Seven Best Materials For Laboratory Countertops
When it’s time to construct or renovate a laboratory, deciding on what material to use for countertops may a challenge. Countertops for laboratories need to be chemical, heat, abrasive, and moisture resistant, aside from being easily cleaned. Here are seven materials you might want to consider for your next laboratory countertops:
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy countertops are the most popularly utilized material when it comes to laboratory countertops. Epoxy resin is non-porous, thus the perfect choice when working around chemicals and any liquid. It is affordable, heavy-duty, and doesn’t easily crack even in harsh and extreme conditions.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is also durable and chemical resistant but more expensive than epoxy resin. It is lightweight and resistant to moisture, scratch, and bacteria. However, it is not resilient to open flames.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and sleek, which can be beautifully combined with almost any laboratory design and layout. It is chemical and heat resistant but eventually corrodes when exposed to acidic chemicals. Though a bit pricey, it is an ideal laboratory countertop where hygiene and sterility are the priority.
Edge-Grain Maple
Edge-grain maple, from wood material, is very affordable and can easily be repaired and renovated at a very minimal cost. Also known as the “butcher block,” it is durable but not advisable as laboratory countertops where chemicals are used continuously.
Chemical-Resistant Laminate
Chemical laminate is a functional and appealing material, which can give your laboratory countertop a designer look. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for use under extreme heat and humidity.
High-Pressure Plastic Laminate
This material is very affordable and durable but does not work well with liquid, heat, chemicals, most notably, acids. The plastic laminate is commonly used in a dry laboratory.
ESD Laminate
Electro Static Dissipative (ESD) laminate is a conductive material. It protects electrical components, thus popularly used in schools, commercial offices, and semiconductor industries.
Laboratory countertops are considered to be investments; thus durability will always be the primary consideration. Although the price is still an essential factor, choosing the perfect countertop material should stand harsh conditions over time.
