Whether you’re setting up a new laboratory or refreshing an existing lab space, there are many things to consider prior to purchasing any laboratory furniture or equipment. Ask yourself the following questions. It’s key to see what types of quality designed furniture and cabinetry is ideal for your lab space. Everything you need to know is right here.
What Kind Of Lab Are You Designing?
Before you begin ordering all the lab furniture you can imagine having for your future workspace, take a few extra moments to design the layout. You can still remain flexible throughout the process, but spending some time up front to determine some of the basics will save you time and money in the long run.
Will lab workers be seated or standing for the majority of the days? These answers can help determine lab table and workbench height. As well as appropriate amounts of stools and chairs in the room. Is flow important? This will help decide whether you need to have more active or passive areas or the room depending on the amount of bustle on any given day. Is sterility a priority? Then you want to pay close attention to materials and how surface areas are constructed.
What Are Some Lab Furniture Basics?
There are some elements that are included in most lab furniture designs, so you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll need seating, lab workbenches and ample cabinetry throughout the space. It can be overwhelming to plan and construct an important scientific hub of activity. One method to consider is to start with the ground up.
Begin with the lab tables and workbenches that will be dotting the room, and consider using them to line the walls. If you don’t want to commit to a definite layout until your team can actually work in the space to see what flows the best, remember that many models of lab workbenches come with wheels, making them a convenient, portable option.
Next, consider the type of laboratory casework you’ll need in order to outfit your supplies and tuck away the equipment at the end of the day. The casework is essentially all the storage in your lab, i.e. your laboratory cabinets.
Most lead scientists and lab managers prefer as little clutter as possible on lab workbenches and tables. Clutter free means cleaning and sterilization is easier. Therefore, you’ll need to factor in enough cabinet space so that every piece of equipment is able to be stored neatly inside the laboratory casework. This may require some basic calculations on your part. But it’s worth it in the end when you find you’ve underestimated your storage needs.
What Is Missing From This Laboratory?
Perhaps you already have a lab up-and-running that is in need of a bit of a facelift. Or you are switching directions with the functionality of the space. In this case, you wouldn’t need to purchase laboratory furnishings front the floor up; you can pick and choose what types of pieces would be appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Some ideas might be more comfortable or ergonomic seating throughout the lab. People work better when they are comfortable. Comfort includes maintaining healthy postures, so keep that in mind if you’re willing to upgrade.
One main complaint for labs that are already functional is a lack of storage. The fact is, any business, home or office space is going to accumulate “stuff” over the years. Some of this is essential to the day-to-day operations, and some of it is only needed every so often. Either way, extra laboratory cabinets are usually a popular request for a revamp project.
What Kind Of Custom Options Are Available?
If you’re not finding everything you’re looking for in the basic website, remember you can always place a customer order. This type of laboratory furniture is quality designed to your specific needs and specifications. And it comes in handy more often than you think.
If you have a unique floor layout or are looking for something to fit into a particular space, going custom might be perfect for you. It’s generally a lot more affordable than you imagined.
Other Considerations To Make
For some lab managers, where something is made is just as important as how it is made. Lots of people prefer to buy local. This is why it might interest you to know that all RDM laboratory furniture is proudly manufactured in the USA. You can rest assured knowing that these pieces didn’t incur long, emissions-filled ocean crossings in order to arrive on your doorstep.
Final Thoughts On Laboratory Furniture
In the end, the best type of layout and the smartest options for furniture depends on how you’re going to use the lab space. There is no right or wrong way to organize a working laboratory. However, it’s nice to have the appropriate amount of pieces and equipment for the people and things in the lab without having unnecessary clutter.
Also, keep in mind the following final tips when selecting your lab’s next furnishings:
- Lab tables on wheels are good options for laboratories that need to be worked in for a while to determine a proper flow and convenient layout
- Laboratory cabinets can have glass or opaque faces depending on whether you like to see everything within them or keep contents hidden
- Have fun with it! Scientific work is already exacting enough. Consider designing or overhauling a lab space that is as comfortable as it is functional.
Happy shopping!