Common Mistakes When Choosing Lab Furniture and How to Avoid Them
Furnishing a lab isn’t as simple as picking out desks and chairs. Whether you’re setting up a brand-new research facility, upgrading a high school science lab, or expanding a pharma testing space, the choices you make around lab furniture can impact everything from safety to productivity to compliance.
We’ve seen labs overspend, underprepare, and sometimes even endanger personnel because of simple oversights. So, let’s walk through some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing lab furniture, and more importantly—how you can avoid them.
Choosing the Wrong Material: Wood vs. Metal Furniture
The Mistake:
Many labs default to wood-based furniture because it’s cheaper or looks more polished in an office environment. But wood can warp, absorb spills, and isn’t ideal for harsh chemical environments.
The Fix:
Understand your lab’s exposure levels.
Wood-based furniture might work for dry labs or teaching labs where chemicals are minimal.
For wet labs or those handling corrosive substances, metal furniture (like powder-coated steel or stainless steel) is much more durable and safer.
Tip: A hybrid approach can sometimes work—metal framework with wood facades in low-risk areas.
Forgetting to Customize the Fume Hoods
The Mistake:
Buying generic fume hoods without thinking about what will actually be vented. Every process is different, and one size rarely fits all.
The Fix:
Know what chemicals you’ll be using. Acid digestion? Use polypropylene. Working with solvents? Look for hoods with explosion-proof features. Also, consider size, airflow needs, and ergonomics. Fume hoods aren’t just a box with a fan—they’re critical safety infrastructure.
Skimping on Safety Cabinets
The Mistake:
Treating safety cabinets as a “we’ll get that later” item—or worse, using regular cabinets to store flammables or acids.
The Fix:
Flammable, acid, and biological safety cabinets are engineered to keep your people and facility safe. Make sure they’re UL listed or meet your region’s safety codes. And place them strategically—not just wherever there’s room.
Overlooking Work Surface Materials
The Mistake:
Not all countertops are created equal. Using the wrong surface can lead to damage, contamination, and even hazards.
The Fix:
Think about what’s happening on those surfaces.
Epoxy resin is great for most chemical applications.
Phenolic resin is lighter and more affordable for general use.
Stainless steel is ideal for clean rooms or biological work.
And if you’re dealing with heat, acids, or heavy mechanical work—invest in something built to withstand it.
Not Planning for Lab Equipment Integration
The Mistake:
Buying equipment after designing your lab layout.
The Fix:
Plan your furniture around your lab equipment—not the other way around. Consider clearances, electrical outlets, plumbing, ventilation, and weight loads. Make sure benchtops are reinforced if you’re placing heavy centrifuges or incubators.
Pro Tip: Modular furniture systems give you more flexibility when equipment changes over time.
Ignoring Laboratory Fixtures
The Mistake:
Underestimating the importance of gas taps, sinks, emergency eyewash stations, and other fixtures.
The Fix:
Get specific. What gases do you need? Do you need deionized water or just tap? And where should the emergency shower be? Placement matters just as much as the fixture itself—bad layout = unsafe workflow.
Underestimating the Importance of Good Laboratory Chairs
The Mistake:
Grabbing any chair that “sort of looks ergonomic.”
The Fix:
Techs and scientists may spend hours pipetting, analyzing, and documenting results. Invest in lab-grade ergonomic chairs that are chemical-resistant, height-adjustable, and easy to clean. Comfort equals productivity and fewer injuries.
Buying Non-Modular or Fixed Laboratory Tables
The Mistake:
Going with fixed tables that lock you into a layout—forever.
The Fix:
Opt for modular lab tables that allow reconfiguration. Look for adjustable height, locking wheels, and durable tops. As your work evolves, your lab should be able to adapt without calling a contractor every time.
Final Thoughts: Design for Humans, Not Just Equipment
We often get caught up in the technical specs—Btu/hr, psi, chemical resistance—but don’t forget the human factor. Is your space easy to navigate? Is there enough light? Can people collaborate when needed—or work privately when they need to focus?
Choosing the right lab furniture is about more than compliance—it’s about creating an environment where science can thrive.
Need help with lab planning or furniture recommendations?
Whether you’re building from scratch or just refreshing a few stations, we’re here to help you avoid the common pitfalls—and get it right the first time.