How to Choose the Right School Lab Countertop
When you think of lab safety, what comes to mind?
At first thought, you may think of the protective gear students should wear upon entering the lab. You may also think of safety supplies such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers and even eyewash stations.
However, one important safety element that is often overlooked is the choice of lab countertops. The right top material can significantly impact safety, durability and functionality within the lab. Let’s take a look at some common lab countertop options and help you determine which one is best suited for your lab’s specific needs.
1. Epoxy Resin
Many lab environments – like chemistry labs – often deal with chemicals and high temperatures daily. If this sounds like your lab, our 1” Epoxy Resin option is an ideal choice. This non-absorbent lab countertop is chemical and heat-resistant, ensuring longevity and safety in the lab.
2. Phenolic Resin
If you're looking for a versatile lab countertop that compares to epoxy resin, our ¾” Phenolic Resin top is the way to go. Known for its durable construction, this material is perfect for lab surfaces experiencing heavy usage. It's also a go-to option for labs engaging in cold/dry ice experiments. With chemical resistance, non-flammability, and non-absorbency, Phenolic Resin shares 90% of the characteristics of epoxy resin but comes at a fraction of the cost, making it a budget-friendly alternative.
3. ChemGuard
For middle school classrooms or spaces dealing with milder chemicals, our 1-¼” ChemGuard top option is an excellent choice. This lab countertop blends the decorative looks of high-pressure laminate with a durable, chemical-resistant composition, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics. It also features a Class 1 fire rating and a 3mm PVC molding that is heat-bonded to create a waterproof edge.
4. HPL
If your lab doesn’t consistently handle chemicals and high temperatures throughout the day, consider our HPL (high-pressure laminate) top option. This superior lab countertop is resistant to scratching, offering high wear value and making it a perfect, cost-effective option for general science rooms. However, it does have limited resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
Still need help deciding? Here’s a summary of our recommendations:
| Epoxy | Phenolic | Chemguard | HPL | |
| Type of Lab | Chemistry | Biology, Physics | Middle School Biology & Physics | General Science |
As always, it’s best to ask yourself these questions before making a final decision:
- What types of experiments will be conducted?
- Will you be using chemicals and high temperatures in the lab?
- Do you have any budget constraints?
- What safety standards need to be met?
- Is aesthetic appeal important?
Ready to Choose Your Lab Countertop?
Choosing the right top material for your lab tables is important for overall safety and functionality in your school lab. At Diversified Spaces, our team of experts is ready to collaborate with you! Let us help you choose a top option that meets your lab’s exact requirements. Reach out today to get started!