Why Every Lab isn’t Created Equal

Selecting the incorrect lab equipment is more common than you may think. One of the most common issues we see when parties plan a new lab is confusion about their lab’s purpose or a misperception of what they actually need from their lab furniture. By looking at laboratory design differences, you can see that no two labs are the same, and each one should be designed with specific functions in mind.

Consider a new lab design in a school.  Most schools, as we’ve mentioned, utilize wood applications.  While slightly higher priced than metal casework, wood has traditionally been the go-to material in the educational setting.   With that being said, schools could save costs and gain longer life spans from their lab furniture by utilizing metal furniture.

On the other hand, many commercial labs require more expensive laboratory furniture, such as steel and polypropylene, because of their need for sterile work environments or resistance to corrosive chemicals.  What should be said is that just because there is a more expensive piece of furniture you could have in your lab, it doesn’t mean you need it.  Finding the best fit for your individual application is key, and something a trained professional can assist you with.

Another key factor that differentiates labs from one another is the versatility and flexibility they provide over time.  New labs, especially educational labs, often grow over time or need to be reorganized.  On the other hand, specialized laboratories may use more specific work stations and furniture layouts that over time won’t be modified much, if at all.

This is important to consider because some lab furniture, such as the modular applications that we carry, can be moved and reorganized.  This is a dramatic financial savings compared to those you would experience in redesigning or modifying the more permanent stainless, wood, or metal furniture designs.

Not every lab is created equal, and understanding laboratory design differences can help you prepare for the lab environment you truly need, not just the one you may think you want.