Designing a laboratory requires more than choosing cabinets, countertops, and workstations. Every component must support the facility's intended research, operational workflows, safety requirements, and long-term performance.

For architects and laboratory planners, laboratory casework specifications play a critical role in creating functional, adaptable environments. The right specifications help ensure that casework materials, work surfaces, storage configurations, and utility requirements are properly coordinated before construction begins.

Whether you're planning a university research laboratory, healthcare facility, industrial testing environment, or educational science building, understanding laboratory casework standards can help reduce costly revisions and support better design decisions.

This guide covers the essential considerations for specifying laboratory casework, from selecting materials and evaluating performance standards to planning flexible configurations and accessing technical resources.

What Are Laboratory Casework Specifications?

Laboratory casework specifications are the technical requirements that define how laboratory cabinets, storage systems, work surfaces, and related furniture components should be manufactured, supplied, and installed.

Unlike standard commercial cabinetry, laboratory casework must be selected according to the specific demands of scientific environments, including potential chemical exposure, moisture, equipment loads, sanitation requirements, and daily use.

A comprehensive laboratory casework specification typically addresses:

Casework materials and construction
Structural durability and performance
Chemical and moisture resistance
Cabinet configurations and storage requirements
Work surface compatibility
Hardware, finishes, and accessories
Accessibility and ergonomic considerations
Coordination with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
Applicable testing standards
Installation and documentation requirements

For architects, these specifications create a common reference point between the design team, manufacturer, contractor, and facility owner.

1. Choose the Right Laboratory Casework Material

One of the first decisions in laboratory casework design is selecting materials that match the intended application.

Different environments require different combinations of durability, cleanability, flexibility, and appearance.

Steel Laboratory Casework

Steel laboratory casework is commonly specified for research facilities, universities, industrial laboratories, and other environments requiring durable cabinetry.

Painted steel systems offer structural strength and a range of configuration options. Powder-coated finishes can provide protection against everyday wear, although chemical resistance depends on the coating and substances involved.

ICI Scientific's CornerStone steel laboratory casework provides multiple cabinet-front design options and field-convertible components that help laboratories adapt as needs change.

For architects planning long-term facilities, the ability to modify cabinet configurations can be an important consideration.

Stainless Steel Laboratory Casework

Stainless steel casework is often selected for laboratories with demanding cleaning, moisture, or sanitation requirements.

It is particularly relevant in healthcare, life sciences, and specialized research settings.

ICI Scientific offers stainless steel laboratory casework in Type 304 and Type 316 stainless steel, providing options for different environmental and material compatibility requirements.

Material selection should be based on anticipated chemical exposure, cleaning procedures, and project-specific performance requirements.

Wood Laboratory Casework

Wood laboratory casework is often considered for educational facilities, teaching laboratories, and spaces where architectural warmth is an important design objective.

Wood cabinetry can complement academic interiors while providing practical storage and work areas.

ICI Scientific's ICI Tier One Premier Wood and ICI CampbellRhea Educational Wood collections offer options for laboratory and educational settings.

However, the suitability of wood casework depends on the laboratory's intended use, potential exposure to chemicals and moisture, and applicable testing requirements.

2. Understand SEFA Standards for Laboratory Casework

Laboratory casework specifications should identify applicable industry performance standards.

The Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) develops standards addressing laboratory furniture, work surfaces, fixtures, installation, and other laboratory equipment.

For casework, the SEFA 8 series is particularly relevant.

Standards include:

SEFA 8-M: Laboratory-grade metal casework
SEFA 8-W: Laboratory-grade wood casework
SEFA 8-PL: Laboratory-grade plastic laminate casework
SEFA 8-PH: Laboratory-grade phenolic casework
SEFA 8-P: Laboratory-grade polypropylene casework

Other relevant standards include SEFA 3 for laboratory work surfaces, SEFA 2 for installation, and SEFA 10 for adaptable laboratory systems.

Architects should reference the applicable standard and edition when preparing project specifications, rather than relying solely on broad descriptions such as "laboratory grade."

Manufacturers should also be able to provide documentation supporting relevant product performance claims.

For the latest published standards, consult the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association.

3. Consider Work Surface Requirements Early

Laboratory countertops and work surfaces must be compatible with the activities performed in the space.

An appropriate casework system can still be unsuitable for a project if its work surface cannot withstand the intended chemical exposure, heat, moisture, or cleaning procedures.

Common laboratory work surface materials include:

Epoxy resin: Frequently considered for laboratory environments requiring chemical resistance and durability.

Phenolic resin: Used where chemical and moisture resistance, durability, and work surface performance are important.

Stainless steel: Suitable for many environments where frequent cleaning and sanitation are necessary, subject to chemical compatibility.

Plastic laminate: Often used in lower-exposure environments, including certain teaching and dry laboratory applications.

Architects should evaluate work surface materials alongside casework construction instead of treating countertops as an independent finish selection.

For additional guidance, see ICI Scientific's laboratory work surface materials guide.

4. Decide Between Fixed and Adaptable Laboratory Casework

Not all laboratories operate the same way throughout their useful life.

Research programs evolve, equipment changes, and institutions often need to accommodate new activities within existing spaces.

This makes flexibility an important consideration during laboratory casework specification.

Fixed Laboratory Casework

Fixed systems can be appropriate for environments requiring permanent utility connections, defined work zones, and stable storage configurations.

They may be particularly useful where sinks, specialized equipment, or other building services are integrated into the casework.

Adaptable Laboratory Furniture

Adaptable and modular systems allow facilities to adjust workstation arrangements as operational requirements change.

ICI Scientific offers several adaptable laboratory furniture solutions, including:

Envision Work Benches
FlexCore
Patriot Table System

These systems support different approaches to workstation mobility, configuration, and equipment integration.

Architects should coordinate any planned reconfiguration with utility connections, safe circulation, equipment clearances, and building services.

Explore ICI Scientific's laboratory furniture systems to compare available solutions.

5. Coordinate Casework with Laboratory Utilities

Laboratory casework does not function independently from the building.

Cabinets, benches, sinks, equipment, ventilation systems, and utilities must be coordinated early in the design process.

Important considerations include:

Plumbing connections and sink locations
Electrical receptacles and power requirements
Data connections and cable management
Equipment dimensions and access clearances
Fume hood placement and associated services
Maintenance and service accessibility
Cabinet anchorage and structural support

Changes made after casework fabrication can create unnecessary complications during installation.

For this reason, laboratory casework specifications should be reviewed alongside architectural and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing documentation.

Early coordination can help minimize conflicts between equipment, cabinetry, and building services.

6. Address Accessibility and Ergonomics

Accessible and ergonomic laboratory design supports a broader range of users and activities.

Laboratory casework specifications may need to address adjustable work surfaces, accessible sinks, knee clearances, reachable storage, and maneuvering space.

Accessibility requirements depend on the facility, applicable codes, and the specific elements being designed.

Architects should evaluate relevant ADA requirements and adopted accessibility standards during planning rather than relying on standard cabinet dimensions alone.

Adjustable and adaptable furniture can offer additional flexibility, but individual products and complete layouts must still be evaluated against applicable project requirements.

7. Use BIM and CAD Resources to Improve Design Coordination

Accurate product documentation is essential when incorporating laboratory casework into architectural plans.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) resources help design teams visualize laboratory furniture, coordinate layouts, and review spatial relationships.

These resources can support:

Preliminary laboratory layouts
Cabinet and equipment placement
Design coordination
Product configuration review
Clearances and circulation planning
Communication with contractors and project stakeholders

ICI Scientific offers a library of product specifications, brochures, BIM files, and CAD resources to support laboratory planning.

Architects can explore available documentation through the ICI Scientific Resource Library.

Some technical downloads require member access or a file request.

8. Review the Specification Before Final Approval

Before finalizing laboratory casework selections, the design team should verify that the proposed system aligns with the project's intended use.

A useful review should answer the following questions:

Is the casework material appropriate for the chemicals, moisture, and cleaning practices expected in the space?
Have applicable SEFA standards and performance requirements been identified?
Are the selected countertops compatible with laboratory activities?
Can the configuration support present and anticipated equipment needs?
Are utility locations and service requirements coordinated?
Have accessibility and ergonomic needs been evaluated?
Are technical drawings, product data, and required submittals available?
Have installation responsibilities and field conditions been addressed?

Resolving these questions during design is generally more efficient than revisiting them after procurement or construction has begun.

Work with a Laboratory Casework Manufacturer Early

Successful laboratory projects depend on coordination between architects, laboratory users, facility teams, contractors, and manufacturers.

Bringing the laboratory casework manufacturer into the conversation early can help clarify product capabilities, configuration options, technical documentation, and installation considerations.

ICI Scientific manufactures laboratory casework, fume hoods, and adaptable furniture systems for educational, research, healthcare, and industrial environments.

From CornerStone steel casework and wood cabinetry to Envision work benches and Isolator fume hoods, ICI provides product solutions and technical resources that support laboratory design.

Visit the ICI Scientific Resource Library to explore specifications and design files, or contact ICI Scientific to discuss your next laboratory project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are laboratory casework specifications?

Laboratory casework specifications define the materials, construction, performance requirements, finishes, hardware, configurations, and installation expectations for cabinetry and furniture used in laboratory environments.

What standards apply to laboratory casework?

The SEFA 8 series provides material-specific standards for laboratory-grade casework, including metal, wood, phenolic, plastic laminate, and polypropylene systems. Other SEFA standards may apply to work surfaces, installation, fixtures, and adaptable furniture.

What is the best material for laboratory casework?

There is no single best material for every laboratory. Painted steel, stainless steel, wood, and specialty materials offer different characteristics. Selection should reflect chemical exposure, cleaning requirements, durability, budget, and intended use.

What is the difference between fixed and modular laboratory casework?

Fixed laboratory casework typically remains in a designated location and may incorporate permanent utilities. Modular or adaptable laboratory furniture can offer greater flexibility for reconfiguration, depending on equipment and utility requirements.

Where can architects find laboratory casework BIM and CAD files?

Architects can access available product documentation through manufacturers' technical libraries. ICI Scientific provides laboratory casework BIM and CAD resources, specifications, and brochures through its online Resource Library.

Why should architects involve a casework manufacturer early?

Early manufacturer involvement can help identify product constraints, clarify available configurations, support documentation review, and improve coordination before procurement and construction.