6 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Countertops for a Lab

As a lab manager or researcher, you know that every aspect of your laboratory plays a critical role in your experiments and research success. The choice of the lab countertop is one of the crucial lab furniture decisions you can make for your lab. Countertops handle the majority of tasks that are conducted in any laboratory. Consequently, it is common for them to bear the most significant impact of continuous usage and degradation.

Buying the right countertops is a challenging task as it involves considering specific features and requirements. Therefore, choosing the appropriate laboratory countertop requires careful research to determine which casework offers the greatest adaptability, usefulness, and return on investment. If you’re building your own research lab and considering which countertops to go with, here are some things to remember.

1. Exposure

Before deciding about your lab countertops, it is crucial to consider the exposure they will face. You should consider what your laboratory countertops will likely be exposed to. This will help you select materials that can accommodate specific situations. In order to ensure the best chemical resistance, you may choose trespa countertops, as well as stainless steel or phenolic furniture, for your lab. Always refer to the materials’ expected exposure guide to make informed decisions about your countertops.

2. Select Your Material Carefully

There are many countertop materials to choose from, and there is nothing wrong with asking for samples so you can see what each material feels like. Granite, marble, quartz, and wood have different properties, and those properties determine whether that countertop will be a good fit for your lab. Some materials will be more durable, some will scratch more easily, and some will look better in certain circumstances.

3. Cost

Before finalizing your choice, it’s essential to consider whether the countertop provides value for your money. When making your decision, balance affordability with durability.

4. Functionality and Design

When selecting countertops for your laboratory, it is crucial to prioritize design and functionality. Due to advances in technology and innovative lab techniques, lab countertops have evolved from traditional metal and wood casework to more sophisticated designs. Nowadays, labs demand modular and mobile solutions that can adapt to workflow changes and enhance productivity within workstations.

5. Maintenance

Different materials have varying maintenance requirements. Some countertops are more susceptible to stains than others. Some require special cleaning techniques and specific hard surfaces for the cleaning chemicals to be effective, while some countertops need an exceptional finish that needs to be polished regularly. Therefore, before buying a countertop for your lab, always consider one that is easy to maintain and repair.

6. Countertop Quality

When considering your lab furniture needs, it’s crucial to prioritize countertop quality. To ensure safety and durability, use only high-quality materials resistant to chemicals and flames. This will prevent any potential damage from accidental leaks or spills.

When choosing a countertop for your laboratory, it’s crucial to take your time and consider your options carefully. It’s wise to think about the future when making any purchase, even if it means investing more in durable and functional laboratory countertops that can ultimately provide greater value for your money.