Choosing the Right School Science Lab Furniture
Designing or upgrading a school science laboratory is an exciting yet critical task. Whether it's for a new school building or a renovation project, the furniture in a science lab plays a vital role in creating a safe, efficient, and inspiring learning environment.
From lab workbenches to safety stations and storage cabinets, choosing the right school lab furniture is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about durability, student safety, and support for effective hands-on learning. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to consider to make smart, future-ready choices for your school’s science lab.
Why Furniture Matters in a School Science Lab
Science labs aren’t like regular classrooms. They involve hands-on activities with chemicals, glassware, burners, and delicate instruments. Therefore, lab furniture must be durable, functional, and safe, supporting different kinds of experiments in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Well-planned lab furniture helps:
Encourage student participation and collaboration
Support different teaching methods (group work, demonstrations, individual tasks)
Ensure a safe, accident-free environment
Provide sufficient storage and workspace
1. Understand Your Curriculum Needs
Start by identifying the types of science subjects your lab will support:
General science for middle school or junior high
Subject-specific labs (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology) for high school
Advanced laboratories for A-level or pre-university science streams
Each subject may require different setups. For example, chemistry labs need chemical-resistant surfaces, while physics labs need electrical outlets and space for setting up circuits or mechanical experiments.
Talk to your science staff and curriculum planners to get a full understanding of the lab activities to be supported.
2. Prioritize Safety Features
Safety is paramount in any science lab, especially in schools where students may not always be aware of lab hazards. Essential furniture and fixtures to ensure safety include:
✅ Fume Hoods
To safely carry away harmful gases during experiments. Make sure it's easy to operate and maintain.
✅ Emergency Shower & Eye Wash Stations
In case of chemical spills or splashes. These should be clearly visible and accessible.
✅ Fire-Resistant Storage Cabinets
For storing flammable or corrosive substances. Choose ventilated, lockable models.
✅ Safety Signage
Lab furniture should include labels for emergency exits, chemical storage, electrical panels, etc.
Make sure all safety equipment is compliant with local education and safety standards, such as OSHA or equivalent guidelines.
3. Choose Durable, Lab-Grade Materials
The materials used in lab furniture must withstand regular use, chemical exposure, and cleaning. Here are common lab-friendly surface materials:
Phenolic Resin – Excellent chemical resistance, ideal for chemistry labs.
Epoxy Resin – Strong, seamless, heat and chemical resistant.
Stainless Steel – Great for biology labs due to ease of cleaning and sterilization.
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) – More cost-effective for general science use.
Avoid using regular wood or plastic for lab benches, as they can absorb spills or degrade over time.
4. Flexible Layout and Modular Design
Flexibility is key in modern classrooms and science labs. Modular lab furniture allows you to:
Rearrange workstations based on teaching needs
Accommodate different class sizes
Future-proof your lab as equipment or teaching methods evolve
Look for features such as:
Movable lab benches with lockable wheels
Height-adjustable tables and stools
Detachable sink units or mobile fume extractors
Some modern science labs even use foldable partitions to convert a lab into a regular classroom when needed.
5. Ensure Ergonomic and Age-Appropriate Design
Students come in all sizes, and so should your furniture. Ergonomics matter for comfort, posture, and concentration—especially during long lab sessions. Consider:
Adjustable-height stools and desks for different age groups
Rounded corners on desks and benches to reduce injury risks
Sufficient knee and leg room under workstations
Anti-slip, easy-clean flooring for lab safety and hygiene
This is especially important in primary or middle schools, where students are more prone to accidents.
6. Invest in Smart Storage Solutions
Lab storage is often overlooked—but it’s crucial. From glassware to reagents and textbooks, every item needs a secure, organized place.
Choose a combination of:
Wall-mounted cabinets for chemicals and tools
Mobile drawer units for class-specific resources
Under-bench cabinets to save space
Lockable cupboards for restricted items
Clear labeling and color-coding can also help students find what they need faster and keep the lab organized.
7. Technology Integration
Modern science education increasingly incorporates digital tools and data recording. Ensure your lab furniture supports:
Built-in electrical outlets and USB ports
Cable management systems to prevent tripping
Projector mounts and smartboard-ready setups
Space for tablets or laptops at each workstation
This is especially useful for schools focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.
8. Compliance with Standards
Always choose furniture that complies with your country’s educational and laboratory standards. For example:
BS EN 13150:2001 (Workbenches for Laboratories)
ANSI/BIFMA standards for safety and performance
ISO 9001-certified manufacturers and suppliers
Compliance not only ensures safety but also makes your lab eligible for future grants or certifications.
9. Work with Trusted Suppliers
Finally, work with reliable lab furniture providers who:
Offer customization options
Provide on-site consultation and lab layout design
Ensure after-sales support and warranty
Can deliver and install the furniture safely and on time
At Somatco (Scientific & Medical Supplies Co.), we provide a wide range of school lab furniture, designed for both safety and long-term use. From full lab setups to individual benches and stools, we help educational institutions across the region create smart, durable, and compliant labs.
