In most laboratory settings, any changes are going to need to last for the long-term. Whether you are creating a brand-new lab or making changes to an existing one, lab furniture is key. You need furniture that will work for many years to come, so certain features or aspects need to be considered thoroughly before a purchase is made. Check out the five factors we list below to get started with a successful laboratory furniture search.
Quality
Lab furniture manufacturers use materials that are meant to last for several years, such as metal or wood. You should expect a piece to last for 15 years or more, so purchasing quality furniture is imperative. How do you know that the furniture you are considering is of the highest quality? Look for manufacturing standards on the furniture. When you see the Underwriters Laboratory, Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association and/or the American National Standards Institute/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufactures Associations seals, you known the piece is constructed well and with quality materials.
Timing
It is important to note the timing in which furniture can be delivered. If you are customizing a furniture order, you need to ensure it can be produced and shipped in a timely manner. It is not uncommon for a customer to order a piece of furniture and forget to ask about shipping time. This can take weeks or even months to complete. If you are adding lab cabinets to your space, be sure to fully understand delivery times, particularly if you are on a tight deadline!
Flexibility
For a lab to be successful, there must be flexibility in the space. With mobile furnishings, you can move about with ease. Consider how you can add mobile aspects to your furniture selections. Mobile tables and case goods are a perfect option to add to your lab as it allows for employees to easily move from one workstation to another. Also consider how accessories can come into play. Shelving, cabinetry, keyboard trays and other accessories are elements that can easily be added later to create a more flexible space.
Customization
When working with a quality lab furniture manufacturer, you can customize your order to your liking. This could include custom sizing for furniture, custom paint colors or unique features in the design of the piece. But keep in mind, customization comes at a cost in both time and money.
Because every lab is different, customization provides an element that individuals can easily use to their advantage. Having the ability to customize your furnishings will ensure that your lab will operate as you need it to without any issues. You have a say in the design which is beneficial to the work completed in your lab.
Tech Components
Lastly, it is important to consider tech components in the lab. Consult with the distributor on how to meet your utility needs in the lab. This can include hiding cords and wires as well as conduit within the lab space. You want each work area to be neat and clean, with no exposed wiring or pipes.
Contact us today to learn more about how our lab furniture can create the perfect space for your work needs.