Laboratory Shelving Systems: Open Wire, Stainless Steel & Polymer

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.