Laboratory Wood Casework: How It Compares to Steel and Specialty Options

Marketing Manager

Laboratory wood casework offers a distinct combination of aesthetics, acoustic performance, and cost-effectiveness for many lab environments. While steel is often considered the default, understanding where wood fits helps lab managers and specifiers make smarter decisions. For teaching labs, dry research areas, and instrument rooms, wood provides a durable and appealing alternative to metal or plastic systems, balancing performance with budget and design goals. Explore our full range of lab casework to see all available configurations.

Casework Comparison Snapshot

  • Choose Wood Casework for teaching labs, dry research spaces, instrument rooms, and office areas where aesthetics, noise reduction, and budget are key factors. It provides good performance in environments with light chemical and moisture exposure.

  • Choose Steel or Stainless Steel for wet labs, corrosive environments, or sterile spaces requiring frequent washdowns and harsh disinfection. Steel offers superior durability, while stainless steel provides the ultimate chemical and moisture resistance.

  • Choose Specialty Plastics or Phenolic Frames for areas with extreme humidity or constant exposure to a wide range of harsh chemicals where a non-metallic solution is preferred.

  • For detailed material criteria, review our casework specifications.

How to Choose Laboratory Casework in 5 Checks

Selecting the right casework material is a critical decision that impacts lab safety, workflow, and long-term budget. This five-step checklist provides a framework to match the material to the real-world demands of your facility.

1. Chemical and Disinfectant Exposure

First, identify all chemicals, solvents, and disinfectants used regularly. The type and frequency of exposure are the most important factors in your decision.

  • Light Exposure: For mild acids, bases, and standard cleaners, wood casework with a factory-applied chemical-resistant finish is a suitable and cost-effective choice.

  • Moderate to Heavy Exposure: If protocols involve frequent use of harsh solvents or aggressive disinfectants, painted steel provides a more durable surface.

  • Constant Harsh Exposure: For environments with continuous contact with corrosive agents, stainless steel or specialty phenolic casework is necessary.

Remember that the work surface takes the most abuse. Pairing wood base cabinets with durable phenolic work surfaces is a common strategy to enhance durability where it matters most.

2. Humidity and Moisture Control

Assess the ambient moisture conditions in your lab. Wood is more sensitive to humidity changes than steel or composite materials.

While modern wood casework performs well in labs with stable HVAC systems, it is not suitable for high-humidity areas, spaces around sinks with frequent splashes, or rooms requiring regular washdowns. In these cases, painted steel, stainless steel, or phenolic resin is the correct choice. The importance of phenolic resins is clear in these environments, as they are completely immune to moisture damage.

3. Impact, Abrasion, and Noise Considerations

Consider the physical demands of your lab. Will heavy carts bump into cabinets? How much noise can your workspace tolerate?

  • Noise Profile: Wood naturally dampens sound, creating a quieter work environment. This is a significant advantage in instrument rooms or open-plan labs where focus is essential.

  • Impact Resistance: Steel is very durable but its painted finish can chip, exposing the metal to potential rust. Wood is often more forgiving with minor impacts and is easier to repair cosmetically.

4. Flexibility and Reconfiguration Needs

Think about your lab's future. If you anticipate changes in workflow, equipment, or layout, choose a system that can adapt.

Traditional, fixed casework offers maximum stability but locks you into a single configuration. For labs that require agility, reconfigurable wood benches and mobile cabinets provide the flexibility to change layouts easily without major construction.

5. Budget, Lead Time, and Aesthetic Goals

Finally, align your technical requirements with project constraints. Wood casework generally has a lower upfront cost than stainless steel or phenolic systems.

From a design perspective, wood offers a warmer, less clinical appearance, which is often preferred in educational and some research settings. Lead times vary by material and customization, so confirm availability early in the planning phase to align with your project timeline.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Wood vs. Steel vs. Stainless vs. Specialty

Each casework material offers a unique profile of strengths and limitations. This direct comparison helps clarify which option best fits your lab's specific application, budget, and performance needs.

Wood Casework

  • What It Is: Cabinets and benches constructed from hardwood veneer plywood or industrial-grade particleboard, protected by a factory-applied, chemical-resistant UV finish.

  • Top Strengths: Excellent aesthetics, natural sound dampening, cost-effective, and easily repairable for minor cosmetic damage.

  • Limits: Not suitable for high-moisture, corrosive, or sterile environments requiring frequent washdowns. Performance depends heavily on the integrity of the finish.

  • Best Environments: Teaching labs, dry research labs, physics labs, instrument rooms, and office areas within a lab suite.

  • Maintenance: Clean with mild detergents. Avoid abrasive cleaners and wipe up all spills promptly to protect the finish.

  • Cost & Lead Time: Generally the most budget-friendly option with competitive lead times for standard configurations.

  • Choose this if… you need a functional, quiet, and visually appealing solution for a dry lab environment on a controlled budget.

Painted Steel Casework

  • What It Is: Heavy-gauge steel, typically fully welded for strength, with a durable, baked-on powder-coat epoxy paint finish.

  • Top Strengths: High durability, excellent structural strength, very good chemical resistance, and an easy-to-clean, non-porous surface.

  • Limits: The painted finish can be chipped or scratched, exposing the underlying steel to rust. It can be noisy (clanging drawers and doors).

  • Best Environments: General chemistry labs, industrial R&D facilities, and any high-traffic area requiring robust, long-lasting furniture.

  • Maintenance: Inspect regularly for deep scratches and touch them up to prevent corrosion. Clean with standard lab-grade disinfectants.

  • Cost & Lead Time: Mid-range cost, typically more than wood but less than stainless steel. Lead times can vary.

  • Choose this if… your priority is durability and chemical resistance for a general-purpose lab.

Stainless Steel Casework

  • What It Is: Casework constructed from Type 304 or Type 316 stainless steel with welded and polished seams for a seamless, non-porous surface.

  • Top Strengths: The highest level of corrosion, moisture, and heat resistance. It is the standard for sterile and hygienic applications.

  • Limits: The highest initial cost. It can be dented or scratched and tends to show fingerprints.

  • Best Environments: Cleanrooms, pharmaceutical labs, vivariums, biological labs, and any facility requiring aggressive, frequent washdowns.

  • Maintenance: Can be cleaned with nearly any harsh disinfectant or sterilizing agent. Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching.

  • Cost & Lead Time: The most expensive option, often with longer lead times due to specialized fabrication.

  • Choose this if… sterility, corrosion resistance, and cleanability are non-negotiable and budget is a secondary concern.

Specialty Plastics or Phenolic Frames

  • What It Is: Casework built from solid phenolic resin, a composite material created by fusing layers of resin-saturated paper under high heat and pressure.

  • Top Strengths: Completely waterproof and immune to a very broad range of chemicals, acids, and solvents. Will not delaminate, swell, or corrode.

  • Limits: Higher cost than wood or painted steel. May have lower load-bearing capacity compared to fully welded steel frames.

  • Best Environments: Highly corrosive labs, high-humidity rooms, and applications where guaranteed moisture protection is essential.

  • Maintenance: Extremely low maintenance. Can be cleaned with harsh chemicals without risk of damage.

  • Cost & Lead Time: A premium price point, higher than painted steel but sometimes competitive with stainless steel.

  • Choose this if… you need absolute protection against moisture and a wide array of chemicals in a non-metallic form.

You can find more detailed information on all casework configurations to compare these options further.

HTML Comparison Table

Feature Wood Painted Steel Stainless Steel Specialty Phenolic/Plastics
Chemical Resistance Good (Finish-Dependent) Very Good Excellent Excellent
Moisture Resistance Poor Good Excellent Excellent
Cleanability Good Excellent Excellent Excellent
Impact and Noise Excellent (Quiet) Good (Noisy) Fair (Dents) Very Good (Quiet)
Flexibility Excellent Good Fair Good
Typical Use Cases Teaching Labs, Instrument Rooms, Dry Research General Chemistry, Industrial R&D Cleanrooms, Sterile Labs, Washdown Areas High Humidity, Corrosive Environments
Approx. Cost Tier $ $$ $$$$ $$$
Notes Warm aesthetic, easy to repair cosmetically. Workhorse durability, finish can chip. Ultimate corrosion resistance, highest cost. Completely waterproof, non-metallic.

Where Wood Shines: Ideal Applications

Wood casework is a strategic choice in many modern laboratories where its unique advantages align with the facility's goals.

Teaching Labs

In educational settings, wood creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere than steel. Its lower cost is also a significant benefit for institutions with limited budgets. The durable finish is sufficient for the light chemical use typical in teaching environments.

Offices within Labs

For integrated lab and office spaces, wood provides a seamless design transition, creating a cohesive and less clinical work environment that promotes collaboration.

Dry Research and Instrument Rooms

For physics, electronics, and instrumentation labs, wood is an excellent choice. Its natural sound-dampening qualities help reduce ambient noise from equipment, creating a quieter and more focused atmosphere for precise work. This is especially true for facilities using modular wood workspaces for reconfigurable layouts.

Spaces Where Acoustics and Aesthetics Matter

When the goal is to create a professional, comfortable, and quiet workspace, the aesthetic warmth and noise-absorbing properties of wood make it a superior choice over metal alternatives.

When to Step Up from Wood

Wood casework has its limits. In certain demanding environments, upgrading to steel or specialty materials is essential for safety, compliance, and longevity.

Choose painted steel, stainless steel, or phenolic frames for:

  • Corrosive Environments: Where strong acids, bases, or solvents are used frequently.

  • Frequent Harsh Disinfectants: If protocols require daily use of aggressive cleaning agents that could degrade a wood finish over time. For worktops that must handle this abuse, phenolic work surfaces are a great choice.

  • High Humidity or Washdown Rooms: Any area with constant moisture will cause wood to fail. Stainless steel and phenolic are the best choices here due to the importance of phenolic resins in wet applications.

Specifying Wood Casework

Proper specification is key to ensuring performance and longevity. For architects, lab planners, and facility managers, focusing on the right details is crucial.

Key specification points include:

  • Substrate and Veneer: Specify hardwood veneer plywood or industrial-grade particleboard for stability.

  • Finish System: Mandate a factory-applied, multi-layer, chemical-resistant UV finish for protection.

  • Edge Banding: Require high-quality, durable edge banding to seal the core from moisture.

  • Hardware Quality: Specify heavy-duty, full-extension drawer slides and institutional-grade hinges.

  • Drawer Load Ratings: Ensure drawers are rated for the anticipated weight of lab equipment and supplies.

  • Specialty Units: Include details for sink bases with moisture-resistant properties, service voids for plumbing and wiring, and appropriate seismic anchoring where required.

For complete technical guidance, refer to our detailed spec guidelines. Our full line of wood casework options meets these stringent requirements.

Integration with Benches and Tops

Wood base cabinets are often paired with different benching systems and work surfaces to create a tailored solution.

Wood bases can be integrated into reconfigurable wood benches that allow for easy layout changes. This modular approach provides long-term flexibility.

For work surfaces, pairing wood bases with high-performance tops is a smart strategy:

  • Phenolic Resin: The top choice for chemical and disinfectant resistance. Pair with wood bases for a durable yet cost-effective workstation.

  • High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): A budget-friendly option for dry labs, write-up stations, and areas with very light chemical exposure.

This hybrid approach allows you to invest in performance where it is most needed—on the worktop—while gaining the benefits of wood for the base lab casework.

Decision Scenarios: Mini Use-Case Guides

Here are five common scenarios to help guide your decision:

  1. A high school teaching lab with light chemical use.

    • Decision: Wood bases with HPL or phenolic tops. This balances budget, durability, and provides a warm, inviting learning environment.

  2. A mixed office and lab suite needing a quiet, professional finish.

    • Decision: Wood casework throughout. This creates a cohesive aesthetic and the sound-dampening properties of wood reduce workplace noise.

  3. An industrial QC lab with a corrosive environment and frequent washdowns.

    • Decision: Stainless steel casework. This is a non-negotiable choice for safety and longevity in such a harsh environment.

  4. A dry instrument room with equipment that is frequently reconfigured.

    • Decision: Modular wood workspaces on mobile frames. This provides maximum flexibility to adapt the layout as needs change.

  5. A biosafety lab with constant use of harsh disinfectants.

    • Decision: Consider painted steel or phenolic frames with solid phenolic tops. These materials can withstand aggressive cleaning protocols without degrading.

Maintenance and Lifecycle

Proper maintenance ensures your wood casework lasts for decades.

  • Cleaning: Use mild, non-abrasive detergents compatible with the wood finish. Always refer to EHS guidelines for approved cleaning agents.

  • Humidity Control: Maintain a stable indoor climate with a modern HVAC system to prevent wood from swelling or shrinking.

  • Repairs: Minor scratches or dings in the finish can often be touched up, extending the cosmetic life of the cabinets.

  • Hardware Checks: Periodically inspect and tighten hinges and drawer slides to ensure proper function.

  • Replacement Triggers: Consider replacement if there is significant damage to the substrate from moisture or chemical exposure, or if hardware is failing beyond repair.

Consult our casework specifications for more on material care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is laboratory wood casework durable enough for my lab?
Yes, for the right application. It is engineered with a high-density core and a chemical-resistant UV finish to withstand the demands of teaching, dry research, and instrument labs. It is not intended for highly corrosive or wet environments.

2. How does wood handle daily disinfecting?
It holds up well to standard, non-abrasive lab disinfectants. The chemical-resistant finish protects the wood, but harsh agents like bleach or abrasive cleaners should be avoided. Always wipe surfaces dry after cleaning.

3. Can I pair wood bases with phenolic worktops?
Absolutely. This is a very common and cost-effective combination. It provides the superior chemical resistance of phenolic on the work surface while retaining the aesthetic and acoustic benefits of wood for the base cabinets.

4. What about humidity and long-term stability?
In labs with stable HVAC systems, modern wood casework is very stable. The core materials and sealed edges are designed to resist typical ambient moisture changes. However, it is not suitable for high-humidity rooms or areas subject to washdowns.

5. Can wood be part of a modular lab plan?
Yes. Wood is an excellent material for flexible lab designs. Systems featuring modular wood workspaces allow labs to adapt layouts easily as research needs evolve.

6. How do lead times for wood casework compare to steel?
Lead times are generally comparable for standard configurations. Highly customized steel or stainless steel systems often have longer lead times. Always confirm current production schedules early in your planning. You can explore all lab casework options with our team.

Your Next Steps

Laboratory wood casework is an excellent choice for facilities that prioritize aesthetics, acoustic comfort, and budget without sacrificing performance in dry, light-duty environments. By matching the material to the application, you can create a functional and inviting workspace. For labs with more demanding chemical or moisture conditions, steel or specialty systems remain the superior option.

Ready to find the right fit for your facility?

Painted Steel Casework: Practical, Durable Storage for Modern Labs

Marketing Manager

Painted steel casework is a foundational storage system for modern laboratories, offering a balance of durability, cleanability, and cost-effectiveness. It consists of steel cabinets protected by a tough powder-coated finish. This makes it an ideal choice for research, educational, and light industrial labs that need resilient storage without the higher cost of stainless steel. See a wide range of painted steel casework configurations to fit any layout.

Quick Answer: Is Painted Steel Casework Right for Your Lab?

  • When It's Ideal: Best for general research, educational, quality control, and product development labs with moderate chemical use.
  • Key Strengths: High durability, excellent impact resistance, easy to clean and decontaminate, wide range of configurations and colors.
  • Main Limits: Not for constant exposure to harsh, corrosive acids or sterile cleanroom environments where stainless steel is required.
  • Typical Cost Tier: More affordable than stainless steel or phenolic resin, offering a strong lifecycle value.
  • Next Step: See lab casework options.

How to Choose Painted Steel Casework: A 5-Step Checklist

Selecting the right lab storage ensures safety, efficiency, and longevity. Follow this five-step checklist to determine if painted steel casework is the best fit for your facility's needs.

1. Identify Chemicals and Cleaning Agents in Use

First, list the chemicals, reagents, and disinfectants used daily in your lab. While painted steel resists mild acids, bases, solvents, and common cleaners like alcohol or bleach solutions, it is not intended for constant contact with highly corrosive substances. This assessment will confirm if its chemical resistance is sufficient.

2. Evaluate Humidity and Corrosion Risk

Consider your lab's ambient environment. Facilities in coastal regions or areas with high humidity may increase the risk of corrosion if the casework finish is compromised. In these conditions, an enhanced pretreatment or a more robust powder coat may be advisable. For extreme environments, stainless steel is a more suitable long-term solution.

3. Determine Storage Types and Load Requirements

Think about what you will store. Standard steel cabinet drawers are typically rated for 100 to 150 pounds, suitable for glassware and most supplies. If you need to store heavy equipment or bulk materials, specify heavy-duty drawer slides and reinforced shelving. Matching load capacity to your inventory is critical for safety and durability.

4. Plan for Flexibility and Reconfiguration Needs

Decide if your lab layout needs to be adaptable. Fixed casework is permanently installed for maximum stability. In contrast, modular or mobile cabinets on casters allow you to reconfigure your space as projects and equipment change. Many labs use a hybrid approach with fixed perimeter cabinets and mobile islands.

5. Review Budget, Lead Time, and Service Integration

Finally, align your selection with your project's budget and timeline. Painted steel casework generally has a lower upfront cost and shorter lead time than stainless steel. Plan for the integration of services like power, data, and plumbing. The performance of your casework is also affected by the benches and worktops you pair it with. Explore options for lab workstations and tables and lab bench systems to create a complete solution.

Comparing Lab Casework Materials

Choosing the right material involves balancing performance, application, and budget. Here is how painted steel compares to other common options.

Painted Steel Casework

Painted steel casework in a modern lab setting.

This is the standard for many labs due to its blend of durability and value. A powder coat finish provides a hard, non-porous surface that withstands daily use and is easy to clean.

  • Strengths: High impact and abrasion resistance, good resistance to mild chemicals and solvents, and cost-effective.
  • Limits: The finish can be scratched or chipped, potentially exposing the steel to corrosion. It is not suitable for highly corrosive environments.
  • Best For: General research, educational, and light industrial labs.
  • Cleaning: Use mild detergent and water or compatible disinfectants.
  • Cost: Moderate.
  • Choose this if: You need durable, cleanable, and budget-friendly storage for a typical lab environment.

Stainless Steel Casework

Stainless steel is the premium choice where sterility and corrosion resistance are critical. It is the standard for cleanrooms, vivariums, and labs using harsh chemicals.

  • Strengths: Exceptional resistance to corrosion, acids, and bases. It can be repeatedly sterilized without degradation.
  • Limits: Significantly higher cost and can be prone to cosmetic denting.
  • Best For: Sterile processing, biological applications, cleanrooms, and high-corrosion labs.
  • Cleaning: Compatible with aggressive sterilization methods.
  • Cost: High.
  • Choose this if: Your work demands maximum hygiene and resistance to aggressive chemicals.

Wood/High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Casework

Wood casework provides a traditional aesthetic and is often used in dry labs or instrumentation rooms. The HPL surface offers decent chemical resistance.

  • Strengths: Good vibration dampening for sensitive instruments and a warm appearance.
  • Limits: The wood core is susceptible to moisture damage, swelling, and microbial growth if the surface is compromised.
  • Best For: Dry labs, physics labs, instrumentation rooms, and educational spaces.
  • Cleaning: Use non-abrasive cleaners; avoid soaking with water.
  • Cost: Moderate to high.
  • Choose this if: You are outfitting a dry environment where aesthetics and instrument stability are priorities.

Phenolic/Polypropylene Specialty Storage

These materials are specified for the most demanding applications. Phenolic resin and polypropylene offer superior resistance to a wide array of highly corrosive chemicals.

  • Strengths: Outstanding chemical resistance, completely waterproof, and highly durable.
  • Limits: Highest cost and requires specialized fabrication and installation.
  • Best For: Acid digestion labs, wet process areas, and facilities with extreme chemical exposure.
  • Cleaning: Can withstand harsh cleaning agents.
  • Cost: Very high.
  • Choose this if: Your work involves constant contact with highly corrosive chemicals. Review all casework options to see the full range.

Configuration Options for Painted Steel Casework

A modern laboratory with white painted steel casework, showing base cabinets, wall cabinets, and an integrated bench.

Painted steel casework is a modular system that can be configured to meet specific laboratory workflows. Combining different cabinet types creates an efficient and organized workspace.

  • Base Cabinets: These form the foundation for countertops and provide under-counter storage with door, drawer, or combination units.
  • Wall Cabinets: Mounted above work surfaces, they offer easy access to frequently used glassware and reagents. Options include solid or glass doors.
  • Tall Cabinets: Floor-to-ceiling units provide maximum storage capacity for bulk supplies, equipment, or personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Mobile Cabinets: Set on heavy-duty casters, these units offer flexible storage that can be moved where needed.
  • Specialty Units: Sink base cabinets, fume hood bases, reagent shelving, and pegboards integrate directly into the casework system.
  • Power and Data: Service raceways and cutouts for electrical and data ports can be integrated into the casework and benching.

Pairing fixed perimeter casework with modular lab benches creates a highly effective mixed fixed-mobile layout, allowing for future flexibility.

Finish and Corrosion Protection

The longevity of painted steel casework depends on its finish. The process begins with heavy-gauge steel, typically 16 or 18 gauge, which is chemically pretreated to clean and etch the surface for adhesion.

A powder coat finish is then applied electrostatically, ensuring an even layer of polymer particles covers all surfaces. The parts are cured in an oven, where the powder melts and fuses into a hard, durable shell that resists chipping, scratching, and mild chemical exposure. Standard colors include white, grey, and black, with custom colors often available. For coastal or highly corrosive environments, an enhanced pretreatment or a move to stainless steel is recommended. Review the various finishes for steel cabinets.

Integration with Benches and Work Surfaces

Painted steel casework integrates seamlessly with common lab work surfaces and bench frames. Cabinets can be mounted to lab bench systems or installed as a standalone base for countertops like epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or stainless steel.

Proper integration includes planning for service integration, such as plumbing and electrical in service raceways. For facilities in seismic zones, casework must be securely anchored to the floor and walls according to local building codes to ensure stability. This creates a cohesive and functional workspace from our full line of lab workstations and tables.

Material Chemical Resistance Corrosion Resistance Cleanability Impact/Abrasion Flexibility Typical Use Cases Approx. Cost Tier Notes
Painted Steel Good Moderate Excellent Excellent High General research, education, light industrial, dry labs $$ Best overall value for most applications.
Stainless Steel Excellent Excellent Superior Good High Cleanrooms, biological, sterile, high-corrosion areas $$$$ Required for sterile or highly corrosive labs.
Wood/HPL Moderate Poor Good Moderate Moderate Dry labs, instrumentation rooms, educational labs $$$ Prone to moisture damage if core is exposed.
Phenolic/Polypropylene Superior Excellent Excellent Excellent Low Harsh chemical, high-moisture, acid digestion labs $$$$$ For extreme chemical environments.

Ready to plan your lab layout? Compare our full range of casework options to find the perfect fit.

Case Example: Mineral and Geology Labs

Painted steel casework is an excellent choice for demanding environments like geology labs. For example, a mineral lab requires storage that can handle heavy rock samples and resist abrasion from dust and grit. The durability and high load capacity of steel cabinets make them ideal for this application. You can see a mineral lab casework example to understand how painted steel provides a practical and long-lasting solution in this setting.

Maintenance and Lifecycle

Proper care extends the life of your investment. For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth with mild detergent and water. Most powder coat finishes are compatible with common disinfectants like 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% bleach solutions, but always rinse after using bleach.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the finish. Address any deep scratches that expose the steel with a manufacturer-provided touch-up paint kit to prevent rust. Periodically check that hinges, drawer slides, and locks are functioning smoothly. With routine care, painted steel casework can provide decades of reliable service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is painted steel casework chemical resistant enough for my lab?
It is resistant to spills of mild acids, bases, solvents, and common reagents. It is not intended for prolonged contact with harsh, corrosive chemicals. Always wipe up spills promptly.

2. How does the powder coat hold up to bleach and other disinfectants?
The finish is highly resistant to disinfectants like 70% alcohol and 10% bleach solutions. To preserve the finish, it is good practice to rinse surfaces with water after cleaning with bleach.

3. Can I reconfigure painted steel casework after installation?
Only modular or mobile casework is designed for reconfiguration. Fixed casework is permanently installed and cannot be easily moved. Many labs use a combination of both.

4. What steel gauges are common and why do they matter?
Most casework bodies use 18-gauge steel, while high-stress components like frames may use heavier 16-gauge steel. A lower gauge number means thicker, more durable steel, which prevents denting and ensures a longer service life.

5. How do I choose between a toe-kick and leg levelers?
A toe-kick provides a built-in look and prevents debris from accumulating underneath cabinets. Leg levelers lift the cabinet off the floor, allowing for easier cleaning underneath, which can be a requirement in certain labs.

6. What are typical lead times for painted steel casework?
Standard configurations and colors often have lead times of 4 to 8 weeks. Custom orders may take 8 to 12 weeks or more. Confirm timelines with your supplier, especially when coordinating with other items like lab workstations and tables.

Conclusion: A Durable and Practical Choice for Modern Labs

Painted steel casework is the right choice for facilities that need a durable, cleanable, and cost-effective storage solution. Its modular design and wide range of configurations make it adaptable to nearly any general research, educational, or light industrial laboratory. When paired with the appropriate work surfaces and a thoughtful layout, this powder coated casework provides a reliable foundation for a safe and efficient workspace. When planning your facility, consider how to integrate modular lab benches for a flexible and productive environment.

Ready to find the right storage for your lab? Compare our full line of casework options or request a quote to start planning your layout today.