Choosing the right laboratory furniture is just as important for creating a comfortable working environment as hiring high-class specialists and equipping research centers with modern instruments and tools. This is the only way to ensure the effective implementation of the assigned tasks.
Despite the variety of laboratory furniture, it must meet certain requirements, that is, be:
Durable.
Functional.
Convenient.
Safe.
Sustainable.
Mobile.
Laboratory furniture is designed for optimal organization of the room space
Recommendations for choosing furniture for the laboratory
We’ve put together some helpful tips to help even beginners figure out how to choose the right laboratory furniture. Before buying, please pay attention to the following aspects:
What cabinets and tables are made of
The materials from which laboratory interior items are made must be resistant to the effects of chemicals with which it is supposed to work.
They are chosen depending on the type of activity. The most common are:
Laminate. Withstands heating up to 170 ° C, but is not suitable for prolonged contact with water. This coating is mainly used in the production of student furniture in school and university laboratories.
Stainless steel. Heating temperature – max 250ºС. Withstands strong cooling well. Resistant to acid-base solutions.
Ceramic tile. It can heat up to 180 ° C without the risk of surface damage. Does not leak water. Not for use in research requiring sterile cleanliness.
Porcelain stoneware. Has properties similar to ceramics, but is more dense and durable.
Laminated plastic “Labgrade”. Durable, resistant to abrasion and cracking. Waterproof and vapor proof. It can be heated up to 200 ° C.
Monolithic composite “Durcon”. Resistant to acids, alkalis and solvents. Has a smooth surface without pores and seams. Easy to clean and disinfect. Heats up to 300 ° C.
We have listed the bare minimum you need to know about laboratory furniture materials.
Laboratory benches with different types of chemical resistant coatings
Quality assurance
When buying, ask for warranty documents from the manufacturer. The longer the term is indicated in them, the less likely it is that the tables and cabinets will need repairs in the near future.
Looking at furniture from different factories, you can see how confident manufacturers are in the quality of their products.
User opinion
If you still do not know what laboratory furniture should be, look through the products of several manufacturers. Read reviews of the pros and cons from those who have already bought the same cabinets or chairs. The opinions of people who have tried the practicality of furniture will help you navigate.
Design features
Before choosing laboratory furniture, study its frame part. The prefabricated structure is significantly inferior to the welded one in strength. Tables and cabinets should be equipped with adjusting screws to compensate for uneven floors.
On tables, it is desirable to have an end edge with a thickness of about 3 mm. This precaution will prevent liquids from dripping onto the floor, which is important when working with strong substances.
Several tables of different types can be combined into a single complex, increasing the number of workplaces
Compactness and ergonomics
It happens that the room where the research is carried out is quite small. Despite this, you can always find furniture that is compact but comfortable to work with. Using corner tables, it is possible to organize work even in a small nook.
For large laboratories, a combination of wall structures with island structures is well suited. This allows many workers to be involved without restricting their space.
Varieties of furniture for research centers
Let’s present the main types of laboratory furniture in the table:
| Appointment | Name | Types |
| For main job | Tables | Wall-mounted |
| End | ||
| Corner | ||
| Insular | ||
| Weighted | ||
| For working with hazardous substances | Fume cupboards | With water supply |
| With built-in lights | ||
| With shells | ||
| Explosion-proof | ||
| For storing materials, dishes and rational distribution of usable space | Cabinets Racks Pedestals | With castors to move |
| Static | ||
| With hinged or sliding doors | ||
| For the convenience and comfort of staff | Stools Chairs Armchairs | Height and backrest adjustment |
| Wheeled |
Now you know how to choose the right laboratory furniture and what types of it exist, as well as what you need to pay attention to when buying. As you can see, in addition to the price, it is necessary to pay attention to its many other qualities. If you have any questions, please contact the consultants of the Labor Trading House. Call us, we will help you choose the right furniture.