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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.

A laboratory is a space for conducting scientific experiments and research. This specificity presupposes the presence of various equipment and devices. Since one of the main conditions of work is to maintain cleanliness, the furniture should be simple and comfortable, as well as safe for employees. To properly organize the workspace, a laboratory project is initially created.

Calculations in the design of the laboratory

Before describing the types of laboratory furniture, it is worth saying a few words about the room itself. The optimal area for activities of 1-2 people is considered to be 6-10 square meters. More employees can comfortably be accommodated in rooms over 12 square meters.

In laboratory rooms, most often the arrangement of furniture is:

U-shaped.
L-shaped.
One- and two-sided.

A properly designed laboratory should have sufficient space for unhindered movement of personnel

Between the rows of furniture, as well as between the last tables and the wall, it is necessary to leave a free space with a width of at least 1.20 m.The minimum width of a one-sided and L-shaped laboratory should be 1.80 m, two-sided and U-shaped – 2.40 m.

Calculations are made separately when creating an island laboratory project. In addition to the furniture along the walls, the dimensions of the complex in the center of the room are also taken into account.

Criteria for choosing laboratory furniture

Interior items for equipping laboratories are produced in accordance with the criteria of GOST 16731-93. Let’s list the main characteristics of quality furniture:

Welded frame. Provides additional strength and reliability compared to prefabricated structures.
Height-adjustable feet. They compensate for unevenness in the floor and make it possible to level several tables or shelves in the same row in height.
Powder coated external metal parts. Withstands significant temperature rise and does not cause allergic reactions in personnel.
Light colors of work surfaces. Allows you to quickly detect small instruments or particles of investigated materials and substances. It gives the room a strict and well-groomed look.

Before purchasing laboratory furniture, special attention is paid to the material from which the work surface is made. His choice is due to the specifics of the activities of a particular research center. Most often used:

Stainless steel.
Laminate.
Ceramic tile.
Porcelain stoneware.
Polypropylene.
LabGrade laminate.
Durcon epoxy composite.

Spacious light laboratory and high-quality furniture will provide the required level of comfort for your specialists

Laboratory project – examples of furniture selection

Let’s dwell in more detail on the types of furniture for laboratories. Its quantity and range will depend on the direction of research, but we will list the main types of interior items.

Tables

Laboratory tables can vary in height (75 and 90 cm) and length (from 510 to 1930 cm). When buying them, the number of people who will work for it is taken into account. Also, tables are often used as a stand for appliances, ovens and drying cabinets. In appearance, they are divided into:

Open. With or without drawers located under the countertop.
Closed. With compartments covered by doors.

By type of installation, laboratory benches are:

Wall mounted. They are located along the walls and serve as the main workplace for laboratory staff.
Attached. There are corner and end types of tables. They are used to increase workplaces in island complexes or as a temporary extension of the surface of tables standing against the walls.
Washing rooms. Sinks are built into the surface of the tables to facilitate the work with the investigated materials. They can be equipped with one or more water taps, mixers, dryers and individual hoods. The drying surface with hooks can be attached to a tabletop or to an adjoining wall.
Weighted. They are used to set up analytical or laboratory balances, they have a specific design. Height adjustable.
Titling. Supplied with tripods. In the room, laboratories are installed next to conventional work tables. They are supplied with electricity.

Fume cupboards

Fume hoods are installed in accordance with standard projects in laboratories where operations with chemicals and hazardous substances are carried out. They consist of a reinforced base, which looks like a regular cabinet – a frame, sheathed with metal with storage boxes. The lower part must be closed with doors. A hood is attached to it – a metal structure with holes. Its front part is often equipped with a protective lifting screen made of plexiglass, triplex or impact-resistant glass.

A fume cupboard kit may include:

Electrical outlets.
Lamp.
Washing.
Water supply and discharge.
Faucet or mixer.
Gas tap.
Forced exhaust unit.
Vacuum unit.

Auxiliary cabinets

Designed for storing reagents, materials for analysis, laboratory glassware and employee clothing. They must be closed with doors with locks, they can have built-in safes. Chemical storage facilities are often equipped with additional hoods. The width of the cabinets varies from 42 to 83 cm, which allows you to find a place for them in any room.

Additional furniture

For a comfortable work performance, the following equipment may be present in chemical, testing and microbiological laboratories:

Add-ons. They are mounted on island and wall-mounted desks, supplied with electrical outlets. They are made in the form of cabinets with glass doors or racks from open shelves (metal and glass).
Movable pedestals. They can be completed with boxes, be open or closed with a door.
Transport carts. They are used for transporting materials from cabinets to the workplace, as well as for transporting used laboratory glassware to washers and dryers.
Chairs, armchairs, stools. Often equipped with adjusting screws to adjust the seat height and backrest position.

Pedestals, trolleys and armchairs are almost always installed on casters for easy movement around the room.

Proper adherence to laboratory design rules is the key to productive work

When designing any laboratory, it is worth contacting professionals who will help you choose the right furniture and will be able to competently use the usable space to maximize the filling of the room.

The design of laboratory furniture should be simple to facilitate daily sanitation

Laboratory furniture kits are purchased for a long time, so the savings in this case can do a bad job. In order to choose furniture for a chemical laboratory that will last for many years, it is necessary to understand how really high-quality products differ. Let’s list its main characteristic features:

All-metal structures. They are considered the best because they provide increased reliability. In this case, you need to pay attention to reviews about the manufacturer’s reputation.
Powder coated. The use of special paint will eliminate the occurrence of allergic reactions. It does not interact with the reagents used and does not emit harmful chemical compounds.
Selection of accessories. The quality of furniture is also determined by attention to detail – the manufacture of door handles, hinges, racks, etc.
Surface selection. The coverage of the working space is selected depending on the specifics of the laboratory. Below we will dwell in more detail on the description of various types of materials.

If the manufacturer has a rich selection of models, you can create an interior while adhering to a single style.

What furniture is needed for a chemical laboratory

If the research room was designed from the moment of construction, then it will not be difficult to find furniture for a chemical laboratory. This is due to the fact that it has already provided for the location of the sockets, supplied and drained water, and also installed hoods and ventilation. All that remains is to arrange the interior items in their places, observing the prescribed distances between the work surfaces.

What kind of furniture is needed for a chemical laboratory? It can be divided into several categories:

Fume hoods. Designed for work with volatile and explosive substances. Can be completed with lighting, water taps, sinks.
Tables. They are selected taking into account the total area of the room and the characteristics of the experiments being carried out. The most common are corner, island, end and wall. Separately, it is worth purchasing weighing tables used to install high-precision equipment.

Laboratory tables can be combined in various designs

Furniture for storing materials. This includes various racks, cabinets with shelves, bedside tables, dish dryers.
Chairs. Are included in the compulsory equipment of laboratories to improve the comfort of staff. Adjustable in height and backrest position. Chairs, stools and chairs can be equipped with wheels for ease of movement.

Tables should not be labyrinthine. It is better to make the passages between them straight, so that employees can quickly find a way out in case of danger.

Furniture made of which materials are best for a chemical laboratory

We have already listed the types of furniture for research centers. Now I would like to dwell in more detail on which materials for a chemical laboratory are better to use. Since the main objects in the offices are tables, we will give a detailed description of their coverings.

Laminate

This is a chipboard with a thickness of about 2.8 cm. The top is laminated with plastic up to 1 mm thick. Basic qualities:

Strength.
Duration of operation.
Wear resistance.
Heat resistance up to 170 ° C.

Laminate withstands short-term exposure to alkaline, acidic compounds and organic solvents. Depending on what materials are most often used in a chemical laboratory, and the possibility of using a laminated coating is determined. It is not suitable for use in conditions of high humidity, or if direct contact with strong substances and water is planned.

Scope of application:

Chemical and biological laboratories.
Environmental tests.
Manufacture of student furniture for research.

Ceramic tile

For laboratories, ceramics are used, the firing of which was carried out at a high temperature. Glazing the surface increases its strength and resistance to external influences. The tiles are laid on a chipboard base, the seams between them are sealed with a silicone-based sealant.

Advantages of the ceramic surface:

Resistance to acid-base compounds (except for hydrofluoric acid).
Possibility of heating up to 180 ° C.
Water repellent properties.
Strength.
Durability.

Ceramics are best suited for research centers with a large production load in the following areas:

Petrochemistry.
Work with aggressive environments.
Wet chemistry.
Biology.
Ecology.

Restrictions on the use of ceramics relate to places where it is necessary to maintain sterile cleanliness, since it may be difficult to clean the tile joints

Porcelain stoneware

Unlike ceramics, it is denser and more durable. For the safety of personnel, the edges of the plates are protected by stainless steel strips that protrude slightly above the surface. This collar prevents liquids from spilling out.

The properties of porcelain stoneware and the scope of its application are similar to those of ceramics described above.

Stainless steel

To cover the tables, steel plates with a thickness of 0.8 mm are used, which are laid on a chipboard layer. They are characterized by high resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents. The only exception is hydrochloric acid. Such material for laboratory furniture as stainless steel can withstand heating temperatures up to 250 ° C and retains its properties when frozen.

It is recommended to use stainless steel furniture in laboratory rooms of any orientation, except for work with inorganic chemistry.

«Labgrade»

This is a laminated plastic, the main advantage of which is solidity. It is achieved by impregnating the material with resins and pressing it under high pressure at a temperature of 150 ° C.

Let’s list the advantages of Labgrade plastic:

Resistance to aggressive substances.
Water and vapor tightness.
Possibility of heating up to 200 degrees.
Impact resistance.
Antistatic.
Wear resistance.
Good low temperature tolerance.
Resistant to abrasion, scratches, cracks.
The possibility of disinfection.
Resistant to chemical dyes.

Plastic surfaces are used in laboratory rooms where perfect cleanliness is required. It can also be used when working with food.

“Labgrade-light”

The surface consists of two layers:

Monolithic plastic, the properties of which are described above.
Chipboard substrates.

Stainless steel or aluminum is used as the enclosing frame. The protective strip forms a small side to protect against spillage of liquid substances and solutions

The main characteristics of the Labgrade-light coating:

Resistant to aggressive chemicals and solvents.
Water resistance and vapor tightness.
Possibility of raising the temperature up to 200 ° C.
Impact resistance.
Antistatic.
Resistant to scuffs and scratches.
Ease of sanitization with any disinfectants.

«Durcon»

It is a monolithic composite slab. Polymer compounds of composite resins provide strength comparable to those of natural stone. However, unlike him, “Durkon” does not have a porous structure, its surface is smooth and dense, without seams. Important qualities of the composite:

Resistance to aggressive acid-base compounds, aqua regia, solvents.
Frost resistance and the ability to warm up to 300 ° C.
Elimination of fire.
Lack of hygroscopicity.
Easy cleaning and handling.

The Durcon composite has almost no application restrictions. Exceptions – work with hydrofluoric acid and direct exposure to ultraviolet rays

Before choosing materials for furniture in a chemical laboratory, consult with experts. They will help you navigate the existing variety and select interior items for a specific case.

Functional features of furniture for a chemical laboratory

Understanding what the furniture for a chemical laboratory is for, you should also pay attention to sinks. These are important elements that no research center can do without. They are needed not only to keep the hands of personnel, dishes and work surfaces clean. They merge the remnants of the substances used in the experiments. Therefore, for the manufacture of sinks, the following materials are used:

Stainless steel. It is characterized by resistance to acid and alkaline compounds, as well as temperature rise up to 250 degrees Celsius.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass or glass cloth is reinforced with epoxy or polyester resin to form a composite material that does not corrode. It is durable and environmentally friendly. Serves for installation in laboratories with aggressive and strong substances.
Epoxy composite. It is based on epoxy resin with a monolithic structure. Can be repaired with special glue. Does not absorb liquids and chemicals. It tolerates heat and freezing well. Does not delaminate.

A properly selected sink will serve for more than one year without risking the safety of personnel

We have sorted out which furniture for a chemical laboratory is used most often, what its varieties and features of surface materials exist. 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.