Laboratory Casework in California
Steel, phenolic, epoxy, stainless and wood casework for California research, healthcare, education and industrial labs, planned for seismic anchorage and the reviews your project faces.
Laboratory Casework for California Facilities
California has the largest life science economy in the country. Biocom’s 2026 economic impact report counts 15,730 life science establishments in the state and 406,565 people employed directly by the industry in 2025 (Biocom). Add universities, hospital labs, aerospace, food and beverage, and environmental testing, and you get a steady stream of labs that need casework planned around real work.
Labs USA designs and supplies laboratory casework for California projects from the Bay Area to San Diego and the Central Valley. We work with owners, lab managers, architects and general contractors. Delivery and installation scope are confirmed for each project. This page is the California guide within our main Laboratory Casework hub. It links the planning questions that matter in California to the projects we have completed in the state.
Casework and Countertop Options
Choose cabinets and tops by the work at each station, not by a photo. Most California projects mix two or three of these.
If wood or laminate casework is in the plan, ask about the panel products. California’s composite wood rule covers hardwood plywood, particleboard and MDF sold, supplied or used in the state, including the finished goods made from them, with Phase 2 formaldehyde limits of 0.05 ppm for hardwood plywood, 0.09 ppm for particleboard and 0.11 ppm for MDF (CARB ATCM 93120). Steel and phenolic casework avoid the question for most cabinet bodies.
Seismic Anchorage for California Casework
Earthquakes shape California casework more than any other single factor. Cabinets, wall units and tall storage must be anchored, and the anchorage has to be shown on the drawings. The Division of the State Architect’s submittal checklist for school projects asks for casework details and elevations that include anchorage details, and says tall items marked “not in contract” still need anchorage details (DSA checklist).
Hospitals add another layer. HCAI’s Policy Intent Notice 68 explains the California Building Code’s fixed, movable and mobile equipment categories and asks for an equipment schedule on the construction documents that shows which items are anchored or restrained (HCAI PIN 68).
- Wall and base cabinets fastened to studs, blocking or the floor per the engineered detail
- Shelves with retaining lips or rails so bottles stay put during shaking
- Positive latching doors and drawers on chemical and glassware storage
- Tall storage and mobile units restrained, with flexible utility connections where equipment moves
- Anchorage coordinated with the architect or engineer of record early, before layouts are final
Our seismic lab shelving guide covers storage restraint in more detail, and the same principles apply across the West.
Casework by California Lab Type
Different California labs bring different reviewers and priorities:
- Biotech and pharma: flexible bench runs, mobile base cabinets and phenolic or epoxy tops that can change as programs change
- Hospital and clinical labs: HCAI review, cleanable surfaces and an equipment schedule that matches the casework plan
- K-12 and community colleges: DSA review, durable student stations and accessible casework
- Aerospace, food and industrial QC: heavy-duty steel, stainless or polypropylene for corrosives and wash-down
Every California employer with a lab that uses hazardous chemicals also falls under Cal/OSHA’s lab standard, which requires a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (8 CCR 5191). Casework does not replace that plan, but storage, sinks and fume capture should support it.
Labs USA Projects in California
These Labs USA projects shipped to California sites. Each page explains the scope we can share publicly.
New California casework case studies will be published under this page as they are completed. For tables, shelving and fume capture, see our laboratory tables and workstations, laboratory shelving and exhaust snorkel hubs.
Planning a California Casework Project
A quote request does not need a finished spec. These details help us start fast:
- City, facility type and whether DSA, HCAI or a local building department reviews the project
- Plans, sketches or photos, with utility locations
- Stations and the work at each one, including wet, heat and instrument areas
- Chemicals stored and used, so tops and storage can be matched
- Schedule, access limits and who handles installation
How Labs USA Plans a California Casework Project
Review the Work
We go over stations, equipment, chemicals, users and cleaning needs.
Draw the Layout
We prepare a free CAD layout and coordinate sinks, services and anchorage points.
Confirm the Package
We match cabinets, tops, shelving and accessories to each station and to your reviewers.
Ship and Coordinate
We schedule delivery to your California site and confirm installation scope.
Labs USA is headquartered in Salt Lake City and also serves Utah labs through our Utah laboratory casework page. Browse the full range on the Laboratory Casework hub or call (801) 855-8560 to start a California project.
Shop Lab Safety Cabinets and Seismic Brackets
Related products, not the casework shown on this page. Casework, tops and sinks are quoted per project. These safety-cabinet and seismic-bracket items from our online store work alongside casework runs. Call (801) 855-8560.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Labs USA supply laboratory casework in California?
Yes. We design and supply casework for labs across California, including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego and the Central Valley. Delivery and installation scope are confirmed for each project.
Does lab casework need seismic anchorage in California?
In most projects, yes. Cabinets and tall storage are anchored per the engineered details on the drawings. DSA school projects and HCAI hospital projects review these details, and local building departments enforce the California Building Code.
Which countertop works best for a California biotech lab?
Phenolic resin is a strong general choice for most chemistry. Epoxy resin suits wet stations with heat or harsh chemicals, and stainless steel suits clean or wash-down areas. We match the top to the chemicals you list.
Is wood casework allowed in California labs?
Yes, when the panel products meet California’s composite wood formaldehyde rule. Ask for compliant panels and labeling. Many labs choose steel bodies with phenolic or epoxy tops instead.
Can you work with our architect or general contractor?
Yes. Many of our California projects come through contractors and design teams. We provide CAD layouts and coordinate casework, tops and accessories with the drawings.
Do you handle labs outside California and Utah?
Yes. Labs USA supplies labs nationwide. This page covers California planning, and our Utah casework page covers local projects there.
Planning laboratory casework in California?
Send us your plans, stations and chemical list. We will lay out casework, tops and storage for each station and coordinate the details your reviewers need.
Get a Free Quote Call (801) 855-8560