What Are Science Lab Tables Made Of?

If you ever worked in a laboratory, you know tables and workbenches are prime property. Scientists, like chefs in a kitchen, often complain that there’s not enough counter space. Laboratory tables serve as a space for all kinds of experiments, data collection, research, and applications, and they can quickly become cluttered with various equipment such as autoclaves, circulators, water baths, pipettes, spectrophotometers, and more. Adding additional tables and workspaces can go a long way in helping improve workflow, results, and productivity. But what exactly should you be looking for in a laboratory work surface and which materials make the best lab table countertop? Let’s explore the options. 

What is a science lab table?

A laboratory table, also known as a workbench or simply a bench, is where scientists do a good portion of their work. You can find laboratory tables and benches in schools and universities, research centers, diagnostic labs, medical facilities, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.
 
Science tables, worktops, and workbenches come in a variety of configurations, sizes, and colors. Some may have a simple, flat surface while others include drawers, shelves, or cabinetry. When selecting a laboratory table, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the surface material or tabletop.
 
Different labs have different needs, so you’ll need to think about your environment and the type of experiments, materials, and applications that take place on any given day. Will the table be in a wet lab or a dry lab? Does it need to meet any special requirements, such as high-heat resistance or clean room compatibility? Will it be exposed to caustic chemicals? All of these factors must be considered when it comes to laboratory work surfaces. 
 
Here are a few of the qualities that make a good science table countertop:
 
●     Strength and durability
●     Chemical, bacteria, and solvent resistance
●     Hygienic, non-porous properties
●     Easy cleaning and maintenance
●     Scratch, stain, and impact resistance
●     Fair cost and availability
●     Appearance and aesthetics
 
Scientific laboratory workplace

What are the top materials for science lab tables?

Like kitchen countertops, there are many materials to choose from, so let’s start by reviewing the most common science lab table surfaces and countertop materials. 

Phenolic Resin

Phenolic resin is an extremely popular choice for life science and chemistry labs because it can withstand chemicals, acids, bases, salts, solvents, halogens, and other materials frequently used in a lab. Phenolic resin surfaces are made by layering kraft paper soaked in resin and processing them at high temperatures to create a lightweight solid tabletop. The manufacturing process creates a hygienic, non-porous, non-conductive surface that’s durable, easy to clean, and can be formed into various shapes and sizes.

Phenolic resin scientific laboratory countertop

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is another common laboratory material for tables and workbenches. It offers resistance to corrosive chemicals, heat, moisture, and impact damage. To create epoxy resin countertops, resin, silica, hardener, and filler are molded and oven-cured into a heavy, solid slab. The curing process makes epoxy resin impenetrable to bacteria, mold, germs, and mildew. Epoxy resin work surfaces are non-absorbent and work well in wet labs or near sinks. The material is highly durable and can tolerate high heat, including open flames. It is extremely heavy, though, so it will need a strong foundation or cabinet to support the weight of the tabletop.

Epoxy resin scientific laboratory countertop

High-Pressure Laminate

High-pressure laminate (HPL) countertops are crafted by combining wood fiber, phenolic resin, and melamine under high heat and pressure. The process results in an affordable, versatile general-purpose material suitable for chemical-free and dry lab facilities, such as computational, engineering, and applied physics laboratories. While HPL countertops are impact and scratch resistant and require minimal maintenance, they have some drawbacks. HPL surfaces offer low resistance to bacteria, chemicals, corrosive materials, fungi, water, moisture, and scratches. Still, for low-impact labs, including some education facilities, HPL offers an attractive, cost-effective, low-maintenance solution that can maintain its appearance for many years. 

High-pressure laminate (HPL) countertops

Chemical-Resistant Laminate

Chemical-resistant laminate combines some of the features of high-pressure laminate with the chemical resistance of phenolic resin. Chemical laminate combines an overlay of decorative surface paper with a melamine resin bonded to a core of kraft papers saturated with phenolic resin. The outcome is a visually appealing work surface that’s durable, functional, and offers exceptional chemical resistance. Chemical-resistant laminate can tolerate temperatures up to 135 degrees Celsius (275 degrees Fahrenheit) but should not be used for high-temperature applications that exceed that limit. While the material offers chemical resistance, it is susceptible to scratches, cuts, water, moisture, bacteria, and corrosive elements—the mid-range price and chemical resistance suit low-impact labs that require good chemical resistance.

Chemical-Resistant Laminate Countertops

Stainless Steel

Walk into any laboratory, and you’ll likely see a lot of stainless steel, from equipment to furniture and table tops. Stainless steel is durable, hygienic, non-porous, and chemical resistant. Like other steel products, stainless steel is made from iron and carbon. To achieve “stainless steel,” chromium and other alloys are added to low-iron steel to create a stain-resistant anti-corrosive material. Stainless steel science tables can endure significant wear and tear and offer exceptional heat resistance. Stainless steel tables and workbenches make it easy to maintain a sterile environment with minimal dirt, dust, and contamination. While stainless steel meets many scientific laboratory requirements, it can dent or scratch over time. For a heavier-duty stainless steel table that can withstand heavy equipment and machine vibrations, you’ll want to consider 14-gauge stainless steel. 

Stainless steel scientific laboratory countertop

What is a science lab table?

Spacious and bright laboratory interior. 3d illustration
There are other materials you may want to consider, depending on the type of lab and facility. Solid surface is often found in medical and dental labs. Like phenolic resin, it can be fabricated into various shapes, including continuous 3-D curved surfaces. To produce solid surface countertops, manufacturers blend acrylic resin, fillers, and color pigments to create a solid, non-porous, and hygienic material.
 
Choosing the right materials for your lab is extremely important, as it can significantly impact safety, efficiency, and productivity. To better understand the pros and cons of each material, you can check out our article, “What’s the Best Countertop Material for a Scientific Laboratory?”
 
If you need assistance with your laboratory countertops, workbenches, or tables, the  experts at LX Hausys are happy to help. Please visit our website and fill out a brief form about your project. One of the LX Hausys countertop experts will respond promptly. Responses will be sent to the email provided on the form.
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