Laboratory Shelving Systems: Open Wire, Stainless Steel & Polymer - laboratory shelving systems types guide

Laboratory Shelving Systems: Open Wire, Stainless Steel & Polymer

Marketing Manager

Proper shelving is essential for organizing reagents, supplies, samples, and equipment in any laboratory. But lab shelving isn’t like office or warehouse shelving — it must meet specific requirements for chemical resistance, cleanability, and in some cases, cleanroom compatibility.

Here’s how to choose the right laboratory shelving system for your application.

Types of Laboratory Shelving

Chrome Wire Shelving

The most common and affordable option. Chrome wire shelving allows air circulation and sprinkler coverage, making it a health department favorite for lab stockrooms and supply areas.

  • Best for: Dry storage, supply rooms, non-chemical areas
  • Chemical resistance: Low — chrome corrodes in humid or acidic environments
  • Cleanroom compatible: No (particle-generating surface)
  • Cost: $ (lowest)

Stainless Steel Wire Shelving

The premium choice for wet and corrosive environments. Stainless steel resists chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures, making it the go-to for labs working with acids, bases, and biologicals.

  • Best for: Wet labs, coolers, cleanrooms, chemical storage
  • Chemical resistance: Excellent
  • Cleanroom compatible: Yes (304 or 316 stainless)
  • Cost: $$$ (3–4x chrome)

Polymer Wire Shelving

Epoxy or polymer-coated wire shelving provides a middle ground — better corrosion resistance than chrome at a lower cost than stainless. Some polymer shelves are dishwasher-safe.

  • Best for: Walk-in coolers, moderate chemical exposure, food-contact areas
  • Chemical resistance: Good
  • Cleanroom compatible: Some models
  • Cost: $$ (1.5–2x chrome)

Solid Stainless Steel Shelving

Solid (non-wire) stainless shelving provides the cleanest surface for cleanroom and controlled environments. No open wire mesh means no particle-trapping crevices.

  • Best for: Cleanrooms, sterile processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Chemical resistance: Excellent
  • Cleanroom compatible: Yes (polished finishes available)
  • Cost: $$$$ (premium)

High-Density Mobile Shelving

When lab storage space is maxed out, mobile shelving systems compact static rows onto rails, eliminating wasted aisles and increasing capacity by 50–100%. Ideal for chemical storage rooms, sample archives, and supply areas.

Chemical Storage Shelving Requirements

Shelving used for chemical storage must comply with OSHA and NFPA guidelines:

  • Corrosion-resistant materials (no uncoated carbon steel)
  • Lip edges or containment trays to prevent bottles from falling
  • Segregation by chemical compatibility (acids separate from bases, oxidizers separate from flammables)
  • Proper ventilation in the storage area
  • Seismic restraints in earthquake zones

Frequently Asked Questions

What shelving is best for a cleanroom?

Stainless steel — either solid or wire — in 304 or 316 grade with a polished finish. Electropolished stainless is the gold standard for ISO 5–7 cleanrooms.

Can I use standard warehouse shelving in a lab?

Not recommended. Standard painted steel shelving doesn’t meet chemical resistance, cleanability, or NSF requirements that labs need. Lab-grade shelving is purpose-built for chemical environments.

How much does lab shelving cost?

Chrome wire: $200–$400 per unit. Polymer: $300–$600. Stainless wire: $600–$1,200. Solid stainless: $1,000–$2,500. Mobile shelving: $100–$250 per linear foot.

Get a Shelving Recommendation

Tell us what you’re storing and we’ll recommend the right shelving type, material, and configuration for your lab.

Request a free shelving consultation → or call (801) 999-8277.

Who This Is For

Our laboratory shelving systems types guide solutions are ideal for:

  • Laboratory directors
  • Facility architects
  • University science departments
  • Pharma/biotech companies
  • Hospital labs
  • Government research facilities
Laboratory Seating Guide: Choosing Chairs for Clean & Wet Labs - laboratory seating chairs selection guide

Laboratory Seating Guide: Choosing Chairs for Clean & Wet Labs

Marketing Manager

Lab researchers spend 6–10 hours a day at their workstations. Poor seating leads to back pain, fatigue, and repetitive strain injuries — all of which reduce productivity and increase turnover. Choosing the right laboratory seating is an investment in both safety and researcher well-being.

Types of Laboratory Chairs

General Purpose Lab Chairs

Standard lab chairs with polyurethane or vinyl upholstery, adjustable height, and optional armrests. Suitable for dry labs, general chemistry, and office areas within labs.

Cleanroom Chairs

Designed for ISO-classified clean environments. Cleanroom chairs feature low-particulate materials, sealed seams, and smooth surfaces that don’t shed particles. Available in ISO 4–8 compatible grades.

ESD (Anti-Static) Chairs

Essential for electronics labs, semiconductor clean rooms, and any environment with static-sensitive components. ESD chairs have conductive materials that safely dissipate static charges through a grounding chain to the floor.

Wet Lab Chairs

Waterproof, chemical-resistant chairs for labs where spills and splashes are common. Sealed upholstery prevents absorption, and non-corroding frames handle humid and wet conditions.

Lab Stools

Backless or low-back stools for bench-height or standing-height workstations. Lab stools offer freedom of movement and a smaller footprint. Available with foot rings for seated-height support.

Key Features to Consider

  • Height range: Match to your bench height. Standard (17″–22″ seat) for 30″ benches. Medium (19″–26″) for 36″ benches. High (22″–32″) for standing-height counters.
  • Foot rings: Essential for any chair where feet don’t comfortably reach the floor.
  • Upholstery material: Polyurethane (chemical-resistant, easy-clean), vinyl (budget-friendly), fabric (comfort but harder to clean).
  • Casters: Hard casters for carpet, soft casters for hard floors. Locking casters for stability during precise work.
  • Cleanroom rating: If needed, specify the ISO class your chair must meet.

Matching Chairs to Lab Types

Lab Type Chair Type Key Requirements
Chemistry lab General purpose Chemical-resistant upholstery, adjustable height
Biology/microbiology General purpose Easy-clean surface, foot ring
Cleanroom Cleanroom rated ISO-class certified, sealed seams, low particle
Electronics/semiconductor ESD chair Conductive path, grounding chain
Wet/wash-down Wet lab chair Waterproof, corrosion-resistant frame
Pathology/histology Ergonomic task chair Lumbar support, arm rests, long-sitting comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do lab chairs cost?

General lab chairs: $200–$600. Cleanroom chairs: $400–$1,200. ESD chairs: $300–$900. Ergonomic task chairs: $500–$1,500. Lab stools: $150–$400.

What’s the difference between a lab stool and a lab chair?

Lab stools are backless or have a minimal backrest, offering freedom of movement for active work. Lab chairs have full backrests and often armrests, providing better support for prolonged seated work. Choose stools for tasks that require frequent standing/sitting and chairs for extended desk or bench work.

How do I know what seat height I need?

Measure your work surface height and subtract 10″–12″ for ideal seat height. For a 36″ bench, you need a chair that adjusts to 24″–26″. For a 30″ bench, standard 17″–22″ range works.

Shop Lab Seating

Browse our full range of laboratory chairs and stools. Volume discounts available for lab buildouts.

Request a seating quote → or call (801) 999-8277.

Who This Is For

Our laboratory seating chairs selection guide solutions are ideal for:

  • Laboratory directors
  • Facility architects
  • University science departments
  • Pharma/biotech companies
  • Hospital labs
  • Government research facilities

Related Products and Resources

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