Choosing the right casework materials for you lab tops

April 04, 2023 | Lab Furniture

Some of the most abused areas in your laboratory include lab countertops. But the good news is, there are various other alternatives available besides the commonly used black epoxy found in labs. Finding the right material depends on the type of experiments and work you conduct on a daily basis.

Lab Design News gave us 6 alternatives , including the benefits and concerns, to choose from when considering our lab countertops:

Stainless Steel

Benefits

Created for labs where sterility is required. Fungi, bacteria, and mold cannot grow
Chemical and heat resistant. It can withstand cleaning required in sterile areas and can stand up to temperatures up to 1,500°F.
When harsh cleaning solutions will be used, consider Type 316 stainless steel

Concerns

Susceptible to scratches
Cannot handle bleach. Bleach leaches the nickel and causes pitting
Expensive

Epoxy resin

Benefits

Excellent resistance to acids, alkalies, and solvents and to bacteria, fungus, and mold
Resistant to heat up to 350°F and to normal physical abuse.

Concerns

Cannot be easily modified in the field as it is a poured product. Drilling a hole might be difficult.
Scratches easily and has less impact resistance compared to phenolic or steel

Phenolic Resin

Benefits

Corrosion and chemical resistant. Good for chlorine use as it won’t change color.
Highly lightweight, durable and machinable
High fungal/bacterial and moisture resistance
Resist temperatures up to 350°F

Concerns

Not recommended around open flames as most varieties are not fire retardant.

Butcher Block

Benefits

Commonly used in physical testing facilities, food laboratories, and high-impact testing facilities
Easy to restore

Concerns

Doesn’t hold up well against chemicals
Can breed bacteria if not cleaned properly

High Pressure Laminate

Benefits

Good for dry areas with limited chemical use (are available in a chemically resistant grade)
Easy on the budget
Can withstand heat up to 275°F
Common use is for ESD (electrostatic dissipative) applications

Concerns

Not moisture-, mold-, or bacteria-resistant

Stone and solid surface materials

These materials don’t provide enough resistance to heat or chemicals and therefore are not recommended for normal laboratory use.

Aside from considering the availability of primary materials for your lab casework, weighing the pros and cons of each before making your final decision is important.