency. Specific standards vary by cabinet type. For example, flammable storage cabinets must meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 requirements and NFPA 30 guidelines. Biological safety cabinets are governed by separate NSF/ANSI 49 certification standards. LOC Scientific supplies casework that meets relevant industry standards and can provide documentation for compliance review as part of the project process.

Fixed casework is built into the lab and attached to walls or floors, providing a permanent, stable setup that maximizes storage in a defined footprint. Modular casework is freestanding and reconfigurable, allowing labs to adapt their layout as research programs evolve without major construction. Modular systems are increasingly popular in flexible or multi-use lab environments where space needs change frequently. LOC Scientific offers both fixed and modular casework solutions and can help clients determine which approach best fits their space and long-term operational needs.

Laboratory casework costs vary significantly based on material selection, configuration complexity, quantity, and whether custom fabrication is required. Steel casework is generally the most affordable option, while stainless steel and phenolic resin systems carry a higher price point due to material costs and manufacturing complexity. Project factors such as site conditions, installation requirements, and lead time can also affect the final cost. LOC Scientific provides detailed project quotes and works with clients to find solutions that meet both performance requirements and budget constraints.

Yes. LOC Scientific specializes in custom laboratory casework and works directly with lab managers, architects, and facility planners to design cabinets and storage systems tailored to specific workflows, room dimensions, and equipment requirements. Customization options include non-standard dimensions, specialized interior fittings, integrated sinks or fixtures, and material combinations chosen for a lab's specific chemical environment. Custom casework is a core part of LOC Scientific's laboratory furniture offering.

Well-manufactured laboratory cabinets typically last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance, though lifespan depends on the material, the intensity of daily use, and the chemicals present in the environment. Steel casework in moderate-use environments often reaches the higher end of that range, while casework exposed to harsh chemicals may require earlier replacement if not properly specified for those conditions. LOC Scientific uses professional-grade materials and hardware to maximize the service life of every casework installation.